SHAHEDNEWS: Most people have a significant fear of job interviews, and because of this fear, they remain unemployed for a long time, unable to find a suitable job.
According to SHAHEDNEWS, One successful employee shares their experience of overcoming interview anxiety:
"When I was interviewing for jobs, I felt nervous and embarrassed about my accent. I was born in Santiago, Chile, earned my PhD in the U.S., and worked for the Washington government before starting my company. When applying for government jobs, I feared that my accent would trigger a mental bias, an inherent assumption that drives our thoughts and behavior. Subconsciously, I worried that interviewers would hear my accent and react with stereotypes."
We often imagine why interviewers might reject us, as we fear the results. Perhaps you're embarrassed about a job-hopping history, a low GPA, or limited experience—all of which can create mental blocks. Such insecurities prevent us from performing our best. While you can't eliminate your fears entirely, you can prepare for interviews in a structured and thorough way to boost your confidence. Let's update the methods for preparing for interviews and overcoming job interview fears in this section.
Repeat to Yourself:
"They are on my side." Whatever your fears may be, know that interviewers want you to succeed. Interviews are time-consuming and costly, and the company needed you yesterday. When you feel anxious, remind yourself: "Interviewers are on my side and not here to see me fail."
Appear as a Local, Not a Tourist:
When seeking opportunities, analyze the job description and company website. Then incorporate that language into your responses. How do your experiences and abilities align with the job description? If your answers reflect familiarity with the company, rather than seeming like a foreign tourist in an unknown land, they will be more convincing.
Why This Job? Do You Care About It?
Ultimately, every interviewer asks, "Why do you want to work here?" What they mean is: "Do you know enough about this company, and do you care about what we do?" Candidates who understand the company’s history, values, mission, culture, products, and recent news provide compelling answers.
Familiarize Yourself with the Environment:
Before heading to the interview, get to know the surroundings. Drive around the neighborhood or take a walk in the area. How do people dress—casually or formally?
Figure out how to reach the reception desk. Calculate how long it takes to get there from public transport or parking, ensuring you arrive 30 minutes early.
Prepare for the Interview Room:
Ask your contact about the interview setup. Will there be a whiteboard? You might plan to present a chart of your latest research or be asked to outline your reasoning on a board.
You may need to showcase marketing portfolios, perform a coding task, or share your GitHub profile. Know what computing resources and support tools are available. Bring a USB drive and cloud-based backups to cover all possibilities. don't be late.
Prepare Your Body:
Physically prepare to be alert and confident. I used to request interviews at 10 a.m. to fit in two morning workouts, as endorphins boosted my energy.
Exercise, timing, a good night’s sleep, and a proper meal before the interview can make a difference. Some women feel more confident in heels, while a new outfit might signal your body to stay calm and composed.
Build Rapport:
Identify the interviewer and establish a friendly connection. Research their background for shared interests. Do you have a hobby, birthplace, sports team, or favorite college in common?
These connections reinforce cultural bonds with the interviewers. Keep in mind, they may also research you, so clean up your portfolio and social media profiles before applying.
How Do You Handle the Worst Days?
Interviewers assume you’ll perform well on an ideal day. But what happens during stressful and challenging moments? Discuss times when you faced obstacles or significant life challenges but still persevered.
Companies don’t seek perfect employees—they want adaptable team members who can work, learn, and adjust quickly. Be the kind of person a company needs during tough times.
Be Honest and Avoid Exaggeration:
Boasting can engage interviewers, but ultimately, be yourself. Avoid using meaningless adjectives like "determined," "hardworking," "strategic," "collaborative," or "organized." Instead, share genuine stories supported by evidence.
Talk about what you’ve done and the results you’ve achieved. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Respond Positively:
Inevitably, an interviewer will ask you a question you don’t have an immediate answer for. Don’t respond with "um," "uh," or "let me think about that." These signals suggest uncertainty and defensiveness.
Instead, reply with "yes" or "of course" to project confidence. If needed, ask a clarifying question to buy time.
Focus on them, not yourself. An interview is a conversation. If you approach it as an exchange rather than a performance, you’ll win.
If you fixate on your accent or other fears, your focus will turn inward, weakening your connection. An anxious candidate is easy to spot, like someone trying to speak and write simultaneously.
By preparing as outlined, you’ll gain confidence to manage your fears. Ultimately, interviewers are looking for a colleague they can work with for years. Prepare this version of yourself for the interview.
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