Ok, this is a quick one, as I'm at work and really shouldn't be on here....
I don't know if anyone on here suffers from an anxiety disorder? If so, how do you deal with job interviews????
I've had 2 recently, and not been given the job, due to the answers I have supplied at interview stage, and I know it's due to my anxiety disorder. I know it's a big ask, given that I haven't really posted here in years, but does anyone have any ideas/advice???
~Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly~
Thank you for the reply... the problem I have is finding someone in my area that does something other than CBT. CBT hasn't worked for me so far... and seems to be the only thing offered in my area at the moment... but, in theory, speaking to someone would definitely be a start.
~Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly~
in the past ive just tried to prepare as much as i could thinking of the general type of questions they ask, so you can go in with a bit in your head.
i dont know if it would be appropriate, but you could say at the beginning youre feeling nervous so might take a minute formulating your answer. that way they understand you need a little more time.
i remember going to one interview and they asked what im like as a person, and i split it into two bits. so i told them how i am as a worker but i also told them how i was in personality and i said that im a friendly but quiet until i get to know people a bit better, so they kind of knew i was shy at the offset.
Were you able to ask for feedback on your job interviews that you were unsuccessful with? Some places offer job application support- and might be able to walk you through the interview process.
Are you with a mental health team?
While your anxiety will play a big role in how you experience- and possibly in how you are perceived in-an interview, there may be other controllable factors that you could benefit from support.
I did one type of interview three times and was able to combine the experiences of the previous two "failures" to achieve success in the third. Writing down the feedback I received, asking colleagues in the field, and being persistent helped.
Disclosure can be one of the biggest challenges for persons who have mental health challenges- so maybe find out if the interviewers have a policy about that- equal opportunity employers?
~Happy tomatoes together we will be~
You say toe- may- toe, I say toe- mah- toe:
Let's call the whole thing- red
“It’s time to lead the third revolution, which is not to say we want to be at the top of the world, but to say we want to change the world. Because the way the world has been designed by men is not working. It’s not working for women, it’s not working for men,
it’s not working for polar bears.” Arianna Huffington 2014
Thank you. I've tried preparing, even going through mock interviews with people in the office (the ones that gave me the first interview) but as soon as I get in there, it's just like I can't think.
U was on meds for a while but came off them a year or so ago. Wondering if maybe going back on them wouldn't be a bad idea? The initial reasons I was on things have completely subsided, and, so I don't know whether the doctor would agree to it. No harm in trying, I guess? I think the job I'm in at the moment is part of the reason I'm starting to struggle again, but, I don't know for sure.
I have had some great feedback from the past couple of interviews and the basic points of what they said was that my answers weren't "complete enough". The second place I interviewed at (which was an admin for IAPT) recognised the causes, but again, they can only make allowances for that to a certain point.
And now I'm kind of embarrassed to refer myself for further CBT /employment support because I met them...
~Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly~
What's helped me is to convince myself that it's OK if I come across as a fool as worst case I don't get the job and never interact with these people again.
If your interviews focus on how you would solve problems focus on your solution to the problem, not how you come across (but be open to criticism and explaining yourself! That's make or break). The mind shift can help.
For me, A lot of anxiety came from not accepting myself and being out of touch with how I felt and what my needs were. Most of my anxiety has gone now in comparison to how it used to be for me, but I still struggle with it sometimes. I'm not sure if my anxiety will ever goes away and just isn't there anymore, but positive strategies are around for me. I just forget to use them!
I'm my anxiety ever goes away I would think it means I'm no longer a feeling human being!
I think the first step for me is remembering to use them. As soon as I notice my anxiety coming through I think what would help me is taking a step back, notice my breathing, and regain control my nervous system!
Once back in control, but still myself and in contact with myself, I return to the question at hand in the interview.
I think what might also help me is an interview coach!
I think they would really help me learn to interview better :)
If your answers were considered "not complete enough", could you jot down what you remember of the questions and the answers you gave- and see if you could "fill them out" a bit more.
Regarding the anxiety- there are techniques that I used everytime to stay present- like breathing, coming a certain time early, not sitting with other interviewees (if I started comparing myself to them). Maybe doing a run through the day before of where I have to come. Bring some water to sip.
~Happy tomatoes together we will be~
You say toe- may- toe, I say toe- mah- toe:
Let's call the whole thing- red
“It’s time to lead the third revolution, which is not to say we want to be at the top of the world, but to say we want to change the world. Because the way the world has been designed by men is not working. It’s not working for women, it’s not working for men,
it’s not working for polar bears.” Arianna Huffington 2014
Try going to a job resource center and do mock interviews for practice. I don't think doing mock interviews with people you know would be beneficial because there's some sort of comfort level with them, whereas when you're doing a "real" job interview, you don't know the people. Research the company beforehand so you have questions for them too.
Just go into the interview thinking, "I've got this," and with the notion in your head that it is only an hour of your life. (Put it into perspective.) I've done so many interviews that I don't even get nervous anymore....I finally snagged a permanent position, thank god. But I really understand where you are coming from.
Try to research interview tips online, ideas for questions they might ask you, and questions you can ask them. My mom used to interview people when she was a supervisor, so she gave me the list of questions they were required to ask potential employees. I got into the habit of literally writing paragraph answers to each of these before interviews because it gave me a way to organize my thoughts and come up with concise answers. I also would make a mental note of other questions I was asked in actual interviews and come up with better answers for them if they were to ever come up again down the line. Does that make sense?
Researching the company and writing out answers to potential interview questions have helped me the most. I know how scary interviews are, but you can do it! Just be honest, be yourself, and if I was able to overcome my anxiety, I bet you can too! They say fake it 'til you make it.....Best of luck to you.
