Uncontrollable Interviewing Behaviors
This
has been mentioned previously, but bears repeating. Your subconscious mind is amoral. That means the subconscious mind
does not make value judgments! Only the
conscious mind performs that function. The subconscious portion of your brain runs
on auto mode. It does what the conscious mind tells it to do.
Here
is an example. Let us suppose we have a job seeker who has convinced himself
that he is nervous about going on job interviews. Somewhere in the annals of
this individual’s life, a troubling event occurred. The event left an indelible
impression—in this case, an implanted thought
about job interviews.
Whenever
a similar event resurfaces, the individual’s panic mode is triggered.
Many job seekers will acquire habits (or behaviors) that help them circumvent situations.
In some instances, the job seeker may exhibit passive-aggressive behaviors, or
create seemingly plausible excuses to avoid performing a task.
This
occurs at the subconscious level. The individual does not consciously say to himself, “Okay, I have a job interview,
so I better start acting nervous before I get there.” --Of course not. The apprehensions and
related behaviors automatically occur without conscious thought.
Whenever
this occurs, it is virtually certain the individual will be unable to deliver a
stellar job-interviewing performance. If you have confronted a similar
situation, you should consider reprogramming yourself. Self-reprogramming is
challenging, and sometimes requires outside assistance.
The
trick is correctly identifying the problem. Once problem is isolated, you can zero
in on changing it. The key to addressing employment-related problems is to use a
structured procedure. This can be as simplified as follows:
1. Identify Problem (i.e. Nervous about job interviews)
2. Prepare list of common/advanced interviewing questions
3. Rehearse and perfect responses
Admittedly,
this may appear overly simplistic. Nonetheless, this method has proven
successful. It can be beneficial to practice delivering your interviewing
responses before another individual. Have someone feed you interviewing
questions, while you practice your delivery and perfect your responses is
highly beneficial.
While this will not eliminate all interviewing-related stress, it will substantially reduce it. You should also consider videotaping your performance. This lets you see yourself as others
do.