How to Handle Mental Blocks During an Interview
You finally got called back for that interview you’ve been dreaming of!
You get there, you’re ready, and then they ask you a hard question.
Now you’re staring at the hiring manager and your brain seems to have completely stopped working! Yikes. What you’re experiencing now is a mental block.
A mental block is a dreaded situation that all job hunters try to avoid. The best way to avoid mental blocks is to practice and prepare. But since you can’t prepare for every question, here are some tips to move past it:
- Take a breath and pause- Recollect yourself and take a deep breath. No need to lose control and stress out about the situation.
- Organize your thoughts- Buy yourself some time by asking the interviewer to repeat the question or ask for clarification on the details. Use this time to analyze the question and think through your answer.
- Use the STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result) technique to answer the question- Use this to structure to answer the question while you’re still thinking through the process. The STAR method involves starting with an example, then elaborating on your specific tasks, how you completed the tasks, and the results from your actions. Using this method, you can easily think through the question and visualize the process while you’re answering.
Throughout the process, remember to take time to compose yourself. Don’t answer questions too fast because you’re anxious. Being nervous is normal, you just have to figure out how to remain professional and relaxed no matter what.
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Best wishes,
Deja Tyla Hansen
Founder and CEO
Tyla's Writing Services
Today’s all about you! Tell me… What problem are you having in your career? Is there something you’re struggling with that’s been rather difficult to overcome? Let me offer you a solution or point you in the direction of some resources that may help. Best wishes, Deja Tyla Hansen Founder and CEO Tyla’s Writing Services PS: If you haven’t already, please share our free resume review service with a friend. © 2021 Tyla’s Writing Services
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