What do you do if you're feeling overwhelmed and pressured during an interview?

It's important to understand yourself, and recognize that you're going through a stressful moment, that reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and confused. as soon as you recongnize the situation, you need to slow down the discussion and the pace of the exchange. take a step back, breath deeply, pause and regain some calm before going further.

It's important to keep in mind that during a job interview, you are not only being evaluated by the employer, but you are also evaluating them. It's a two-way street, and if you don't like the company or its values, it may not be the right fit for you. By recognizing this, you can approach the interview from a position of power, and articulate your own values and strengths. This will give you the confidence that you need during the interview, plus ensure that you find the right employer and position for you.

I relax and express the answers calmly and transparently, if I am not a finalist in a vacancy it may not be what I am looking for. I think that the interview is a space to get to know the company to which I am applying and for the company to get to know me as a professional. It is a space of contact between the two parties.

A pause and a good focused breath can do wonders. An interviewer will appreciate this more than rambling as well. We all get nerves and it is how we handle it that matters.

Pausing an interview is a-ok ?? and in fact, preferred if you’re feeling stuck or lost or overwhelmed. You can also ask for the question to be repeated as well. Remember, no one wants you to rush anything and they’re looking to get the best responses from you. Take your time. Sip some water. Reset. Move on and begin again ??

As someone who has high functioning anxiety, what helps me calm down is bringing attention to my body, especially when I am stressed. What specifically helps me when I am in a pinch is making a fist and putting enough pressure so my nails apply just enough pressure for me to feel it slightly digging into my palm. At the same time, I actively slow my breathing down so my nervous system calms down. Like Kirsty mentioned, asking for the question to be rephrased/ repeated helps to give you a bit more time to collect yourself during this process.

The whole purpose of an interviewer is to understand you perspectives and capabilities. An interviewer can very well recognise a cluttered up mind and so, its always a best practice to limit your thought process to answering the core question and relating it to your experience. Be patient. The follow up questions will give you adequate chances to bring forth all your experiences and thoughts to the interviewer.

Start by focusing on your physical sensations. Feel your feet on the ground, notice the chair supporting you, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Engage your senses. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This helps bring your attention to the present moment and can calm your nerves. Remember that feeling all this is natural and that you have the skills and qualifications needed for the job. Trust in yourself and your abilities. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed during the interview, excuse yourself for a moment to take a few deep breaths or sip some water before returning to the conversation.

Consider the interview as a two-way conversation where both parties are assessing fit and compatibility. Approach it with curiosity and genuine interest in learning more about the company and the role. Shift your attention away from perfectionism and instead focus on being authentic and genuine in your responses. Instead of viewing the interview as a high-stakes evaluation, see it as a valuable opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences. Reframe nervousness as excitement and anticipation for the chance to discuss your qualifications and potential contributions Focus on the interviewer as a potential colleague or collaborator rather than an intimidating authority figure.

Slow down your speech and take your time to formulate thoughtful responses to questions. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that it's normal to feel that way, but you are capable and prepared. Use positive self-talk to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your strengths Remember that the interviewer wants to learn about you as a candidate, so be authentic and genuine in your responses. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts, don't hesitate to ask for a brief pause or clarification. Shift your focus away from the pressure of the moment by concentrating on actively listening to the interviewer and engaging in the conversation. Stay present and focused on the present moment, rather than worrying about the outcome