Help! I'm nervous about an interview... (PART 1 - MINDSET)

Why is it we can practice answering those interview questions so brilliantly in our bedrooms in front of the mirror... but as soon as we get into the interview room, sitting across from bosses and recruiters, our confidence seems to disappear faster than a spare ticket to the Taylor Swift Eras tour!

Well, we feel threatened. Our fight, flight or freeze reaction kicks in. We get all the physical and mental reactions necessary to defend ourselves and survive an attack from this threat....

Except.... that reaction is a bit overkill these days. 

Because instead of a man-eating bear or hungry tiger coming at you (which is what fight/flight/freeze is designed for)... you're actually just sitting across the table from a business person who had coco puffs for breakfast and is looking forward to their pret soup for lunch.... who spent last night watching Love Is Blind and making a trolls outfit for their niece's birthday on Sunday.

They're not actually dangerous at all.

That perceived danger is something we are putting on the situation. A lense through which we are choosing to view this person.

"So... that means we're in control of how scary the situation is?"

Absolutely right! It's up to you - and if you get your mindset right, this doesn't have to be an intimidating, threatening interaction at all.

Because, ask yourself - what are you worried about? 

It's unlikely to be...

• the interviewers whipping out claws and fangs and chasing you round the office to eat you for lunch

• or (less of a caveman scenario) telling every single company in your industry that you didn't answer question 3 with enough detail

• or informing the room (a-la Miranda Priestly) that your outfit is disgusting and how could you have paired those socks with that scarf. That's so last year. You'll never work again.

I suspect the worries going around your head are something more like....

• I'm worried I won't know what to say if they ask a hard question

• I'm afraid of being awkward or clumsy

• I'm scared of not making the right impression or showing how great I am

• I fear not getting the job

Those are expectations and threats you're creating yourself.... If you don't impress them with what you say or how you act then you will be disappointed and annoyed at yourself.

So what if you decided - you're allowed to be a bit clumsy, it's who you are. You have permission to be nervous, to be imperfect, to not always have the exact right answer. You're allowed to not get the job.

It's not necessarily your fault. If you don't know the answer, maybe (rather than that being a personal failing) this just isn't the right fit for you. Perhaps there's another opportunity better aligned with your skills and personality?

"That's great but what practical steps can I actually take?" 

Here's 4 things you can put into practice right now to help

1. Accept THEY are a human as flawed and multifaceted as you. I think it's interesting to look on their LinkedIn to see where they started/came from and also sometimes their social media if you can find it, because then you can see them as whole human with a personality and life - rather than just a gatekeeper wanting to test or judge you!

2. Accept YOU are a human and part of being a human is that sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don't. Sometimes things go well, and sometimes they don't. But if you have an agreement with yourself to allow mistakes and hiccups, it takes pressure off and reduces the threat level (meaning it's way more likely to go well!)

3. Learn. Things going 'wrong' are an opportunity to grow and learn. Even if things don't go to plan - don't write it off as a failure or a waste of time/effort. We always learn the most from times things didn't go well - so by taking the time to appreciate the lessons and implement them - we can make every interview a success.

4. Affirm. Repeat the affirmation "if I wasn't ready, I wouldn't have the opportunity". Because there's a reason you're here. They haven't invited anyone and everyone to this interview - they have chosen you - because of who you are, where you've been, and the value you bring with you. 

You've got this - now go get 'em! "Nervous about an interview? (PART 2 - Voice)" will be coming soon, so why not subscribe and make sure you don't miss it!

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That's it for today folks! If you found this valuable, please share 🙏🏻 it would absolutely make my day!

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Hi, I'm Lydia,

I’m a voice & mindset coach with a passion for helping people make the most of their speaking voice. I help people speak with impact, authority and confidence - allowing them to take their careers & businesses to the next level.

Originally from the New Forest, I now live in a nice leafy surburb of London🍃

I'm friendly, fun and efficient! I've helped lots of people just like you to transform into confident, flourishing speakers - through my group workshops, 1:1 coaching & articles.

But you are unique - everyone has different needs and I love creating bespoke coaching plans for all my clients to get them from their own A to B - depending on their personality, concerns, hopes and goals.

I can't wait to help you shine and express your expertise in a way that leaves a lasting impression on everyone around you! 💥

www.stepupvocalcoaching.co.uk