So, you’ve landed an interview for your dream job. Congratulations!
Now comes the hard part: making a great first impression. You want to be confident and poised, but what happens if you suddenly go blank when the interviewer asks you a question?
Well, there are a few things you can do. In this article, we will give you some tips for dealing with mind blank during a job interview. We will also show you how to recover if you do end up saying something silly.
Take a deep breath
Before you even walk into the interview room, take a few deep breaths and center yourself. This will help you to relax and focus on what’s ahead.
When you’re actually in the interview, if you find yourself faced with a mind blank, don’t panic. Just take a few seconds to calm yourself down and gather your thoughts. The interviewer isn’t going to judge you for not having all the answers—that’s not what interviews are all about.
Collect your thoughts
When you feel your mind go blank, take a step back and collect your thoughts. You might also want to ask for a few moments to gather your views before answering any further questions.
Remain calm and avoid panicking. Remind yourself that you’re prepared for this interview and you have the skills and experience to get the job done. What matters is that you show that you’re capable of thinking on your feet and that you’re keen on the position. So whatever you do, don’t give up or start fidgeting nervously.
Practice ahead of time
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If you’re familiar with the questions that are going to be asked, you won’t feel so caught off guard.
And even if you can’t predict the questions that will be asked, you can still prepare by practicing your responses to common interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and less likely to experience mind blank during your interview.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t underestimate the power of preparation. It could be the difference between landing your dream job and walking away empty-handed.
Speak slowly and confidently
The fear of being faced with a state of mind where you can’t think of anything to say is a common fear and one that can cause a lot of anxiety in the run-up to a job interview.
But don’t worry, because there are some things you can do to help you deal with it. One is to speak slowly and confidently. This will help to put you at ease and show your interviewer that you’re in control. As long as you are capable of speaking articulately about yourself and your skills, you’re safe.
Next, make sure you do your research in advance. Familiarize yourself with the company and the role you’re interviewing for so that you have some talking points ready.
How to follow up after an interview
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As mentioned earlier, mind blank is a common problem, and chances are, the interviewer has seen it before. Instead of worrying unnecessarily, follow up with the interviewer as soon as possible.
Thank them for their time, and let them know that you’re interested in the position. Reassure them that you’re confident you can ace the position if given the opportunity.
Most people feel some level of anxiety when put in a high-pressure situation like a job interview. Remember that the interviewer is human too, and they likely understand that things can go wrong sometimes. But on your end, prepare as much as possible beforehand. This will reduce the amount of stress you feel and give you more confidence going into the interview. Also, make a list of potential questions and practice answering them aloud. This will get you feeling comfortable with the answers and keep your mind from going blank. On your interview day, all that’s left is to give your 100%.