Job Interviews and anxiety disorder

[OnlyHuman]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice on how they cope with job interviews as someone with anxiety or panic disorder.

I have been failing interviews for the last 3 years because I blank out due to nerves/anxiety and it is making it extremely difficult for me to get decent work. This consequently doesn't help with my overall low mood and can sometimes trigger a depressive episode. I am seeing a psychologist but visits are infrequent and my progress slow.

Thank you in advance for reading this post :')

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Indeed you are only human.

I'm 65yo and today I was the celebrant for a funeral. Addressing a few dozen loved ones isn't easy, yet I've been doing it regularly for decades.

A few ideas-

1. Upon entry to the room declare your nervousness. " I apologise in advance for being nervous"

2. During your trip to the location deep breathe.

3. If you have references in writing show them and describe them. "This reference was from ....catering, I enjoyed working there". No negatives e.g. "that boss was a nasty ...."

4. Tell them what they want to hear e.g. "in punctual, I'm not interested in idle gossip and I like to let my positivity rub off onto others".

Good luck

TonyWK

[Guest_4643]

Hi OnlyHuman, welcome. I don't have any experience regarding jobs and job interviews, but I think TonyWK's ideas are ok.

Maybe you could try some mindfulness, breathing techniques, grounding, bringing a stress ball? Playing an app on your phone, if you have one?

Here's how you do grounding:

- Name 1 thing you can taste.

- Name 2 things you can smell.

- Name 3 things you can hear.

- Name 4 things you can touch.

- Name 5 things you can see.

[Amanda2000]

Hi there,

Maybe try to think of the situation as making a new friend rather than a job interview. The prospective employer is trying to get to know you rather than to judge you.

Hope this can help you.