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It’s normal to feel a little nervous before and during a job interview. After all, you’re meeting a complete stranger (or maybe even a few strangers) who will be asking you questions about your qualifications, experience, and goals.
It’s not uncommon for your mind to race before an interview, thinking about all the possible questions you could be asked and how you should answer them. But dwelling on these things will only make you more nervous and increase the chances of making a mistake.
Instead, try to focus on the present moment and what you can do to prepare for the interview.
Remember, you’ve already taken the first step by getting an interview in the first place. The best thing you can do is go into it with a positive attitude and be yourself.
So how do you stop thinking about a job interview and ease your anxiety? Continue reading to find out!
Is It Normal To Be Anxious About A Job Interview?
Yes. It’s perfectly normal to feel some level of anxiety before, during, and even after a job interview. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the average person experiences around 20% more anxiety when they’re in a new situation, like a job interview.
Some of the things that contribute to this feeling of anxiousness include:
- You might not know what to expect during the interview.
- You might be worried about saying something wrong or coming across as unprepared.
- You might be concerned about the impression you’ll make on the interviewer
However, while it’s normal to feel some level of anxiety, it’s important to find ways to manage it, so it doesn’t take over.
Why Am I Overthinking About A Job Interview?
While thinking about an interview is not a bad idea, obsessing over it can be problematic. Yes, interviews can be nerve-wracking, it might be time to take a step back and figure out how to deal with the situation.
Different studies have found that people with anxiety tend to have more negative and intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can be about anything, but they’re usually related to what worries you the most.
In this case, it’s likely that you’re overthinking because you’re worried about not getting the job or making a bad impression.
This is a challenge because it means you’re not focusing on the things that could help you, like preparing for the interview or thinking about your best qualities. Instead, you’re fixated on the things that might go wrong.
Some of the reasons why you might be overthinking the interview include:
- Lack of confidence -If you don’t feel confident in your abilities, it can be easy to start doubting yourself. This lack of confidence can lead to a feeling of anxiety which makes it harder to stop thinking about the interview.
- Worry that you will not land the job – This is a common fear for many people, especially if you really need or want the job. Statistics show that the average person spends around 5 months looking for a job, so it’s understandable to feel this way.
- You’re not prepared – If you don’t feel like you’re fully prepared for the interview, it can be easy to start overthinking. This is because you might be worried that you won’t know how to answer certain questions or sell yourself properly.
- Perfectionism – If you’re a perfectionist, you might be overthinking the interview because you’re worried about making mistakes. You’ll likely start thinking that one small mistake could cost you the job, which can add to your anxiety.
- You’ve been through a bad experience before – If you’ve had a bad experience in a previous interview, it can be hard to stop thinking about it, as you’re worried that the same thing will happen again.
What Are Some Signs That I Am Overthinking My Job Interview?
Here’s the thing; overthinking is a common problem.
One professor from the University of Texas found that people have been worrying about things for over 2,000 years. In fact, some experts date this behavior back to the cave-like days. And to make matters worse, some people don’t even know when they are doing it.
The best course of action would be to identify the signs so that you can take the necessary steps to stop them. Here’s how to tell if you’re overthinking the interview.
- Not being able to sleep:- Most experts put not being able to sleep as the number one sign you are overthinking things. So, if you find that you can’t sleep the night before the interview or even a few nights before, it’s likely because you’re worried about what will happen. This worry can lead to anxiety, which can make it hard to fall asleep.
- You’re having trouble focusing:- If you find that you’re having trouble focusing, it’s a sign that you might be overthinking the interview. This is because your mind is so focused on the upcoming event that you can’t focus on anything else. As a result, you might not be able to concentrate on the task at hand.
- You’re constantly thinking about the interview – This shows that your mind is fixated on the upcoming event and all the things that could go wrong. As a result, you might not be able to focus on anything else.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded:- This usually happens because you’re so focused on the interview that you’re not getting enough oxygen to your brain. As a result, you might feel faint or even have a headache. If not handled well, this can lead to a panic attack.
- You’re sweating more than usual – If you find that you’re sweating more than usual, it could be because you’re anxious about the interview. When you worry, your body releases stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, which make you sweat more than usual.
7 tips on how to stop thinking about a job interview
As you have probably realized by now, overthinking the job interview can lead to a lot of problems. Not only will it make you anxious, but it can also lead to a host of other issues, like trouble sleeping and not being able to focus. It can even make you perform poorly in the interview.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to tackle this issue. The following are seven tips on how to stop overthinking the job interview:
1. Take a long walk
One of the best ways to stop overthinking is to take a long walk. This will help clear your mind and allow you to focus on other things.
Studies show that walking can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. Disengaging from your thoughts for a while will also help you get back to them with fresh perspectives. This then allows you to reflect on other aspects of your life, such as your career, that you might have been neglecting.
Walking can help you see things differently and give you some much-needed clarity. Plus, it will also help you burn off some of the excess energy that comes with anxiety.
2. Talk to someone
If you’re finding it hard to stop overthinking, it might help to talk to someone. This could be a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Talking about your anxieties will help you see them in a different light and might even help you find solutions to them.
It’s also a good idea to talk to someone who has been in a similar situation as you. They will be able to offer you some valuable insight and advice.
3. Write it down
If you have a hard time verbalizing your thoughts, you should write them down. This will help you organize them and might even give you some clarity.
Writing down your thoughts will also help you see them more objectively. You might even realize that some of your thoughts are irrational and don’t deserve your attention. The best part is that writing is therapeutic. It can help you vent all the pent-up emotion that’s been building up inside of you. Once it’s out, you’ll feel a lot better.
4. Don’t try to control everything
One of the most important things you need to remember is that you can’t control everything. This is especially true for the job interview. There are so many unknowns, like how the interviewer will act or what questions they will ask. Trying to control every little detail will only make you more anxious.
Instead, focus on the things you can control, like how you dress or what you say. This will help you feel more prepared and confident going into the interview.
5. Understand that everyone gets nervous
Even the most experienced professionals get butterflies in their stomachs before an important meeting. So it’s perfectly normal to feel some nerves before the big day, and nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, research has it that a little bit of nervousness can actually be helpful. It can help you perform at your best. So don’t try to eliminate all your nerves, just focus on managing them. So instead of beating yourself up for being anxious, try to embrace it. Use it as motivation to wow the interviewer.
6. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about being in the present moment. It’s also about accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, but it’s important to try.
Mindfulness will help you see your thoughts for what they are: just thoughts. They are not reality. And they don’t have to control you. So, just because you’re thinking something doesn’t mean it’s true. Once you realize this, it will be easier to let go of your thoughts and move on.
7. Distract yourself
When you’re feeling anxious, it’s always helpful to distract yourself. This will help take your mind off of whatever is causing you anxiety and give you a break from your thoughts.
There are many different ways to distract yourself. For instance, you can read a book, listen to music, or even watch a movie. Find something that works for you and that you enjoy. And try to do it for at least 30 minutes. This will give you some much-needed time to relax and de-stress.
Stop Obsessing About Your Job Interview!
Anxiety is a normal part of the job interview process. But that doesn’t mean it has to control you. Remember, you are not alone. Millions of people go through job interviews every day. And many of them feel just as anxious as you do. So take a deep breath and relax. You’ve got this.
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