Job interviews can be a source of stress and pressure for many people, especially when the outcome can greatly impact one’s future career prospects. However, the good news is that there are several strategies that can help individuals manage stress and perform at their best during an interview. In this blog article, we at founderactivity will explore these strategies in detail, providing tips and insights to help individuals how to handle stress and pressure during a job interview, and perform at their best.
From visualizing the worst case scenario, to asking for help, to adjusting your attitude and taking deep breaths, these techniques can help calm nerves, improve focus, and increase confidence. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, these techniques can help you stay calm and focused, and put your best foot forward.
Only the paranoid survive.
—Andy Grove
How to handle stress and pressure?
It’s essential to understand that most jobs include some level of stress when looking for a new one. Employers searching for candidates to fill positions that may be demanding want to make sure they locate someone who can handle the stress. They might ask you to detail your stress management strategies at various points during the interview. Here, we go over how to respond to the question, “How do you handle stress?” and offer a few model responses for you to draw from.
Develop Effective Coping Mechanisms
We have a lot of control over how well or poorly we handle difficult situations. Our response to difficult circumstances makes a huge difference.
These actions can help you deal with a difficult circumstance.
1. Examine the Situation
1.1 Spend some time reflecting about the circumstance you are in.
Try to sum up your predicament in one or two sentences. What about this circumstance do you find stressful right now? Writing your thoughts down can be beneficial.
For instance
I transferred to a new school in the middle of the academic year because my family recently moved. Not knowing anyone, missing my old pals, and having to deal with a ton of new coursework are the stressful aspects.
1.2 Feelings you have regarding the circumstance should be noted and named.
Accept your emotions; given your circumstances, it makes sense that you would feel the way you do. Putting your sentiments in writing might also be beneficial.
For instance
I miss my former classmates and school, which makes me feel sad and alone. We moving now makes me angry, especially. I’m concerned about keeping up in social studies and math. I feel like the new child, so I feel excluded. If they were in my shoes, I imagine anyone would have these emotions.
1.3 Study more.
Find out as much as you can about the circumstance you’re in. This could entail reading about it, speaking with others, or researching what other people in a similar circumstance have done and what to anticipate. Learning bolsters your self-assurance and sense of readiness while also serving as a constant reminder that you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
2. Adopt a Positive Mentality
A positive outlook can assist you avoid being crushed by negative emotions. A cheerful outlook also helps when trying to solve problems in a stressful circumstance.
Positive thinking broadens our perspective, whilst negative thinking causes us to perceive the possibilities inside a circumstance.
2.1 Avoid focusing on the bad.
Avoid spending an excessive amount of time thinking negatively or dwelling on the negative features of your circumstance. How you respond to and handle the situation you are in has a lot to do with how powerful you are. Any negative thinking, such as “I can’t do this,” should be recognized and replaced with positive affirmations. Believe in yourself now is the time to do so.
For instance
Others have changed schools before and succeeded. I’m confident I can handle it.
2.2 Take note of and enjoy the pleasant things in life.
Make sure to take note of some of your life’s positive aspects as well. Yes, right now. Write down three things each day for which you are thankful. Gratitude keeps challenges, especially large ones, in perspective and fosters optimism.
3. Take Initiative
3.1 Choose your options.
Identify the aspects of the circumstance that you can influence or modify for the better. Consider what steps you can take to make any aspect of your stressful situation better.
For instance
I can converse with the student seated across from me in social studies. I’ll ask him if he’ll study and share notes with me. That might enable me to meet new people and catch up on my social studies.
3.2 Get assistance.
Find a person with whom you can discuss your problem. Request assistance or guidance. Spend time with individuals who encourage you, laugh with you, and make you feel good about yourself. Sometimes all that is needed is a listening ear. Knowing that someone cares and is aware of what you’re going through might be comforting.
3.3 Protect yourself.
When your life is under a lot of stress, you should take extra good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods and limit your intake of junk food. Sleep and exercise regularly. Every day, try to unwind in some way, whether it is through yoga, a relaxing bath, cooking, playing with your pet, going on a stroll, or listening to music or playing the guitar.
How to Answer
If you want to properly respond to this question, you’ll need to give concrete examples of times when you managed stress well. You might also give instances where working under pressure resulted in increased productivity.
Sample Answers
1.
“I practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to calm my mind and stay focused on the task at hand.”
2.
“I prioritize and manage my time effectively to ensure that I don’t take on too much at once.”
3.
“I have a strong support system, and I reach out to friends or family for guidance and support when needed.”
4.
“I stay active and exercise regularly to relieve stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
5.
“I focus on staying positive and maintain a growth mindset, even in challenging situations.”
6.
“I break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps to stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.”
7.
“I seek help and advice from colleagues or superiors when I need support, and I embrace opportunities to learn and grow.”
To wrap it all up, job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, but there are various ways to overcome stress and perform well. These methods, such as visualization, positive reinforcement, deep breathing, and asking for support, can help individuals stay calm, focused, and confident. It is crucial to find the approach that works best for you, as different techniques may affect individuals differently.
By using these strategies, you can manage your stress and increase your chances of success in a job interview. With the proper preparation and attitude, you can handle pressure and make a positive impact on potential employers.
Experts warn that all this social distancing is causing a lot of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The Flat Earth Society is especially worried. They think their members might be driven over the edge.
