Tips to overcome Stress & Anxiety before the Interview

What is Stress.   Stress, a natural human response to challenging situations, which can stem from various sources and lead to a range of physical, mental and behavioural effects. However, we will be confining the same to its short-term impact on Interview.

Causes of Stress.   Having stress before Interview is completely normal and the major reasons attributing to stress:

·             Negative Thinking.   Worrying excessively, pessimism, and self-doubt. 

·             Perfectionism.   Setting unrealistic expectations and striving for flawlessness. 

·             Lack of Control.   Feeling powerless in the face of the current situation.

·             Overthinking.   Dwelling on potential negative outcomes. 

Effects of Stress.    The physical effect is Increased heart rate leading to Anxiety - Feeling restless; Difficulty in Concentrating -    Trouble focusing in what lies ahead; and Reduced Productivity - Difficulty focusing, making decisions, and completing tasks. 

Personality Based Interview & Non-Verbal Communication.    Unlike a Job Interview, SSB Personal Interview is personality based rather than Skill Set. Furthermore, in SSB Personal Interview, you are offered a chair which is considerably far from the Interviewer’s desk, as a result, he can gauge or see your whole body from head to toe and reactions of your body thereto, as response to stimulus in form of his questions. I hope by now, all the defence aspirants could relate to a similar situation.

How to Reduce Stress & Anxiety before an Interview.   There are three main area where one should focus to reduce stress and anxiety- Interview Preparation, Relaxation Techniques, and Positive Self-Talk. Before we dwell any further, lets understand the Interview Traps :-

Don’t Predict the Interview.  The biggest trap is within you, where you try to foresee and run the Interview in your mind with the type of questions you may be asked, their replies thereto along with the perceived reaction of your answers by IO many more things to the effect. Those ideas will trap you in endless discussion within yourself.

Self-Doubt.   Always belief in yourself as you have prepared well and ready to face any challenges or Situations. You will be Victorious.

Interview Preparation.    Preparation is Key and the means to eliminate self-doubt.

·         Prepare by Researching.    Situations and Tasks as suiting the role for which you are Interviewed. Current Events which are shaping the World, India and Your Town.

·         Practicing Answers to Common Questions / General Situations.    Rehearse common interview questions with a friend or family member. This helps you feel more comfortable and confident in your responses. 

·         Plan your Dress & Turnout.   One should be comfortable wearing the dress. Wear with pride and dignity as a reflection of your true personality. Groom yourself to the occasion well in advance.

Relaxation Techniques.   

• Physical Movements.    Stand up, expand your arms, stretch your chest and twist your back, loosen up your legs and you will find a new josh in you. With a fresh mind you are ready to face the interview.
• Deep Breathing.  Practice slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Long breaths provide sufficient oxygen to the body which regains activeness.
• Visualization.  Visualize a successful interview, imagining yourself confidently answering questions and interacting positively with the interviewer. 
• Mindfulness.  Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay grounded in the present moment and manage anxious thoughts. 
• Listen to Calming or Play Motivational Music in your Mind.   Start humming the relaxing or motivating music to help you either relax or fill you with Josh based on your personality before the interview. 

Positive Self-Talk. 

·       Affirmations.   Use positive affirmations to reinforce your self-belief and confidence. 

·       Challenge Negative Thoughts.   When you feel anxious, acknowledge the feeling but don't let it overwhelm you. Remind yourself of your strengths and qualifications. 

·       Focus on Your Strengths.  Remind yourself of your accomplishments and the good memories. Remembering those will regain your confidence to overcome your anxiety and will divert your mind.

·       Reframe Nervous Energy.  Instead of feeling nervous, try to reframe it as excitement for the opportunity. 

Other Tips.

• Enter with a Smile.  A genuine smile can boost your mood and project confidence. 
• Arrive Early.   Allow ample time to get to the interview location, and settle in, which can reduce pre-interview jitters. 
• Stay Hydrated.  Drink a glass of water minutes before the Interview to keep your body and mind functioning optimally. 
• Eat a Nutritious Meal.    Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can cause discomfort. Opt for a light, healthy meal. 
• Take Breaks.   If you feel overwhelmed during the interview, take a moment to pause, collect your thoughts, and breathe. 

·        Talk to others.  One of the best ways to divert your mind is to talk to other candidates in the waiting room. Raise any topic or talk casually other than Interview.

·        Read Something.  The waiting room has some magazines and other reading material which can help you in diverting your mind and reducing anxiety.

Conclusion.   By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce stress and anxiety before and during the interview, thereby increasing your chances of a success. Always remember, a personal interview in SSB is not just about answering the questions, asked by the IO, rather it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your OLQs and your true personality.

Wish you Luck

Jai Hind