Interviews are important, there is no doubt about that; a successful interview can be a cornerstone in your life and can shape your future for the forthcoming years. However, over-stressing in the build up to the interview can be detrimental to the big day, just as over-analysing the event for weeks afterwards can be detrimental to your confidence.
It is important to remain composed and calm whenever you reflect upon your interview so, what are the signs that you’re overthinking your interview?
Before the big day:
No doubt you are wondering what you’re going to be asked during the interview. How you answer questions is going to be a main factor in determining whether you will be successful or not, but it is key to RELAX! Congratulate yourself on getting the interview and remember that this means they already like you!
You already have the skills they are looking for and now they want to confirm your knowledge and find out a bit about your personality and whether you’ll be someone they want to work with. Yes, do a good amount of research about the company but don’t beat yourself up; they are not expecting you to know where they held their staff Christmas party 2014!
Secondly, a topic often contested is the amount of questions you should ask at the end. Many people will tell you that asking questions will make you seem more interested in the role and to an extent they will, but only within reason.
There is no point asking questions for the sake of it, you’ll only end up wasting their time. Instead, make a note of what you genuinely want to know about the company and the role, and if these questions are still unanswered by the end of the interview, then by all means ask away. But if all your questions have been answered during the interview, then do not stress yourself trying to think of another question at the last second.
The best thing you can do before an interview is to revise your CV, do some research and relax!
After the event:
Something frequently misunderstood about the interview process is how long an interview should be. There is no benchmark length for an interview yet lots of people cause themselves distress by telling themselves they haven’t got the job because the interview was over too quickly. But there is no need to worry!
In more cases than not, a short interview tends to be a positive sign. No one wants a long and drawn out interview, so anything that feels short should tell you that you have already provided them with all the information they were looking for, which can only be a good thing! However, every interview is different so no matter whether you think it went on for too long or was over too quickly, the length of the interview is nothing that you should be concerned about.
As previously mentioned, the actual interview questions tend to cause the most anxiety in the run-up to the interview and if you are unsure about how the interview went, you will most likely be reflecting on the answers you gave- and more specifically, how you worded them.
Now, unless the job is dependent upon your speaking ability, interviewers will forgive nervousness, repetition, long pauses and ‘ums and ers’; if you answer is along the right lines. It is understandable not to know everything, and to be nervous. Interviewers aren’t monsters; they’re normal people who will be understanding about how daunting the process can be!
Following on from this, please do not try and interpret anything not made explicit by your interviewers. This is big issue that causes a lot of unnecessary worry post-interview. So what if they didn’t smile after you gave a really good answer? Did they scribble away on a notepad whilst you were talking? Look at their watch? Sigh? Forget it.
You are most likely misinterpreting their body language to the detriment of your own health. Not worth it.
Despite our temptation to scrutinize every minute of the interview, the most treacherous part for the majority of people is the waiting that comes afterwards. A few interviewers will be precise about what comes next, but many will give a vague number of days or weeks and simply say ‘we’ll be in touch’.
Some may not even give a rough time span as to when you can expect to hear from them and this can be very hard to not worry yourself over. However, as hard as it can be, there is nothing you can change about the past and all you can do is try to focus on other things and keep yourself busy as you wait.
If you feel you have been kept waiting for a response for too long, then you can always get in touch with them again, but I would be very cautious about doing this as you don’t want to come across as rude!
Most employers will get back to you within a couple of weeks with the result of your interview. If you get the job, congratulations! If you are unsuccessful then do not beat yourself up. Instead, ask for feedback and use it as a learning experience for next time!
These questions are likely to come up during an interview about customer service jobs.
Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview:
Overcoming Post-Interview Anxiety and Boosting Confidence
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, and it's natural to experience post-interview anxiety and overanalyze your performance. While it's important to reflect on your interview, overthinking can be detrimental to your confidence. In this article, we will explore signs that indicate you may have a good chance of getting the job, as well as provide tips to overcome post-interview anxiety and stop overanalyzing.
Signs You Will Get the Job:
- Positive Feedback: If the interviewer seemed engaged, provided positive feedback, or expressed interest in your skills and experience, these are promising signs.
- Extended Interview Duration: If the interview lasted longer than scheduled, it indicates that the interviewer was interested in learning more about you and your qualifications.
- Future Plans and Next Steps: If the interviewer discussed the next steps in the hiring process, such as mentioning a second interview or asking for references, it suggests they are considering you as a potential candidate.
- Cultural Fit Assessment: If the interviewer focused on assessing your fit with the company culture, team dynamics, and values, it indicates they are interested in how well you would integrate into their organization.
Here are som common questions asked in an interview about career goals.
Signs the Interview went bad:
Either way, you have learned something from the interview and hopefully you will do better next time.
- Lack of Engagement: If the interviewer seemed disinterested, distracted, or did not ask follow-up questions, it could be a sign that your responses did not resonate with them.
- Short Interview Duration: If the interview ended earlier than expected or felt rushed, it might indicate that the interviewer did not see you as a strong fit for the role.
- Lack of Future Plans: If the interviewer did not mention the next steps or give any indication of continuing the hiring process, it suggests they may not be considering you for the position.
- Negative Body Language: If the interviewer displayed signs of discomfort, such as crossed arms, frowning, or avoiding eye contact, it could indicate that they were not impressed with your performance.
Overcoming Post-Interview Anxiety:
- Recognize Your Accomplishments: Reflect on your strengths, achievements, and positive aspects of the interview. Celebrate what went well and focus on building your confidence.
- Gain Perspective: Remember that an interview is just one piece of the puzzle. Don't let it define your worth or potential. There are various factors involved in the hiring decision.
- Seek Support: Discuss your concerns and anxieties with a trusted friend, mentor, or career counselor. They can provide perspective, encouragement, and helpful advice.
- Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help reduce stress and promote relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining a positive mindset.
Stop Overanalyzing:
- Set a Time Limit: Allow yourself a designated period to reflect on the interview, but avoid endlessly dissecting every detail. Once the time is up, shift your focus to other aspects of your life and career.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Whenever negative thoughts or self-doubt arise, challenge them with positive affirmations and counterexamples of your skills and accomplishments.
- Stay Productive: Engage in meaningful activities that divert your attention from overthinking. Focus on personal and professional growth, such as learning new skills or networking.
- Trust the Process: Remember that you have done your best during the interview, and the outcome is ultimately out of your control. Trust in the hiring process and have faith in your abilities.
While it's natural to feel anxious and overanalyze after a job interview, it's important to manage these feelings effectively. By recognizing signs that indicate a positive outcome, overcoming post-interview anxiety, and avoiding excessive overthinking, you can maintain your confidence and focus on the next steps in your career journey.
Remember, a single interview does not define your worth, and there are always opportunities for growth and success.
Stressed about bringing up salary in an interview? Reed this article!
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