Regardless of how prepared you are, you’re going to feel some jitters during that first interview. Take a look at these incredibly useful tactics to decrease your anxiety when dealing with a prospective employer.
Don’t Let the Pressure Get to You
It’s possible you’re interviewing with someone who would like to see how you handle being stressed out which is important in chef’s jobs. Your thoughts may be on autopilot as you enter a zone of negative thinking. You might be thinking “They know I’m not an excellent fit, I shouldn’t have bothered to apply” or “It’s impossible that they like me; I probably won’t be hired.”
Don’t let this happen. If you’re dealing with a situation that’s like this, understand what the interviewer’s intentions are and don’t let them get the best of you. It’s more than possible that another person has been in the same boat. It certainly doesn’t mean you’re special if you’re treated the same way.
Interview the Interviewer
You should take the time to really evaluate your employer during the interview. You’re taking the time to decide whether working for them is a good idea or not. They’re doing the same. Try remembering this and see if your attention and attitude is changed. Ask the right questions that really show you the ins and outs of the organization. It’s the only way to find the right fit.
Release Anxious Energy
Anxiety comes out and you may be visibly displaying a bad case of the jitters even when you’re trying to keep it hidden. Those who fidget during the interview should try to do something that’ll get rid of all that nervous energy. It’s a good idea to tap a foot or slowly release your muscles to get rid of all the stress. Try taking in some deep breaths.
Understanding that There Will Be Anxiety Helps
It’s important to accept your emotions when going to a job interview. It makes regulating your anxiety more effective. When you learn to accept that anxiety is a natural part of moving forward with the interview, you’ll have a much better time when the event arrives. Try not to ignore it, simply accept that it will come.
Take Your Time
Don’t worry about answering questions too quickly. Take a break before answering the question to collect your thoughts.
If you’re concerned you won’t be able to answer correctly during the interview, be sure to make a collection of notes while on the interview. This helps decrease the anxiety and gives you something to look at later. If you’re just not coming up with an answer, go back to the notes and ask the interviewer if it’s okay to collect your thoughts for a while.
Relaxing After the Interview
Be sure to thank yourself for a job well done after the interview. Try not to focus your thoughts too much on how the interview went. Think about the high points of it. There are probably things that could have gone better. Be sure to do something enjoyable afterwards.
