What do you do if you're feeling overwhelmed by pressure during an interview?

Engaging in thorough planning and preparation ahead of an interview serves as an effective strategy for alleviating self-imposed pressure. It's crucial to acknowledge that feeling a degree of pressure is common, particularly when pursuing a desired job opportunity. It's reassuring to know that many others share similar sentiments, and you're not alone in experiencing such emotions.

At the end it´s 2 persons chating about a company, a job and your skills. Such as in a 1st date, people can be tense or nervous, just accept that it´s normal :) Don´t make it a big deal, we all fail in some interviews and you can´t rock all of them because there is a personal aspect when you chat with a stranger around a job. This is something that you can´t fully be ready even if you did read about best interview techniques, prepared questions about the product, company, role, team, culture... Try to establish a good trust vibe, show listening attitude by shaking your head to approve key sayings from the interlocutor, also take notes.... And keep an eye contact with your interviewer.

Feeling nervous during an interview is completely common and natural. Remember, everyone experiences some level of nerves (even interviewers 😉), and it doesn't reflect negatively on your abilities. One tip I’d give would be to focus on your preparation and take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body. Interviewers expect some level of nerves and are more interested in your qualifications and potential fit for the role. You've got this!

If overwhelmed during an interview, take deep breaths to calm nerves. Focus on present moment rather than future outcomes. Remind yourself of your qualifications and preparation. Pause before answering to gather thoughts. Ask for clarification if needed. Shift focus to helping the interviewer understand your fit for the role. Visualize success to boost confidence. Afterward, reflect on lessons learned for future improvement.

First up, you gotta know when you're starting to feel the heat. Maybe your palms get sweaty, or your heart starts racing like it's in the Formula 1. Could be you're stumbling over your words more than usual. Recognizing these early signs of pressure is like spotting storm clouds on the horizon—it tells you it's time to take action before you're caught in the downpour. Being aware of your body's SOS signals helps you address the stress before it takes over the driver's seat.

If you fail to prepare, you're preparing to fail. Your recruiter should be doing full interview preparation with you and guiding you through what to research to help ease the pressure. Google the company you're interviewing for, there's usually some guidance online too that can help with what questions they might have previously asked.

Preparation is key to reducing stress in an interview scenario. But know, that a small amount of stress channeled in the right way is good. Consider asking ahead of the interview what the style/format is so that you can confidently walk into the room knowing what is being asked of you. Consider taking a bottle of water into the meeting which will help you take a moment between questions. Lastly, take in your notes, they can help as a guide should you go off track.

Before stepping into the interview, do your homework. Know the company inside out, rehearse answers to common questions, and have a few questions of your own ready. This prep work is your armor. It not only boosts your confidence but also reduces the chances of getting caught off guard. Think of it like studying for a test; the more you know, the less scary it seems. Plus, being prepared shows you're serious about the role, which can only score you points.

Gain a thorough understanding of the company's mission, values, products or services, recent news, and any notable achievements. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm but also help you tailor your answers during the interview. Familiarize yourself with the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer is seeking. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the requirements of the role.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique I naturally did without until recently learning it’s actually a recommended technique. Breath with your stomach, deliberately concentrating on each breath. We did it as babies to soothe ourselves but forgot how well it soothes us as adults. All you need is about 8 deep breaths before any activity that causes unrest

Sophrology is well-known as a holistic technique that combines elements of Eastern meditation, Western relaxation methods, and mindfulness. It aims to create harmony between the body and mind through a series of exercises involving breathing, visualization, and gentle movements. It can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration for your interviews. It often includes relaxation techniques similar to diaphragmatic breathing, as well as guided visualizations and body awareness exercises. During job interviews, practicing sophrology techniques beforehand can help you feel more relaxed, centered, and confident. You can use these exercises to calm your nerves, focus your mind, and visualize success.

It's normal to be nervous during an interview. Interviewers will understand if you need to collect your thoughts to prepare to answer their questions during the interview. It's ok to say, "let me have a think about this first". Use the breathing technique while you structure your answers to the question. It's better to take a minute or two to gather your thoughts for a meaningful conversation as opposed to blurting out what's at the top of your head. This also shows how you manage challenging situations and can help in behaviour-based interviews.

Picture this: You're nailing the interview, your answers are on point, and the interviewers are nodding along, impressed. This isn't just daydreaming; it's a psychology trick known as positive visualization. By imagining a successful outcome, you're mentally rehearsing success, which can help reduce anxiety and boost your confidence. It's like practicing in a simulator before the real flight, getting you mentally prepared for a smooth takeoff.

Grounding techniques help anchor you in the present moment. During an interview, focus on your breath or the sensation of your feet on the floor. If anxiety surges, pause, take a deep breath, and slowly answer questions. Stay connected to your body, noticing physical sensations. Grounding prevents your mind from racing and helps you stay centered, even in stressful situations

Once the interview's over, give yourself some TLC. Whether it went brilliantly or could have been better, take time to decompress. Go for a walk, chat with a friend, or indulge in your favorite snack. It's about acknowledging the effort you put in and treating yourself kindly, regardless of the outcome. This aftercare is crucial for your mental well-being, ensuring you're ready to tackle whatever comes next with resilience and grace.

Remember, interviews are a two-way street. They're as much about you finding the right fit as they are about the company choosing you. Keeping this in mind can shift your perspective, making the situation feel less like an interrogation and more like a conversation. And, if you ever need a quick confidence boost, remind yourself of your past successes and strengths. You've got this!

In this vague scenario are you the recruiter or the job seeker? If you are a recruiter it is likely you are not the main effort in the Interview, the Hiring Manager would be. If you are a job seeker then it would be beneficial to have rehearsed, prepared and tested MS teams or zoom if over the internet. You would want to study the organization you are interviewing with and have a list of questions to ask.