Description
Job interviews. For many, just hearing those words can spark anxiety, sweaty palms, and a racing heart. It’s easy to see an interview as a high-stakes interrogation, with a panel of scrutinizing experts sitting in judgment. But what if we flipped that perspective? What if, instead of seeing the interview as a trial, you viewed it as a conversation? And what if you remembered that, behind that desk, the interviewer is simply a person, just like you?
In this blog, we’ll explore how to dispel the fear surrounding interviews and humanize the person on the other side of the table. By shifting your mindset and understanding that interviews are collaborative, not adversarial, you’ll feel more at ease, allowing your true potential to shine.
1. Understanding the Interviewer’s Role
First, let’s break down what the interviewer is really doing. It’s easy to imagine them as gatekeepers, standing between you and the job. But in reality, their job isn’t to trip you up or intimidate you — it’s to find the best fit for their team or company.
They Want You to Succeed: Interviewers aren’t looking for ways to disqualify you. In fact, they’re hoping you’re the person who solves their hiring problem. They want to fill the role and move forward, which means they’re rooting for you to do well.
They Were Once in Your Shoes: Remember, every interviewer has been an interviewee at some point. They know what it’s like to sit in your chair, feel nervous, and hope to make a good impression. They’ve experienced the same jitters, and chances are, they empathize with your situation.
They’re Looking for a Partner, Not a Perfect Candidate: No one is perfect, and interviewers know this. They’re not expecting you to have every single answer, skill, or experience. They’re evaluating if you’d be a good partner in their team’s success. Show that you’re adaptable, willing to learn, and a cultural fit — that’s often just as important as your qualifications.
2. Reframe the Interview as a Conversation
Instead of thinking of the interview as a one-sided interrogation, try to see it as a professional conversation between equals. It’s not just about them evaluating you; it’s about you evaluating the company and the role. This perspective can help alleviate pressure and make the process feel more balanced.
It’s a Two-Way Street: You’re not the only one under the microscope. You’re also determining if this company, this team, and this role are right for you. Ask yourself: Is this where I want to grow? Does this company align with my values? By seeing it as a mutual exploration, you take back some control of the process.
Ask Genuine Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions that matter to you. Inquire about the team dynamics, company culture, growth opportunities, and day-to-day responsibilities. Engaging in a conversation where you’re actively learning about the company humanizes both parties and helps you build rapport with the interviewer.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection: Your goal isn’t to deliver the perfect rehearsed answers. Instead, aim to build a connection. Interviews are often about chemistry — do you click with the team and the culture? Show your personality, be genuine, and engage in a natural back-and-forth dialogue.
3. Humanizing the Interviewer: They’re Not Robots
When you feel nervous about an interview, it’s easy to imagine the interviewer as a distant, emotionless figure. But they’re human, with lives, interests, and challenges just like you. Here’s how to humanize them and reduce your anxiety.
They’re Busy and Imperfect Too: Interviewers juggle multiple responsibilities — hiring is just one of them. They may have just come from another meeting or be thinking about their own tasks. They understand the realities of the workplace and that no one, including themselves, is perfect.
They’re Not Trying to Trick You: The vast majority of interviewers are not interested in tripping you up with impossible questions. While they may ask challenging things, their goal is to understand how you think and solve problems, not to make you feel inferior. If you don’t know an answer, honesty and a willingness to learn are often appreciated more than bluffing.
They Appreciate Honesty: If you're nervous, it's okay to acknowledge it. A simple “I’m feeling a bit nervous, but really excited about this opportunity” can be refreshing and help break the ice. Many interviewers will respond with empathy, easing the tension.
4. Preparation Eases Anxiety
One of the best ways to conquer interview fear is by preparing thoroughly. Preparation builds confidence, and when you feel ready, the fear starts to fade. Here are key steps to prepare:
Research the Company and Role: Knowing the company’s mission, values, and recent projects can help you feel more connected and informed. Understand the role you’re applying for and think about how your skills align with the company’s needs.
Practice, But Don’t Over-Rehearse: It’s helpful to practice answering common interview questions, but avoid memorizing scripted responses. You want to sound natural, not robotic. Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror to refine your communication style and build comfort.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Many interviewers will ask behavioral questions, like “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly demonstrate your experience.
Have Your Own Questions Ready: Asking thoughtful questions about the company and role shows your interest and helps you assess whether it’s the right fit. Plus, it keeps the conversation flowing.
5. Managing Nerves on the Day
Even with preparation, some nerves are inevitable. The key is managing them so they don’t overwhelm you. Here are some tips for staying calm during the interview:
Breathe and Ground Yourself: Before the interview, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. This will help calm your nerves and focus your mind. If you start feeling anxious during the interview, it’s okay to pause, take a breath, and gather your thoughts before answering.
Start with Small Talk: A few minutes of casual conversation at the beginning of the interview can help ease tension. Whether it’s about the weather, your commute, or something interesting in the office, small talk can help break the ice and remind you that the interviewer is just a person.
Focus on the Present Moment: Don’t worry about the outcome or how you’re being perceived. Focus on listening carefully to each question and responding thoughtfully. Staying in the moment helps prevent your mind from spiraling into self-doubt.
6. Embrace Imperfection and Learn from Each Interview
Interviews, like anything else, are a learning process. You don’t have to be perfect. If you stumble over a question or feel like you didn’t answer something as well as you could have, that’s okay. What matters is how you recover, maintain your composure, and continue the conversation.
Everyone Makes Mistakes: Interviewers aren’t expecting flawless performances. If you mess up, don’t panic. Take a breath, correct yourself if needed, and move on. How you handle mistakes often tells interviewers more about your character than perfection ever could.
Every Interview is Practice: Each interview, regardless of the outcome, is an opportunity to improve. Reflect on what went well and what you can work on. Over time, your confidence will grow, and interviews will become less intimidating.
The Interviewer is on Your Side
Ultimately, interviews aren’t something to fear. They’re an opportunity to connect with someone who’s genuinely interested in getting to know you. By humanizing the interviewer, seeing the process as a conversation, and approaching each interview as a learning experience, you can significantly reduce your anxiety.
Remember, the person across the table is rooting for you to succeed. They’re looking for someone to join their team and help them achieve their goals — and that could be you. With the right mindset and preparation, you can step into your next interview feeling confident, calm, and ready to show them who you truly are.