What do you do if your emotions are overwhelming you during an interview?

Let's get a Step 0: Is there a problem? Interviewing IS emotional. Job seeking is super emotional. It's totally appropriate to have a lot of big feelings. AND might just be that sharing your feelings in an interview is a great idea (it takes emotional intelligence to decide if it is or not... what's the interviewer's vibe?) My point is: You might not need the rest of this article. If you're feeling big feelings, that's healthy and normal. Sometimes trying to "control" feelings just makes it messier. But, if you're finding yourself so caught up in emotions you can't function well in the interview, then read on.

1. Before you begin, check the emotional state and try to remember previous successes and achievements to draw motivation from those events at the moment. 2. Try to talk about things you are really good at. Begin with strengths. 3. Make sure your back and feet are comfortably supported. 4. Lead the conversation by starting with greetings and asking about the interviewer's whereabouts to ease into the discussion. 5. Don't panic if you lack knowledge or understanding of anything that is asked. After all, most interviewers are checking your honesty, commitment, and determination. Knowledge is primarily secondary.

Here's the quickest, most effective way to maintain your power and eliminate your anxiety during your interview 1-When you're not speaking, allow yourself to exhale slowly as if you were blowing under your breathe through a straw. 2-Keep both of your feet flat on the ground (barefoot is best) and remind yourself of how it feels, often 3-Keep something that invokes positive feelings within you nearby and within your peripheral view (could be a piece of art, a souvenir, a picture) Lastly, remember IT'S OK. Don't panic when you notice some overwhelm creeping in. You're more than your emotion in a given moment and hopefully tips 1-3 help you remember and know that during your interview.

Interviews are highly stressful situations to begin with. Before an interview use any motivation or "hype" music to get you pumped up. Try to enjoy the process, you made to this stage. Do some deep breathing, this helps to calm your nerves. Stand and do the superman pose, it a simple thing, yet is a power stance that signals to your brain confidence. Review your accomplishments and reconfirm to yourself you are the right candidate for this role. Again, don't forget to breathe.

Try re-directing that energy. I tend to fidget and, if I'm not aware, it can look very unprofessional. A coach once showed me how I can redirect the energy in a few ways. 1. Place your hands flat on the surface of the table and imagine they are glued there. As the stress comes, push down a little bit harder on the table. 2. Start taking notes on whatever is in the conversation. It is a bonus because it shows that you care enough about this issue that you are making a few notes about it. 3. I use the seam of my pant leg. I can redirect that stress to the seam of my trousers which nobody can see under the table and I just pinch it.