As a staffing manager I have conducted over 300 interviews and have seen a lot of nervous candidates. Their palms sweat, their speech falters, and the discomfort they feel is almost tangible in the room. If one of your job interview weaknesses includes severe anxiety, these tips may help.
Overcoming Job Interview Weaknesses With Preparation
A lot of interview anxiety is caused by fear of the unknown. People are not accustomed to sitting face to face in a small room and trying to sell themselves, and it makes them feel uncomfortable. The first think you should work on is preparation before the interview. Research the company you're meeting with and take a look at any recent news stories or press releases. Make sure you know your resume backwards and forwards, and have some good sample interview answers prepared that give more detail of your accomplishments.
Overcoming Job Interview Weaknesses With Rehearsal
I've seen candidates answer my questions almost as if they're reading from a book. Their eyes glaze over and they look away, and their answer comes out sounding canned and phony. The way to avoid this is to rehearse your practice answers out loud, ideally with a friend or in front of a video camera. This will help your delivery sound smooth and natural. Look your interviewer in the eye and answer his questions with confidence.
Overcoming Job Interview Weaknesses With a Better Attitude
Some people feel so intimidated and nervous by the upcoming interview that they subconsciously assume that the interviewer will be hostile or condescending from the beginning. You got this interview because your skills and accomplishments look like a good fit for the job! Go into the interview room with a confident smile on your face and assume that you already have the job, you just need to give the hiring manager some more details about yourself. Remember, you are a great catch! Even if you feel terrified on the inside, try to envision your interview as a great opportunity to share your skills with someone who truly needs them.
