Nerves

[butter1]

Hi guys, I'm going for interviews at the moment as I'm being made redundant soon.  The problem is, my nerves are really letting me down.  How can I tackle my nerves?  Help, please? x

[JoAnnMul]

Sorry dont know how to tackle nerves but wanted to say Good Luck....x

[Octavius]

Dr Bachs calming remedy (or whatever it is called) available from Holland & Barret health food shops.  Not too much though as it contains brandy!  Just a few drops on the tongue an hour or so before the interview.

Otherwise try breathing exercises and relaxation techniques before you go in.  They will expect you to be a bit nervous and should want to make you feel at ease anyway if they are to get a good opinion of you.  Good luck. 

[Grimalkin]

I used to get really nervous, and while you never get rid of them completely, I find that the only thing that really works is (in the days/weeks leading up to the interview) consciously stopping yourself when you start getting worked up. Distract yourself with something else - exercise, phone someone, make some biscuits etc - basically that nasty phrase "pull yourself together".  I also used Bach's Rescue Remedy (herbal thing) from Boots or Holland and Barrett on the day itself.  My mum also uses this to get herself onto aeroplanes - even if you think its just a placebo who cares if it works...

[Grimalkin]

I think Octavius is referring to Rescue Remedy too - see it's good stuff!  Also I forgot to say Good Luck!

[floss85]

I agree with Octavius about the breathing. I had an interview afew months ago - my nerves were shot to pieces, I was so scared of not getting it, I nearly didnt go.

If you can, sit down before your interview and concentrate on you breathing. Dont think about the interview while your doing. If you need to read up about anything do it the night before so you can try and relax before you go.

Good luck!

x

[Mowbray]

Hello,

Try and focus on what questions they may ask and what responses you're going to make.

Try and be confident and hold you're head up high.

[magicdice]

Wear something that you feel and look good in. Make sure you have plenty of time to get wherever your interview is. Be as well prepared as you possibly can. Remind yourself that you're brilliant and more than deserving of whatever job you're going for, and that the interviewers' main aim is the same as yours - for someone to get a job!

Best of luck. Keep us posted on how it goes xx

[xHeatherx]

Hiya Butter! I was made redundant once, and it was the best thing for me, not at the time obviously! But I found 'valerian' tablets from Holland and Barrett really helped.

I also spent the same amount of time on myself that I spent at interviews. So you have something to look forward to after the event.

Lavender oil also relaxes you, you can get this in the pure oil form or bags of lavender, or even bubble bath.

Remember to breathe, relax and have positive thoughts. This sounds silly but it really works. You'll get there in the end, and Im sure you'll be fine.

[Buddy]

Poor you Butter !!

Imagine them naked or just think they are just doing a job and they are probably as nervous as me.

I used to interview and honestly I was a wreck because I thought I'm meant to be in control - what if I dry up.Guaranteed they will be more nervous than you.

Rescue remedy is good - even if it gives you the confidence you have taken something.

All the best - let us all know how you do!!

[a.whitehall]

I know of two *extremely* effective ways to help calm your nerves, but will only discuss one of them here. It's so simple, you won't beleive me, but try it, and I'll be amazed if it doesn't help.

The answer... go to bed early. Make sure you've had a light early dinner/supper and intend to go to bed for 8:30. Go to bed, don't read, but don't fret if you don't fall asleep. Don't set an alarm in the morning.. allow yourself to wake at whatever time your body decides to wake (I recommend using earplugs for a great night's sleep).

Repeat this for about a week. Always aim to be in bed for between 8:00 and 9:00...and don't focus on "getting to sleep"... simply lying there with your eyes closed is very good for you. If you haven't fallen asleep after several hours, don't be tempted to get up and read or watch a bit of TV. Just allow yourself to relax, and let your body sleep whever it's ready. After a week, you'll find your nerves during the day will be more settled than before.

Free, readily available and always on tap. Rest and sleep... the perfect antidote to a stressful day.

[Pythia]

One practical way is to rehearse your interview - not just think about it but actually speak the words aloud. Get a friend to pretend to interview you, or talk to your careers company or jobcentre - sometimes there are professional advisers who canhelp with this for free. There are websites which can give you dummy interview questions - just google for Interview Techniques or similar.

I've interviewed people for jobs - just

1.be yourself (really, it's best)

2.prepare, so you know about the job and the company - then you'll feel secure

3.smile, think about good/fun/happy/naughty things, it will relax you and give them a good vibe about you.

Good luck