Professional with Aspergers, Staying Calm in Job Interviews

Therapy & Coaching for Asperger's, Autism, ADHD

Patricia Robinson, MS, MA, MFT

Job Interviews - Tips For How to Stay Calm

By: Patricia Robinson, MS, MA, MFT

The economy is pretty shaky right now, and many businesses are making some changes. The result of all this uncertainty: some readers might be facing a job interview. Here's how to stay calm and relax to make your best impression.

Relax in Advance!
But, how do you relax for something so important - and so nerve-wracking? It's important to give this question a bit of thought so you can prepare ahead of the big event. We're going to set up a relaxing "space" now, before the interview, so you can use it during the interview.

Take a Breath
Seriously, right now, as you read this, take a deep breath. Breathing is a way to calm yourself, move your chattering thoughts into the grounding influence of your body, and exist in the present moment. The more you can get into the habit of taking a deep, conscious breath, the more your body will connect it with slowing down and relaxing. Practicing a deep breath in a safe, calm environment before the interview will help you access those same feelings when you repeat the breath during your interview.

Talk to Yourself, Kindly Please
When you try this breathing technique, it can be helpful to think a soothing phrase in your mind, something like, "It's OK.", "You're fine.", or, "You can do this." Avoid negative statements like, "Don't worry." because they can be too easily confused with "Worry." Keep the phrase short, positive and silent!

Practice Breathing
As you think about and prepare for your interview, continue to practice the breathing technique. If you get stressed about what might go wrong, take a breath, "It's OK." If you remember any things that went wrong in past interviews, take a breath, calm yourself, and then figure out the lesson of that situation.

Breathe During the Interview
Sounds obvious doesn't it? But I'm talking about a deliberate, calming breath here. Your future employer expects you to breathe, so this technique is something you can use during the interview. As you walk into the interview room, take a breath. If you have a break during the interview, remember to take a breath. Tough question? Take a breath while you prepare your answer. It may feel like a long time, but the pause will seem much shorter to the interviewer. And, you'll give a much better answer with a second to think.

© Patricia Robinson, MS, MA, MFT

Patricia Robinson, MS, MA, MFT, Coach for Asperger’s, coaches adults and teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders, helping them reach their personal and professional goals. She is also a licensed therapist in San Ramon, California. She has an MA in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University as well as Engineering degrees from MIT. Please check out her her blog, Coach for Asperger's at http://blog.patriciarobinsonmft.com/coach_for_aspergers/

Permissions:

Please feel free to use or reprint this article, as long as you include:

By Patricia Robinson, MS, MA, MFT

© Patricia Robinson, MS, MA, MFT

My biographical information, including my website.

Get a PDF file of Job Interviews - Tips For How to Stay Calm

Return to Articles about Asperger's, Autism and ADHD.

Patricia Robinson, MFT (925) 915-0924
patricia@patriciarobinsonmft.com
Offices in Danville and San Ramon, California

2500 Old Crow Canyon Road, Suite 218, San Ramon, California 94583

On Tuesdays: 125 Ryan Industrial Court, Suite 114, San Ramon, California 94583

Material on this website is for informational and/or educational purposes only and is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional services. Use of this website does not establish a therapeutic relationship.