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I have a behavioral interview coming up in 2 days and I've been preparing my responses but I'd appreciate any advice on how not to be nervous. Thanks!?
- Early career student applying for first full time role
- Graduating in December
- Gets nervous during interviews
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5 answers
Updated
Naveen B.’s Answer
Hello Isha—kudos for asking and reaching out. That’s a great first step! It is totally normal to be somewhat nervous or anxious in an interview setting. In fact, many professional Human Resources staff and managers and that interview others will say the same thing.
Prior to the interview, do some practice responses about yourself—in front of a mirror, or perhaps a good friend. Basic questions like “tell me a little about you”, or “what was/is your school experience like”, and “what are your plans for the future” are good starters. Sounds cheesy, but you’ll become more comfortable talking and answering those basic questions. Know why you want this job and what you think you might be good at.
On the day of the interview, remember that conversation in front of the mirror or with your friend. Treat it like a conversation with another friend! And it’s ok to tell the interviewer that you are a little nervous and new to this. That will relax you and will allow the interviewer to put you at ease.
You got this!!!
Prior to the interview, do some practice responses about yourself—in front of a mirror, or perhaps a good friend. Basic questions like “tell me a little about you”, or “what was/is your school experience like”, and “what are your plans for the future” are good starters. Sounds cheesy, but you’ll become more comfortable talking and answering those basic questions. Know why you want this job and what you think you might be good at.
On the day of the interview, remember that conversation in front of the mirror or with your friend. Treat it like a conversation with another friend! And it’s ok to tell the interviewer that you are a little nervous and new to this. That will relax you and will allow the interviewer to put you at ease.
You got this!!!
Updated
Shobhit’s Answer
Nervousness before an interview is completely normal, especially when it's your first full-time role. Here are a few tips to help you feel more confident and manage your nerves:
1. Practice Your Responses: It sounds like you’ve been preparing already, which is great! Practice answering common behavioural interview questions out loud, either with a friend or in front of a mirror. This helps you become more comfortable with your responses and reduces anxiety.
2. Use the STAR Method: For behavioural questions, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you provide clear and concise examples from your past experiences. For instance, if asked about teamwork, you might say:
o Situation: “In my group project for a marketing course...”
o Task: “I was responsible for creating the presentation...”
o Action: “I coordinated with team members, divided tasks, and integrated everyone’s input...”
o Result: “Our project received top marks, and we were praised for our teamwork.”
3. Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of your achievements and skills. Reflect on successful projects or experiences from your internships or academic work. For example, if you led a successful team project or overcame a challenge, highlight those experiences as evidence of your abilities.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to calm your nerves. Before the interview, take a few moments to breathe deeply and center yourself.
5. Prepare Questions: Have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer about the company or the role. This shows your interest and engagement and can also give you a moment to collect your thoughts.
6. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself succeeding in the interview. Visualization can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
7. Be Yourself: Remember, they are interested in you because of your unique background and skills. Being authentic helps you connect better with the interviewer
8. Prepare Key Points (Not for Direct Use in the Interview): Create a list of key accomplishments, setbacks, failures, challenging times, happiest moments, and successes based on your personal experiences. Use this list to reflect on real-life examples from your past rather than relying on generic answers from the internet. This approach will help you respond naturally and authentically during the interview.
Good luck with your interview! You’ve got this!
1. Practice Your Responses: It sounds like you’ve been preparing already, which is great! Practice answering common behavioural interview questions out loud, either with a friend or in front of a mirror. This helps you become more comfortable with your responses and reduces anxiety.
2. Use the STAR Method: For behavioural questions, structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you provide clear and concise examples from your past experiences. For instance, if asked about teamwork, you might say:
o Situation: “In my group project for a marketing course...”
o Task: “I was responsible for creating the presentation...”
o Action: “I coordinated with team members, divided tasks, and integrated everyone’s input...”
o Result: “Our project received top marks, and we were praised for our teamwork.”
3. Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of your achievements and skills. Reflect on successful projects or experiences from your internships or academic work. For example, if you led a successful team project or overcame a challenge, highlight those experiences as evidence of your abilities.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to calm your nerves. Before the interview, take a few moments to breathe deeply and center yourself.
5. Prepare Questions: Have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer about the company or the role. This shows your interest and engagement and can also give you a moment to collect your thoughts.
6. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself succeeding in the interview. Visualization can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
7. Be Yourself: Remember, they are interested in you because of your unique background and skills. Being authentic helps you connect better with the interviewer
8. Prepare Key Points (Not for Direct Use in the Interview): Create a list of key accomplishments, setbacks, failures, challenging times, happiest moments, and successes based on your personal experiences. Use this list to reflect on real-life examples from your past rather than relying on generic answers from the internet. This approach will help you respond naturally and authentically during the interview.
Good luck with your interview! You’ve got this!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Isha!
ME:-
In 1966 in grade 5 our teacher wanted each of us to do presentation, a talk to the class about a topic. My nervousness arose to new heights, anticipating how I would get shy, and make a mess of the talk. I stayed home from school sick. On television I watched Professor Julius Sumner-Miller do a presentation with an electromagnetic induction coil. His style was very didactic, he knew his topic so well, he had quaint remarks about the coil's behavior. I learnt his method well. I did a presentation with a pneumatic scooter wheel displaying gyroscopic motion, precession. I titled it centrifugal force. I talked about forces like gravity and centripetal force in launching a space craft.
AI:-
Understanding Nervousness in Interviews
Feeling nervous before a behavioral interview is a common experience, especially for early career students. Understanding the nature of this nervousness can help you manage it effectively. Nervousness often stems from fear of judgment, uncertainty about the future, and the pressure to perform well. Recognizing that these feelings are normal can be the first step in alleviating them.
Preparation is Key
Research the Company and Role: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and culture. Understand the specifics of the role you are applying for. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also allow you to tailor your responses to align with what the employer is looking for.
Practice Common Behavioral Questions: Behavioral interviews typically focus on how you’ve handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Practicing these responses out loud can help reduce anxiety as you become more comfortable with your material.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors who can provide constructive feedback. This practice will help simulate the interview environment and make you feel more prepared.
Mindfulness Techniques
Deep Breathing Exercises: Before your interview, take a few moments to practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four counts, and exhale through your mouth for four counts. Repeat this several times to calm your nerves.
Visualization: Visualize yourself succeeding in the interview. Picture yourself answering questions confidently and engaging positively with the interviewer. This mental rehearsal can create a sense of familiarity and ease anxiety.
Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to combat negative thoughts about your performance. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes to build self-confidence.
Day-of Strategies
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location or set up if it’s virtual. Arriving early allows you to acclimate to the environment and reduces last-minute stress.
Dress Comfortably Yet Professionally: Wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident while adhering to professional standards can enhance your self-esteem during the interview.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Ensure you’re physically prepared by drinking enough water and eating a balanced meal before your interview; this helps maintain energy levels and focus.
Focus on Listening: During the interview, concentrate on listening carefully to each question rather than worrying about how you’ll respond next. This shift in focus can alleviate some pressure as it allows you to engage more naturally in conversation.
Accept Imperfection: Understand that no one is perfect; even experienced professionals may stumble over their words or forget details during interviews. Accepting this reality can relieve some pressure off yourself.
By implementing these strategies systematically, you should find that your nervousness diminishes significantly by interview day.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Harvard Business Review: A leading resource providing insights into business practices including effective interviewing techniques.
Forbes: Offers expert advice on career development topics including job interviews and managing anxiety.
American Psychological Association (APA): Provides research-based information on psychological strategies for managing stress and anxiety effectively.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
ME:-
In 1966 in grade 5 our teacher wanted each of us to do presentation, a talk to the class about a topic. My nervousness arose to new heights, anticipating how I would get shy, and make a mess of the talk. I stayed home from school sick. On television I watched Professor Julius Sumner-Miller do a presentation with an electromagnetic induction coil. His style was very didactic, he knew his topic so well, he had quaint remarks about the coil's behavior. I learnt his method well. I did a presentation with a pneumatic scooter wheel displaying gyroscopic motion, precession. I titled it centrifugal force. I talked about forces like gravity and centripetal force in launching a space craft.
AI:-
Understanding Nervousness in Interviews
Feeling nervous before a behavioral interview is a common experience, especially for early career students. Understanding the nature of this nervousness can help you manage it effectively. Nervousness often stems from fear of judgment, uncertainty about the future, and the pressure to perform well. Recognizing that these feelings are normal can be the first step in alleviating them.
Preparation is Key
Research the Company and Role: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and culture. Understand the specifics of the role you are applying for. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also allow you to tailor your responses to align with what the employer is looking for.
Practice Common Behavioral Questions: Behavioral interviews typically focus on how you’ve handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Practicing these responses out loud can help reduce anxiety as you become more comfortable with your material.
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors who can provide constructive feedback. This practice will help simulate the interview environment and make you feel more prepared.
Mindfulness Techniques
Deep Breathing Exercises: Before your interview, take a few moments to practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four counts, and exhale through your mouth for four counts. Repeat this several times to calm your nerves.
Visualization: Visualize yourself succeeding in the interview. Picture yourself answering questions confidently and engaging positively with the interviewer. This mental rehearsal can create a sense of familiarity and ease anxiety.
Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to combat negative thoughts about your performance. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes to build self-confidence.
Day-of Strategies
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location or set up if it’s virtual. Arriving early allows you to acclimate to the environment and reduces last-minute stress.
Dress Comfortably Yet Professionally: Wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident while adhering to professional standards can enhance your self-esteem during the interview.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Ensure you’re physically prepared by drinking enough water and eating a balanced meal before your interview; this helps maintain energy levels and focus.
Focus on Listening: During the interview, concentrate on listening carefully to each question rather than worrying about how you’ll respond next. This shift in focus can alleviate some pressure as it allows you to engage more naturally in conversation.
Accept Imperfection: Understand that no one is perfect; even experienced professionals may stumble over their words or forget details during interviews. Accepting this reality can relieve some pressure off yourself.
By implementing these strategies systematically, you should find that your nervousness diminishes significantly by interview day.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Harvard Business Review: A leading resource providing insights into business practices including effective interviewing techniques.
Forbes: Offers expert advice on career development topics including job interviews and managing anxiety.
American Psychological Association (APA): Provides research-based information on psychological strategies for managing stress and anxiety effectively.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
James Constantine, thank you!
Isha
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Lots of great advice already given here. My best tip is to stop and say "I'm excited" any time you are thinking you are nervous. This is an actual thing that has been studied! https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=45869#:~:text=Individuals%20can%20reappraise%20anxiety%20as,and%20improve%20their%20subsequent%20performance.
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hey there!
Just wanted to let you know that it's completely normal to feel a bit jittery, especially during the early phases of our careers. We've all been there at some point.
I'm here to share some strategies I've found helpful during job interviews.
To start off, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the company's culture. Most organizations emphasize certain values or principles, which you can usually find on their website. Next, I use the STAR method (which you might have come across in a previous response). Essentially, I create a spreadsheet listing the cultural aspects I think they'll be evaluating during the interview, alongside the STAR steps. Then, I spend some time reflecting on my past experiences that align with these aspects.
For instance, with Amazon's Leadership Principle of 'Customer Obsession', I detailed a situation where I prioritized customer needs above everything else, ensuring they were completely satisfied with the service provided.
This exercise is a great way to recall past activities, stories, and situations that might slip your mind when you're feeling anxious.
I would then spend a few days going over these stories, ensuring they were fresh in my mind. For virtual interviews, I'd keep the spreadsheet open in the background, ready to refer to if needed.
I hope you find these tips useful and they help you land the job. Best of luck!
Just wanted to let you know that it's completely normal to feel a bit jittery, especially during the early phases of our careers. We've all been there at some point.
I'm here to share some strategies I've found helpful during job interviews.
To start off, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the company's culture. Most organizations emphasize certain values or principles, which you can usually find on their website. Next, I use the STAR method (which you might have come across in a previous response). Essentially, I create a spreadsheet listing the cultural aspects I think they'll be evaluating during the interview, alongside the STAR steps. Then, I spend some time reflecting on my past experiences that align with these aspects.
For instance, with Amazon's Leadership Principle of 'Customer Obsession', I detailed a situation where I prioritized customer needs above everything else, ensuring they were completely satisfied with the service provided.
This exercise is a great way to recall past activities, stories, and situations that might slip your mind when you're feeling anxious.
I would then spend a few days going over these stories, ensuring they were fresh in my mind. For virtual interviews, I'd keep the spreadsheet open in the background, ready to refer to if needed.
I hope you find these tips useful and they help you land the job. Best of luck!