Worrying about Job Interviews

1 June 2023

For those of you who experience the feeling of anxiety in the lead up to a job interview here's a hack that can ensure it doesn't get out of hand and become counterproductive.

Give yourself 10minutes of intentional worry time on the morning of the interview.  Box it up and worry like crazy for the 10minutes then put the anxiety away.

Here is how it works:

Step 1: Set aside a specific time and place on the morning of your interview in which you will worry.  I recommend just after breakfast in a quiet and comfortable spot where you can sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Use a timer to ensure that you do not go over the 10-minute time limit.

Step 2: Write down the things that worry you about the job interview. Make a list of all the things that are causing you to feel anxious or worried. For example: they won't like the way you look, my resume has holes in it, my relevant experience is a bit old now.... Write it all down.

Step 3: Evaluate the list.  Cross off anything that deep down you know is unrealistic.  Then draw a big bright line around anything left and remind yourself that worrying about it, especially at this stage, won't change the outcome.

Step 4: End the worry time.  Once the 10 minutes is up either put away or destroy your list of worries.

Step 5: Crowd out worry thoughts with a positive self-talk script. Deliberately start telling yourself you are excited for the interview, that you are well prepared and you have what is necessary to do the job well. 
This is such a good hack that my recommended action for you this fortnight is to give this a go.  Implement an intentional 10 minute worry window every day for the next couple of weeks. If you find you have consistent worries take time out to prepare a plan to address them.

Box up those worries and get on with being awesome.

As always, wishing you a flourishing career.

Katherine