Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. In fact, 18% of the population are diagnosed with some type of anxiety disorder, but only one-third of those people affected receive or seek treatment.
As a young adult with an anxiety disorder, I have found the job search particularly taxing. Fortunately, I have been able to find coping mechanisms that help me stay calm. Maybe you will find some of these helpful too.
1. Power pose
When I’m preparing to go on an interview I will strike a power pose (of course I do this in private). It may seem a bit goofy, but it makes me feel confident. While in a power pose I reflect on how I desire the interviewers to perceive me. For those who have never heard of a power pose: imagine you’re a super hero/heroine, and you’ve just rescued the world from impending doom; put your hands on your hips, lift your chin up and puff out your chest while surveying all the people you’ve just saved. Hold that position for around 2 minutes while taking deep breaths. In addition to just feeling awesome, studies show that taking a power pose reduces the level of cortisol, the hormone related to stress, in the blood stream.
2. Research common interview questions
For me, being prepared takes away my nerves. Before I started interviewing I spent time researching popular interview questions that employers ask. Then, using these questions as guidelines, I prepare potential answers so if that question comes up, or a similar question I already have a few talking points in mind. In addition, I write down any questions that I have for the interviewer because an interview isn’t just the interviewer trying to see if you’re a match for their company, you’re feeling out that company to see if it will be a good fit for you too. For popular interview questions click here.
3. Singing in the car
I stumbled across this one, then decided to research it after the fact. On my way to interviews, I was trying, without success, not to dwell on what was coming down the pipe. Then one day I turned up the radio and began to sing along. I found that I felt happier and was able to keep my mind off the upcoming interview. Later, when I went to learn about this I discovered that singing also reduces stress levels and it improves mental alertness (which is definitely important in an interview).
4. Have something small to fidget with
I am fidgety when I get anxious, so I have a small, smooth rock that I keep in my pocket, when I need an external stimulus to calm me down I rub my fingers on the surface of the rock. It keeps me from wringing my hands, picking my nails, biting my lips or tapping my feet, and it is small enough that no one knows I have it.
5. Working out
I am sure that you’ve heard this a million times because I have. I like to go for a hard workout after an interview, it helps me to stop over analyzing everything that happened. Also, it helps me work out those leftover jitters and feel physically and mentally satisfied. Then there is also that whole added benefit of exercise being, you know, good for you.
I hope that one or more of these suggestions can assist you in lowering your pre and post interview anxieties. Interviewing, in general, is nerve wracking, so adding anxiety into the mix doesn’t make it any easier. If you incorporate any of those into your interview prep, I would love to know if it made a difference. Good luck on your interviews!
