Job-hunting/Interviews -- Nerves?

[artful dodger]

Does anyone get nervous when it comes to job-hunting and interviews? How do you handle it? I know deep down I am doing the right thing (need better pay, variety of duties, opportunity to advance) but I guess it's that fear of the unknown...am I really doing the right thing? Will I make the right choices? I guess after not having a job for so long is making me cautious. I won't throw my current job away (however much it drives me crazy sometimes) but I don't want to fall under a "grass is always greener" spell, esp. in this dire job market.

[Carina]

If you already have a job, and you're just looking for a better opportunity, YOU are in a position of power.

Go in with that in mind, and you will do well. You WON'T be desperate, so you should be the relaxed one. They have a position to fill, and you can just shine, without worrying about a paycheck.

[artful dodger]

Thanks, Carina.

Here's a more specific question: how does one with a job go to interviews? It's not like I can just call off work. I work in a small office where everyone knows what the other is doing. Of course, I don't want my employer to know I am looking. How have people done this before me? Wouldn't it turn a prospective employer off if I am not available at the drop of a hat for an interview? Wouldn't they prefer to go with someone available? I know this strategy never worked when I was unemployed, the phone never rang for two years and I WAS available at the drop of a hat.

[Carina]

artfuldodger said:

Thanks, Carina.

Here's a more specific question: how does one with a job go to interviews? It's not like I can just call off work. I work in a small office where everyone knows what the other is doing. Of course, I don't want my employer to know I am looking. How have people done this before me? Wouldn't it turn a prospective employer off if I am not available at the drop of a hat for an interview? Wouldn't they prefer to go with someone available? I know this strategy never worked when I was unemployed, the phone never rang for two years and I WAS available at the drop of a hat.

Sorry, can't help you there. I worked for a Fortune 500 company, and I even did job pre-screen interviews over my cubicle phone, and I had a lot of call-in-the-morning sick/vacation time.

Look at your HR policies for time off, and take advantage of them for job interviews without your employer knowing.

[RioDuranie]

I just go in being myself. When they ask questions I answer honestly and tell them what I want out of the job.

[illumination70]

Before I go into the place where the interview is being conducted, I take a couple of deep breaths and prayer helps too.

[toonces]

artful dodger, thanks for posting this question because i'm in the same boat! i've been at my job for 7 years, and it's long overdue for me to go, but something is holding me back and i know it's just plain 'ole fear. sometimes it's just easier to stay stuck than face the unknown! i'm on my own, so there's nobody to help pay the bills/mortgage if a new job doesn't pan out. it's a scary job world out there, but it helps to know i'm not alone in having these feelings. i wish i could give you some great advice, but, alas, i could use some myself!

[artful dodger]

toonces,

I am alone, too. (although I keep telling my cat that since she lives here, too, she needs to get a job. She ignores me.) I can't believe that after only a month of sending out resumes, I have an interview scheduled for Friday. I don't know if I should be happy or not. I just decided this morning that I wanted to wait awhile before leaving my current job b/c as of Jan 1 I have almost four weeks of vacation/personal time. I thought it would come in handy for the tour supposedly happening this summer. I don't know specifics about the job either, other than the shift. I think ultimately the make or break is the medical benefits and the pay. I guess I will go in and see what happens. I need the interview practice anyways.

Feel free to pm me anytime if you need to commiserate!!

[La Princess]

I hate job interviews. I stress so much. I had a job interview yesterday. It was for a job I wanted so bad (public relations at a hospital). I've been trying to get into this hospital for years. They asked all these hypothetical questions. Why can't places ask questions about my skills, education, experience etc? Aren't those more important than what would I do if I saw a coworker coming in late? They asked so many bizarre questions. I wish I could say this was uncommon. Most of my interviews have asked strange questions.

[starry]

For me, I find being prepared helps calm the nerves. Doesn't hurt to do a research on the company or preparing some questions to ask.