There’s no doubt that preparation goes a long way, but here’s what I hear frequently. “I had prepared well, but as soon as I get to the interview, I freeze, I ramble and sometimes go blank”
This might be a common problem but is disastrous. It rips off your confidence and disrupts what can be a fluid conversation. Going blank or fumbling too much can cost you that interview. Most interviewers will fail you in the interview thinking that you went blank because you aren’t prepared enough or because you are making up a lie!
I have been a part of many interviews where we rejected the candidate because he/she went blank or started fumbling. It not only shows you didn’t take the preparation seriously but also shows that you cannot handle pressure and will wilt away.
Here are the top 5 reasons you freeze or fumble during interviews and how you can stop:
1. You are not in the present moment.
Stop wondering; why did I not prepare more, what will happen if I get selected, what will happen if I don’t get selected, how much salary will they offer me, what if this is not what I want to do, etc. The right time to think about all this is before or after, not during the interview. When you are sitting across from the interviewer, your only focus should be – Let’s have this conversation. Be present 100%.
2. Thinking about impressing the interviewer. You will obviously not get a response from your brain if during the interview you ask yourself, “What answer should I give to get brownie points?” During interviews, you must be prepared and be authentic. Crafting responses to best present yourself as per the job role is a part of the pre-work.
3. Not being your authentic self. Remember, the one sitting on the other side of the table is also a human – they connect with authenticity above all. Don’t put on a mask by assuming to be a person they would like to hire. They already like you hence you are there. Hiring managers can see right through any lies. When you don’t know an answer to the question asked, don’t instantly cook up a story and lie. Be honest with your answers.
4. Trying to study the interviewer. Stop. This isn’t your job. Don’t try to read and analyze what the interviewer is thinking or what question they will ask next. Your job is to give the best response that you can. Leave everything else aside. Don’t judge and assume a negative outcome. Focus on your interview.
5. Lack of self-awareness. Nothing gets you more confident than being aware of your strengths. Once you’ve studied the job description, prepare your answers to get the interviewer’s focus on your strengths rather than what you lack for the role. Do your best and put your best foot forward. You are there to sell your skills – so know them at the back of your hand.
As humans, it’s only natural to feel nervous in pressurizing situations, don’t let the nervousness over-power you. If there’s one thing that hiring managers love to see and consider, it is passion. If you can show them that you are passionate about the role, ready to learn more to get the job done, and will bring a lot of value to the table, the job is yours.
I wish you the best in landing that dream job!
