How to deal with interview tension

By Goretti Kimani

Job interviews are an integral part of career building. Whether you are seeking your first job or undergoing a transition, one is expected to go through job interviews.

To succeed in such interview, one is expected to put be in the finest form to bring out the best in them. This is usually not the case for some people who undergo interview tension. George is particularly worried about his pre-interview tension.

What started as uncomfortable feelings before an interview has now developed into full-blown panic to the extent that he is now avoiding job interviews. It seems to be getting worse. While George’s case may look like an extreme, it is quite commonplace. Interview tension can manifest itself in many ways.

 Some people exhibit elevated anxiety levels and restlessness, and will not usually sleep well. The resulting fatigue causes them to lose concentration when it is needed most.

Others will be uneasy, tense and forgetful. It is common to find people forgetting some fairly obvious things during an interview. Others experience uncontrolled sweating, stomach cramps and even a running stomach. To others, they lose control of speech and end up babbling incoherently or stuttering.  For some people, the feelings may come to an end immediately after the interview. But for  others, the feelings linger long after; mostly the individuals contemplate the outcome. 

Making decisions

For some potential job seekers, it is the act of replaying the interview in their minds that brings in more tension as they evaluate their performance. While it is normal to have some tension, elevated tension levels before, during and after the job interview is not good for your career, your health not withstanding.

The causes of tension are as varied as the people involved. It could be feelings of inadequacy, poor preparation or simply overrating the competition. For others it is the worry about their work experience, social skills, dressing, body size, color, the way they speak and a host of other issues that breeds tension.

Irrespective of the cause or manifestation, one must urgently take measures to free himself or herself from this predicament. You must appreciate that you need to do something about this situation. Merely wishing it away will not work. You need to make a decision to be a fighter. True soldiers are not afraid of the battlefield. You must rise up and get ready to face the competition for you to grow.

Take time to develop personal confidence, demeanor, language, dressing and other personal presentation issues. There are countless books and other resources available for this purpose.  Know your work or assignment well, improve on your professional standing and keep updated in your professional circles.

 Keep a positive mental attitude at all times and kill the worry habit before it kills your career. Get yourself an active role model and consult them regularly. Maintain supportive relationships and steer clear of negative destructive behavior that undermines confidence and ability. Whatever you do remember you are in the driving seat of your career. Speed, direction and destination of your career vehicle are all in your hands.

—The writer is a human resource specialist with Peoplelink Consultants Ltd. Email: [email protected]