Interview nerves

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jsic

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I recently had an interview which I thought went pretty well. I didn't get the job and when I inquired why was told that I was nervous on the interview. I dont recall acting nervous although there were a couple of questions that crossed me up a bit and I wasn't sure how to properly answer.

Anyway, I was wondering if people here have had these kinds of problems on interviews, and what do you do to alleviate any nervous feelings?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 10:10AM by jsic.
 
I just try to establish a friendly rapport with the interviewer and engage in a conversation. Really, that's all it is -- you want to get to know them and they want to get to know you. Maybe you were putting too much pressure on yourself -- in fact, I'm guessing that probably was the case if you felt "crossed up". Just relax, be normal, and have a good time.
 
"Did the job involve giving presenttions, marketing ,sales, etc?"

No, in fact it was very similar to my present job in terms of a fast-paced, detail-oriented type of environment. So, I dunno...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 10:17AM by jsic.
 
That's a pretty lame excuse for not hiring you. Of course you're nervous, it's an interview. I had one recently that didn't start too well, and the guy asked "Are you nervious?" and I said "Yeah, a little", and he said "Well, don't be, just take a deep breath and relax." And it went much better from there.
 
Try to think of an interview as a conversation, not an exam. I find that that helps a lot. By the time you get to an interview, they're usually looking for two things.

a) Do you really seem to have the skills that you said you had on your resume (due diligence)

and

b) Do you seem like the kind of guy they'd like to have to deal with on a daily basis

as far ask I can tell, (b) is actually more important than (a), although (a) can still sink you if you haven't done your homework.
 
jsic and others, is it okay to go back to the interviewer and seek a feedback after they haven't selected you?
 
I second what Numi said, so I wont repeat it.

Another option of course is that whoever you spoke to didn't have a great reason so just made up the nervous thing. It happens. Maybe you were good, but some other guy was better and the HR dude just felt like she needed to give you a reason.

Or maybe the HR dude didn't know which interviewee you were so gave you someone elses feedback or just made something up.

Interviews (and esp their aftermath) can be pretty ill organised affairs and this kinda mistake can easily happen.
 
"jsic and others, is it okay to go back to the interviewer and seek a feedback after they haven't selected you?"

Absolutely. You went through the trouble to prepare for the interview, the least they can do is give you a reason why they passed. Although too often they will give bs reasons. But always ask; it can only help as you may get info to help you in your next interview.

Also, thanks for the input everyone. I do think the "nervous" reason is largely bs. They may have simply found someone who they "clicked" with better, and since my credentials were a great fit for the job, they had to give some other reason why they passed.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 10:30AM by jsic.
 
I don't think being nervous is a bogus reason. Of course, chances are if you were nervous there were other things working against you anyway, but calm confidence can't possibly be understated. So often you are in front of people, many of whom you don't know, and you need to convey an immediate sense of composure or stability. Being nervous doesn't just mean you're stuttering or fumbling for the right words; people can think you're nervous if they catch you off guard and you lose composure momentarily. It's easier to detect than you think.

Yes, one can argue that it's normal to be nervous at an interview since if you're not at least a bit nervous, it means you aren't taking it seriously enough. Fine. But it's also possible to be nervous but contain your anxieties, while delivering a solid presentation and engaging the interviewer in a friendly and persuasive fashion. This is a mark of an experienced professional who knows how to step up when it counts.

My general sense is that nervousness may not be a great reason to you. My suggestion is not to read into his comments too much, because there may have been other factors involved. However, keep in mind that it's not the kind of thing someone will tell you if there's absolutely no element of truth to it. You need to understand from the employer's perspective that showing your nerves makes you a liability.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 10:40AM by numi.
 
Some people are breeze through the interviewing process, while I do get nervous. One thing that greatly helped me was writing down MY ANSWERS to every conceivable interview question.

It doesn�t mean that I am parroting my way through the interview process, but have a good idea as to how to answer certain very important questions such as 'tell me about yourself', 'why should we hire you?'

Then do a practice run with someone to get your thought process flowing
 
I'd suggest committing a few crimes. Leave enough evidence to make yourself a suspect but not enough to get convicted. The times spent with the detectives in the interrogation room will improve your interview skills.
 
Well here is what I think and also why being nervous may have led to you not getting hired:

-Don't think of an interview as having a binary outcome. It shows immaturity, lack of self confidence, and gross inexperience. That is likely what they picked up on by observing your nervousness.

- I would try to take control of your interview, don't just wait for the next question. Ask some of your own. If it feels like you are getting drilled with questions and you don't have any room to add your own egg - walk out. Working with them won't be any different.

- Finally, this will not be something you can pretend. You really will need to change your mindset before going in to the next interview.
 
Better yet, do it at the company's site. The sense of danger will give you a good testosterone, endorphin and adrenaline boost. You'll be ready to conquer the world during the interview.
 
pytheian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Better yet, do it at the company's site. The sense
> of danger will give you a good testosterone,
> endorphin and adrenaline boost. You'll be ready to
> conquer the world during the interview.


As crazy as that sounds, I actually think that may be a good idea. You'd have to arrive early, obviously, but you'd feel a pretty good adrenaline and confidence boost.

You'd have to stay away after, though.
 
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