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In this article, we will share with you some valuable strategies to overcome this barrier. Continue reading.
What causes shame during the interview?
The feeling of shame or discomfort during an interview does not come out of nowhere. Several factors contribute to this feeling.
By understanding what they are, we can better deal with the situation and overcome these obstacles. Discover the main ones:
Psychological factors
The human mind is complex, and emotional reactions can often be triggered by triggers that we do not always recognize.
Some people have traumatic past experiences associated with evaluation, rejection, or failure. Additionally, fear of judgment – worrying excessively about what the interviewer will think – can intensify feelings of nervousness.
Imagine a professional who had a bad interview in the past. Even though you have prepared well for the next one, this old episode may come back to you, making you doubt yourself.
Recognizing and working on these emotional triggers is the first step to facing shame head-on.
Situational pressure and expectations
Entering a room, knowing that every gesture and word will be evaluated, is, without a doubt, a pressure situation.
There are hopes at a job interview from the candidate and from the interviewer. The hope of getting the job can turn into fear of rejection, or just pressure to make a good impression.
Therefore, balancing the expectations is necessary, and a piece of paper must be put into the hat that the interview is two-way—equally vital for the candidate and the employer.
Lack of preparation
Often, the source of insecurity is simply a lack of adequate preparation. By not studying the company, their role or not practicing answers, the candidate may feel completely lost.
Imagine being asked about a well-known company project and having no idea what it is about. This could trigger a moment of shame and insecurity, capable of disrupting the rest of the interview.
Remember, preparation is key. Taking time to understand the vacancy and the company can considerably increase confidence during the selection process.
How not to be embarrassed during the interview: see 4 strategies
Overcoming interview embarrassment isn’t just a matter of “being yourself” or “taking a deep breath.” In fact, concrete techniques and strategies are needed that go beyond the obvious.
Let’s discover some effective approaches that can improve your performance in the next interview.
1 – Reframe the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation
The way we perceive interviews can increase or decrease our nervousness.
If we view the interview as an intense interrogation, we are more likely to experience anxiety. However, viewing the interview as a two-way conversation can alleviate this pressure.
Here’s how to do it:
Recognize your value
Recollect that you were welcome to the meeting because the firm tracked down something advantageous in your CV. They need to find out about you, just as you need to look further into them.
Prepare questions
Instead of just preparing to answer questions, prepare to ask some. This turns the interview into a dialogue and not just a monologue. Ask about the company culture, challenges of the role, or what a typical day in the position is like.
Self knowledge
Reflect on experiences and how they formed you as a professional. This will enable you to share experiences and tangible examples that not only impress your interviewer but give you a sense of control over the conversation.
A change in perspective on what an interview really is may make all the difference. Through this process, one can feel more in control and less apprehensive by entering the room as an active participant in a conversation, not as the focus of interrogation.
2 – Use the anchoring technique
Anchoring means associating a specific emotion or sensation with a trigger. It can be a touch, a word or a mental image. This technique is often used in neurolinguistic programming.
How to apply: Remember a time when you felt extremely confident, happy or successful. Relive this sensation and, while you are in this emotional state, discreetly touch, for example, your thumb and index finger together.
Repeat this several times until the gesture is associated with the feeling.
During the interview, use this trigger discreetly to bring back that feeling of confidence.
3 – Apply the mental simulation method
Mental practice, also known as mental rehearsal, is the process of envisioning an occasion well before it occurs, setting up the mind for the genuine circumstance.
Envision you’re going to have the most crucial meeting of your life. You run over each of the answers in your thoughts, yet you don’t simply stop there; instead, you close your eyes and envision yourself coming into the room, with certainty welcoming the questioner, answering questions plainly, and leaving the meeting feeling accomplished.
You are “living” this positive experience in your mind and hence creating a sense of familiarity, which would increase the potential for less anxiety should this actual situation arise.
How to apply: Close your eyes before the interview and visualize the whole process—from arriving at the location to exiting the interview room, feeling successful.
Emphasize moments when you respond with confidence and see positive signals from the interviewer. This not only helps ease anxiety, but also mentally prepares you for possible questions.
4 – Practice and review
Familiarity breeds contempt for fear. One reason people feel nervous or embarrassed is that they fear the unknown or getting caught off guard.
If you know your background, the details in the job you’re applying for, and what the company values and represents, it can boost your confidence manifold.
Here’s how to do it:
Review the CV
Make sure you know every detail of your resume. Be able to talk about any experience, project or skill you have listed.
Study the company
Understand the company’s history, values, culture, and aspirations. This not only demonstrates your curiosity, but also allows you to modify your replies to fit corporate expectations.
Imagine being interviewed by a company which really hammers on ESG. So if you know their environmental, social and governance initiatives and can relate that to some personal or professional experience of yours, this can make one stand out and feel more confident in the conversation.
Embarrassment in the interview could be an obstacle, but as long as the strategies are in place, it could be overcome. Remember that preparation and practice are your best allies, and that each interview is an opportunity to learn and grow.
