Time2Talk reply Nervous 1

Dear Time2Talk

I’ve been unemployed for a couple of years now and my confidence has been knocked by continual rejections letters from employers. My cv is good as I always get invited for an interview.

However, I do get really nervous and think that it might be that which is letting me down.

Can you help as I really need a job?

Yours, Nervous 1

Dear Nervous 1,

It’s no secret that it’s an ’employers’ market out there i.e. they can cherry pick the best to work in their team. However, employers are sensitive to the fact that the majority of people get nervous in an interview situation. Bearing this in mind may help you to feel slightly more at ease. They do allow for nerves, TRUST ME.

There are four tips that I follow before an interview: Preparation, Self Talk & Visualisation, Presentation and Be yourself.

Preparation:

Do you prepare for your interview? For example: researching the business/organisation; preparing some questions to ask the interviewer; planning what you are going to wear; planning how you are going to get there; practising some likely interview questions?

Self Talk (Words) & Visualisation(Image):

This is something that we all do, but usually in a negative way e.g. “ I can see myself walking in the interview room and my mind goes blank, and therefore I’m not going to be able to answer the questions properly.” Instead of being negative and creating a negative image of ourselves, we can use positive words which will create a positive image and increase the chances of a positive outcome/interview. So instead, try saying to yourself, “I’m organised and have prepared all my answers and I have done all I can do, to be the best I can be”.

Visualize yourself having a smooth interview and feeling relaxed. See yourself actually doing the job and being the best at your job. By doing this, you are more likely to convey this image at the interview (displaying self belief).

Presentation:

Remember first Impressions count, especially at an interview. The employer is looking to see if you have made an effort. Are you dressed appropriately for the job interview? What is your body language like? Are you sat up straight and looking as though you are listening to every last detail?

Body language is non-verbal communication – you are communicating to the employer via your body language. Research non-verbal communication and see if there is anything that you can improve on.

Be Yourself:

You want to demonstrate that you are a genuine honest person. If you try and be something you are not, they will find out. And anyway, isn’t there a quote somewhere that says, ‘Be yourself, an original is worth more than a copy?’ The employer wants to get to know you, wants to know that you are the right person for the job, not someone who you are trying to be.

More tips:

• Have you asked the employers for feed back on any of your previous interviews? This may help you to seek out what areas need improving.
• You could also ask a family member or friend to give you a practice interview? Ask them for feed back too.
• There are many training providers out there that can also help. Ask your local Job Centre Plus for a list of all the local providers that help support people back into employment.

Good luck! And remember “I’m the best person for the job, and interviews are an enjoyable challenge for me.”

Gemma Hartnoll

If you have a problem and would like Gemma to help, just email time2talk@llanellitown.com.