Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this?

Wherever I work I do well, but I cannot cope with job interviews and have obtained both my last two positions on a 'temp to perm' basis.

I have just had feedback from a recent unsuccessful job interview that although my application was strong (strong enough to make it down to a shortlist of 4 from 53 applicants, my responses in interview were 'vague'.  This is not the first time it has happened and it does not appear to be related to the amount of preparation I do.

My problem is crippling anxiety and panic attacks that hit me every time I have an interview, and the more I want the job, the worse it is.  This time round I had a sleepless night the night before, even with medication and had another panic attack as I was sitting in reception waiting to be called.  The panic attacks give me a 'spaced out' feeling which accounts for the vagueness. I have tried homeopathy and tranquillisers without success and I am now seriously concerned that this problem will inhibit my career progression.

Does anybody have any ideas?

Dolly

I think you are probably focusing on being in the spotlight at an interview and what the interview panel is thinking about you.

By careful preparation and focusing on what you want out of the interview should help and should take away this nervousness you are feeling.

You should consider the questions they may ask you at the interview and can find clues in the job description and person spec.  Questions on initiative, teamworking, planning and interpersonal skills always tend to come up so try and formulate some stock answers to give as responses.

You want to make sure in your preparation that you really want to work for the company you have applied to.  So do your research and have some interesting questions (2 or 3) to ask them at the end.

On the day make sure you arrive in plenty of time and again focus on the questions you may ask and the brilliant answers you will give.  If you are unsure how to find the venue go at the weekend before so you don't make any mistakes.

Dress really well, buy a new outfit if necessary as knowing your image is spot on will help you do your best.

You could consider getting some 1:1 interview coaching the next time a big interview comes up. 

Sandra Beale FCIPD