Interview Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms and Support

Do you experience overwhelming anxiety at the thought of job interviews? Perhaps your mind goes blank during important questions, or you find yourself losing sleep for days before an interview. Interview anxiety and interview nerves are a common experience that can impact career progression, but with the right support and strategies, you can learn to showcase your true potential with confidence.

What is Interview Anxiety?

Interview anxiety is a specific form of performance anxiety that occurs before and during job interviews. It goes beyond normal pre-interview nervousness to create significant distress that can affect your ability to present yourself effectively. While some nervous energy is natural and can even be helpful, interview anxiety can prevent you from showing your true capabilities.

Signs and Symptoms of Interview Anxiety

Physical Symptoms:

• Racing heart before and during interviews

• Excessive sweating during interviews

• Shaking or trembling hands

• Dry mouth and difficulty speaking

• Sleep disturbances before interviews

• Nausea or stomach problems

• Mind going blank during questions

Behavioural Signs:

• Over-preparing to the point of exhaustion

• Avoiding applying for new positions

• Difficulty maintaining eye contact

• Speaking too quickly or too slowly

• Fidgeting or nervous movements

• Trouble articulating thoughts clearly

• Second-guessing every answer

• Avoiding interviews altogether

• Avoiding career progression

• Calling in sick on interviews

• Trying to do interviews on video-call in stead of in person

• Saying your camera is broken during interviews

Impact on Career Progression

Interview anxiety can affect your professional life in several ways:

Career Impact:

• Missing out on job opportunities

• Settling for positions below your capability

• Reduced career advancement

• Lower salary negotiations

• Limited professional growth

• Decreased professional confidence

Personal Impact:

• Lowered self-esteem

• Increased work-related stress

• Feelings of professional inadequacy

• Reduced career satisfaction

• Financial stress from missed opportunities