[Misery Business]

I just received a call from the application I handed in at the Movie Theater for the Summer Job . This is not only the first ever job I have ever had , but for someone who suffers very bad from Social Anxiety this scares me a lot. I not only don't know what an interview is all about I just feel like I might have a panic attack in the middle of it or not even able to handle it at all. The interview is set up for Monday afternoon and I am having my Mom go with me. I mean take me but not go in the interview with me. I just know leading up to the interview I am going to be a mess because I already am and the phone call only came an hour ago,

[Poiuytl]

Oh no! Don't even think about it! There will be no panic attacks! I know you will be just sweet and friendly, and the first thing you can say in that interview is "I'm nervous, this is my first interview ever", and that will totally break the ice. And if not, then that would be the wrong job anyway. Right now you should relax and let your fear be your fear. Don't try to suppress it, so it will not build up and become panic. You're nervous and that's normal, and the best thing is to limit your expectations. Maybe it will all go perfect, maybe not. It is definitely worth trying. You will grow from the experience in any case.

[Misery Business]

Thank You so much for those words. I just still feel like I want to throw up.

[Poiuytl]

Throw up, if it makes you feel relaxed. But not too often. Much better to rub your stomach and watch something or listen to your favourite music. As I said, the most important thing for you is telling yourself that doing it at all is already a giant step. A perfect interview can happen, but must not happen.

Oh, and when it's about what to expect - I think you will find out only when you sit there. Be friendly - that's very important. And if you're shy or nervous, admit it. It's much better than panicking or freezing. Dress in something that makes you feel comfortable. And try to remember to look the interviewer in the eye a lot. That's always a good thing to remember.

[Misery Business]

Originally Posted by Poiuytl

Throw up, if it makes you feel relaxed. But not too often. Much better to rub your stomach and watch something or listen to your favourite music. As I said, the most important thing for you is telling yourself that doing it at all is already a giant step. A perfect interview can happen, but must not happen.

Oh, and when it's about what to expect - I think you will find out only when you sit there. Be friendly - that's very important. And if you're shy or nervous, admit it. It's much better than panicking or freezing. Dress in something that makes you feel comfortable. And try to remember to look the interviewer in the eye a lot. That's always a good thing to remember.

Thanks so much. I will try and remember to tell the interviewer that I am nervous and this is my first ever interview and job I am going for. I am just afraid that my anxiety is going to take over so much that I am going to clam up so much I am going to forget what to say. I know it sounds stupid because it is just a silly Movie Theater job and all these other members here are talking about important jobs.

[Poiuytl]

Originally Posted by Misery Business

Thanks so much. I will try and remember to tell the interviewer that I am nervous and this is my first ever interview and job I am going for. I am just afraid that my anxiety is going to take over so much that I am going to clam up so much I am going to forget what to say. I know it sounds stupid because it is just a silly Movie Theater job and all these other members here are talking about important jobs.

Don't worry. You're not required to deliver speeches. So you can just forget about what you wanted to say and listen to the questions. Try to not become absent-minded. That's another good reason to look the other person in the eye. It connects, and you stay alert and awake.

[hvert]

Congrats on the interview! At least it's right around the corner so you don't have to dread it for too long It won't be as bad as you think. They just want to meet you and get to know you a little. There aren't going to be a lot of right or wrong answers. I have spaced out in interviews and forgotten the question or not been able to come up with an answer. It doesn't matter, it's just a conversation. Do you have any techniques you use to calm yourself down when you get nervous, like focusing on your breath or something?

[WishfulThinker66]

Rehearse the interview!

Write down a list of likely questions. Write down some answers to these questions accompanied with some examples. Have someone then ask you these questions and you can practise answering them.

This is what they are looking for... They want you to demonstrate that you can think on your feet, are a self-starter, a problem solver, and possess a strong work ethic. As this is likely a part-time position they will be looking for someone with a flexible availability. They want someone that is trainable. Most of all, they want someone with excellent interpersonal skills - someone who possesses strong social and communication skills.

It would do you well to consider an example you can provide for each of these characteristics.

Finally, during the interview it is perfectly okay to be nervous. I usually thank the person interviewing me first off, let them know I am nervous,and acknowledge that they probably are too. Try to stick to the questions being asked and refrain from rambling. You need not have experience. What they want to know is that you are trainable and willing to make a serious commitment.

Very good luck to you.

[Misery Business]

Thank You everyone. I do like deep breathing exercises that help me calm down and that has helped me this past day . I have also spoke with my Mom and Dad and they told me some things that the interviewer may ask so I now have some idea what they are looking for. My Mom also suggested that today we run through a "Mock" interview together before tomorrow.

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by Misery Business

I just received a call from the application I handed in at the Movie Theater for the Summer Job . This is not only the first ever job I have ever had , but for someone who suffers very bad from Social Anxiety this scares me a lot. I not only don't know what an interview is all about I just feel like I might have a panic attack in the middle of it or not even able to handle it at all. The interview is set up for Monday afternoon and I am having my Mom go with me. I mean take me but not go in the interview with me. I just know leading up to the interview I am going to be a mess because I already am and the phone call only came an hour ago,

Hey Misery Business!

I think the interview will go easier and you'll have less anxiety if you practice beforehand what kind of questions and answers you'll get and give.

Practice answering basic interview questions:

https://www.monster.com/career-advic...view-questions

Some of these will be irrelevant (the ones farther down on the list), but they are all good to practice having an answer for. ALSO, no harm in printing this list and writing out answers and bringing them with you so you can refer to your notes. I do this all the time with interviews so I remember what it is I want to say and what questions I want to ask.

Plus, having a little notebook with your notes, and showing them you make some notes during the interview shows them you're serious about getting the job and being a good employee.

Take deep breaths. If you need to take a minute during the interview to take a deep breath and calm yourself, it's okay to do that.

I find that if I draw a blank on a question, I sometimes start by saying "that's a really great question..." because just saying that will give me long enough to think of something to say. "That's a really great question and I've been thinking about it a lot." Gives me enough time to think of a response.

Make sure to thank them at the close of the interview, shake their hand, and send a thank you note (preferably hand written) afterwards.

Hope this helps!

Seesaw

[Misery Business]

Thank You seesaw. You are all so amazing. When I posted this I felt kind of silly because a lot of members were posting about jobs that were career jobs they were looking to get and mine is just a job at a Movie Theater, but here you all are answering my question and caring like I was interviewing for a high business job. I really appreciate that. Sometimes I feel like I don't match up to any of you because I am just an annoying kid, but you all treat me like a friend and that makes me feel really good. Thank You all.

[happysobercrafter]

How are you doing today, babes? How is this going for you? I love that your parents are so supportive!

Misery Business don't feel guilty for posting about your interview anxiety! That's totally normal. We all get that -- at every age! What's scary about interviews is that a complete stranger is asking you to present your "best" self to them in a short period of time. So, it's normal to feel vulnerable, like, this person is going to judge you. But that's not it at all. They only want to know if you are someone they can depend on to do the job.

I think doing mock interviews with your supportive parents is awesome. It will relax you and prepare you ahead of time so that you can go into that interview feeling like your confident self! You will have a lot of fun working at the movie theater plus the perks of free movies isn't too bad! I bet you'll meet new friends there too!

Let us know how your interview goes dear! We're all rooting for you!

[Misery Business]

I am actually doing a little better today after all the supportive messages here and talking with my parents about it.

My Mom and I are preparing for doing a "Mock" interview sometime after dinner tonight so I really think That is going to help as well. I have also been coloring a lot today which is something I do that relaxes me a lot. Free Movies would be awesome.

[happysobercrafter]

Excellent!! I am happy for you!! xoxox

[rechu]

I agree with the others that doing some practice interviews with your parents will help prepare you and you should feel more comfortable in the interview. I hope it goes well!

[Misery Business]

Originally Posted by rechu

I agree with the others that doing some practice interviews with your parents will help prepare you and you should feel more comfortable in the interview. I hope it goes well!

The "Mock" Interview I did with my Mom yesterday did help and even though I am still really nervous today before I go to the real interview I do feel better prepared for it.

[WishfulThinker66]

Originally Posted by Misery Business

Thank You seesaw. You are all so amazing. When I posted this I felt kind of silly because a lot of members were posting about jobs that were career jobs they were looking to get and mine is just a job at a Movie Theater, but here you all are answering my question and caring like I was interviewing for a high business job. I really appreciate that. Sometimes I feel like I don't match up to any of you because I am just an annoying kid, but you all treat me like a friend and that makes me feel really good. Thank You all.

Please don't feel silly - every job interview is just as important and just as difficult as the other. I am proud of you for getting this far. That is a big deal. It means they saw something in you already that is worth pursuing. It means to they already have some confidence invested in you. Run with that.

Regardless of what happens, you will have gained some experience to your advantage. So it is cool what happens either way.

I think we all can say we are proud of you and rooting that things go well.

The best of luck then!

As for keeping your cool during the process. It really helps if you have something to hold onto. Practise some mindfulness - how do your feet feel against the floor? Sense the feeling of that pressure on the floor from your feet to your hips and above to your head. How does it feel touching that object you are holding onto? What are the surroundings like about you. Is there anything you can find comfort in.

Answer the questions, provide examples as needed, and try not to ramble. While they will be looking for how quick you think on your feet that is not the deal breaker so take a little time to breathe and gather your wits about you between questions. This will demonstrate some confidence.

[Misery Business]

Originally Posted by WishfulThinker66

Please don't feel silly - every job interview is just as important and just as difficult as the other. I am proud of you for getting this far. That is a big deal. It means they saw something in you already that is worth pursuing. It means to they already have some confidence invested in you. Run with that.

Regardless of what happens, you will have gained some experience to your advantage. So it is cool what happens either way.

I think we all can say we are proud of you and rooting that things go well.

The best of luck then!

As for keeping your cool during the process. It really helps if you have something to hold onto. Practise some mindfulness - how do your feet feel against the floor? Sense the feeling of that pressure on the floor from your feet to your hips and above to your head. How does it feel touching that object you are holding onto? What are the surroundings like about you. Is there anything you can find comfort in.

Answer the questions, provide examples as needed, and try not to ramble. While they will be looking for how quick you think on your feet that is not the deal breaker so take a little time to breathe and gather your wits about you between questions. This will demonstrate some confidence.

Thank You so much. The advice I have gotten here has helped me over the past few days. Although I am still nervous I do feel a bit more confident about the interview. It is approaching and I am not feeling totally sick so that is a really good thing. I will let you all know how it turns out.

[Misery Business]

Deep breath and I am off to my interview.

[Misery Business]

Update: The interview is over and I am still here to talk about it.

First, I really want to thank everyone who was thinking of me during this process as that really made a difference and also all the advice given to me. I was nervous, but the interview really wasn't that bad at all. The questions that she asked were actually pretty simple to answer like what days I would be available and would I be available to work at least one weekend day. Another question was what type of skills do I think I am good at and others I think I am not so good at. She then went on to explain what the job would be and ask if that sounded like something I would enjoy doing. The best thing of the interview is the first thing she told me to do is to take a deep breath as this interview was going to be really relaxed. That made me feel really good. Most everyone in my town unless they weren't born or lived under a rock know who I am and know the circumstance I went through without the details and I am almost 100% sure this lady did as well so she made sure I was completely relaxed. Afterward the interview I feel pretty good at the outcome of it and now just have to wait till Friday to see if I got the job or not. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

[happysobercrafter]

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Look at you!!! Overcoming your fears!!! Fabulous!! She sounds like a nice lady!!

Congrats on acing that interview, Misery Business! Having grown up in a small town myself, I know how self-conscious you must have felt b/c I also felt that way growing up when literally everyone knows everyone else's personal business (small town gossip)

But...don't let that deter you. Ever.

So proud of you for going through with the interview! Sounds like it was a success! I bet you'll have a job offer by the end of the week!

[Misery Business]

Originally Posted by HappyCrafter

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Look at you!!! Overcoming your fears!!! Fabulous!! She sounds like a nice lady!!

Thank You so much. This has given me so much insight actually. All of you have helped me so much as have my parents and my 2 close friends. Am I holding myself back.
I have had some time since I have been out of the abuse and trauma and have been in therapy since. I have come along way and I am not saying I am cured in anyway at all, but am I holding myself back though. Last Fall I was in a similar situation as today was I overcame a huge hurdle in my therapy in going back to Public School and I survived. Today, I overcame my fear of this interview with a total stranger and I am still here to talk about it. Now, if I get this Summer job that will be another huge hurdle in my therapy and a fear that I will overcome. I am beginning to think my T is correct and for me to really move forward I need to challenge myself and and don't hold myself back. I watch my peers and classmates and my friends who have asked me to go to dances, parties, go out for the Soccer team only for me to decline because of my fears. I don't know if I should challenge myself or not. It looks like I have a lot to talk to my T with tomorrow in my session.

[Misery Business]

Originally Posted by StreetcarBlanche

Congrats on acing that interview, Misery Business! Having grown up in a small town myself, I know how self-conscious you must have felt b/c I also felt that way growing up when literally everyone knows everyone else's personal business (small town gossip)

But...don't let that deter you. Ever.

So proud of you for going through with the interview! Sounds like it was a success! I bet you'll have a job offer by the end of the week!

Hi, it really isn't that everyone knows everyone else's business in my town, it is just that my situation was kind of a local profile situation while it was happening so it was known by just about everyone in the area that I live. Not only my town. It has died down in the area overtime since I have been rescued and am now home, but most people at least in my immediate town still know who I am and what happened to me.

Thank You so very much.