Anxiety makes my brain stop.

[Anxiety_shuts_down_my_bra]

good morning,

I thought that getting this out there might help me.

i hope ya’ll are doing ok

I have never had a proper job interview. Because I work hard and have done well in previous roles I have landed jobs through the connections and recommendations of my boss at the time. Prior to that I was a musician and so again... no interviews just auditions - and I was good at those

I have been engaged with psychologists for 10 years and I am able to manage my anxiety, for the most part....

However. I have my first real job interview in 2 days. I know I’m not stupid, and I know I would be great at this job .... BUT - I can feel myself heading down track that I know will end up with me sitting in a room with the panel and halfway through a response I will freeze. Then panic. Then remain frozen.

I just want to sleep (can’t) and to show them that I’m competent - looking doubtful.

[geoff]

Hello and thanks for posting your comment.

You have been extremely talented in being head-hunted for particular positions, however, in the jobs you've had, there could have been times when you may have had to answer to the boss why something has happened, and if so then this oncoming interview would be no different.

The anticipation of this interview may make you feel as though you're going to trip up, but you won't, they will just ask you questions, so write down what you believe you'll be asked, make your answers short and you will have the confidence to go through with this, and don't forget everyone is always apprehensive about interviews.

Questions like 'what you do if everything broke down' are testing your knowledge that you have established over these years.

Please ask any more concerns that you are frightened off.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi there Anxiety shuts down my brain,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for your post!

Congratulations on your first job interview! It's no wonder it feels a bit foreign and anxiety-provoking if you've never had one before. I think even people without anxiety disorders generally feel a bit anxious with interviews, so it's normal to have some anxiety!

One of the things that might help with the interview is to continue playing out that scenario in your mind - if you were to stop and freeze, what might you do next? What coping skills could you use from the psychologist? Could you take a moment and focus on your breath, or challenge some of those negative thoughts that might pop up? Or even just pause and take a glass of water? While there's every chance your interview might go well, being able to continue that 'what if' story can help. Even in your worst case scenario, you'll still cope and be okay.

Employers and HR staff do understand that interviews can be anxiety-provoking. The questions may feel like they've put you on the spot, but try to remember the only reason that you've made the interview in the first place is because your resume shows you are competent for the job.

I hope that this helps. Best of luck with your interview!

RT

[Nervybella]

Hi there

I can empathise with how you’re feeling, but know that it’s normal to feel anxious in interviews... you’re not alone in these feelings.

I have anxiety and am currently interviewing for jobs. Something I found very helpful was to google common interview questions, or even ones specific to the company (if the organisation is large enough this sort of info is sometimes posted on Glassdoor website), and then written down my answers along with some examples.

I seem to be able to memorise my answers rather than being put on the spot. Also as said above just take your time and don’t be afraid to take a sip of water before answering to give your brain a second to start moving again 🙂

hope this helps even a little and don’t be afraid of reaching out again

best

Bella