Job Interview Anxiety
When I was a recruiter, I used to spend the first 10 minutes ensuring that the person on the other side of the table calmed down before we started the formal interview.
I introduced myself, shared information about the role and the company, and outlined our plan for the next 45 minutes. Our brain is most scared of the unknown - this was my way to ensure the candidates’ brains can relax.
But it’s not always the case in any interview.
The truth is, job interview anxiety is more common than you think. Even most experienced senior professionals feel it - sometimes as mild stress, sometimes as full-on panic with shaky hands, or even going blank in the middle of a sentence.
If you feel anxious even thinking about the job interview, know that you can manage it. I'll share two steps that have helped many of my clients.
Step One: Train Your Thoughts
The technique of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps you catch and shift unhelpful thinking patterns. Here’s a simplified version:
Notice the thought
For example: “I’m going to mess this up.”Challenge the thought
Ask yourself: “Is that really true? What proof do I have?”Change the thought
Try: “I’ve handled tougher situations” or “This is just a conversation.”
Step Two: Practice in Real Conditions
CBT helps with the mental part. But your brain also needs exposure to the situation.
This is where mock interviews come in.
The more you simulate real interviews, with realistic questions, the less power anxiety holds. You start building confidence through doing.
And when you combine mindset work with real-world practice, that’s when transformation happens.
For your next job interview, you can show up calm, focused, and ready.
If you’d like help to overcome your job interview anxiety, I’m here to support you. Just hit reply to this email to book a free 20-minute discovery call on MS Teams with me.
Warmly, Inuta
Career Coach | Former Executive Recruiter | (& Psychologist)
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Hi, I’m Inuta Sert.
A Career Coach and former Executive Recruiter in Türkiye.
I help mid to senior-level professionals in securing more interviews and getting the right job in Türkiye and abroad.
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