Interview Anxiety?

[causticus]

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Hi all,

It's about that time of year again, when interviews are first and foremost on everyone's mind. As such, I thought this would be a good time to talk about a problem I have had with past interviews. Hopefully this will bring up some advice that is relevant to everyone here.

I know everyone gets nervous for interviews, but I seem to have a particularly strong physical reaction to that nervousness (and I am a very anxious personality anyway, which doesn't help!). My anxiety level in the interview is so severe that it interferes with my thoughts and words, to the point I feel like I am not able to adequately express myself. In my first interview, my first sentence literally just came out as noise - I couldn't even form words! I have gotten better with practice and time, but I feel that the progress I have made in four years of applying has been minimal.

I am confident that this is the only thing that is holding me back from acceptance (and have been told as much by adcoms) - my scores and grades are competitive, I have a lot of experience, and vision for what I want to do with my degree. I've tried various things to help me "calm down" for the interview, but I feel that the progress I have made in four years of applying has been minimal.

So far I have tried mock interviews, met with an organizational psychologist, doing things that typically relax me right before the interview...pictured the interviewers in Mickey Mouse hats, etc. This year, on the advice of several vets I have worked for, I am adding hypnotherapy (I know it's ridiculous, but I don't know what else to try at this point) and beta blockers to the mix (musicians take them for stage fright).

I am wondering if anyone here has (or had) a similar problem, and if so, what are some things you did to overcome it?

 

[BlacKAT33]

Wow, and I thought my anxiety was bad. I feel like this amount anxiety is really rare so Im not sure how many people could actually respond with helpful advice. I just have one question, how many times have you done mock interviews?
I also have anxiety problems and unfortunately my work requires that I give many oral presentations. I am still nervous when I do each one, but I have gotten better. I've probably given about 15 presentations in 2 years and I am probably at the point where I can get by on a decent presentation. But I think it will take another 30 before i am a "good" presenter. I think that doing 1-2 mock interviews still won't prepare an extremely anxious person to do well in an interview. It may sound insane, but if I were you I would try doing a TON of interviews. Preferably with people you don't know. Maybe about 20+. I know it sounds ridiculous, but in my opinion that is how many it takes for me to start forming sentences that I want to say lol. I don't know where you work, but i think the best way with trying to get this much practice is to talk to your boss. My boss is friends with a ton of PI's and staff scientists and she would be able to set up fake interviews with people I dont know and have them grill me for 30 min. And each time dress up so it seems real. Sounds hard, but i think once you do many serious ones, it will help you to at least say full sentencse instead of noises coming out! 😀

 

[dgm]

I don't think it's ridiculous at all to try hypnotherapy, it's worth a shot, right? Like BlacKAT said, I'm not sure any of us can offer anything really powerful for you, but maybe you can change the way you think about the interview to make it less of a big deal? Someone told me the day before my interview that "If they're interviewing you, they already know they want you. They just want to meet you and see that you're not a total freak." Don't know if that helps at all, but I found it comforting.

 

[deleted266066]

I know that in my dad's line of profession (human resources exec), they train people by filming mock interviews and then having the interviewee watch themselves on the recorded film afterward. This helps them see what they look like to the interviewer, and maybe notice things that either they didn't realize they do during their more anxious moments (ie: blinking too much, tapping fingers, etc), and also seeing if there are other things that don't look quite as outwardly obvious as the interviewee thought (such as maybe feeling like they must be beet red in the face but actually don't look flushed to others at all).

If you have a camera (or webcam?) you could maybe try filming those mock interviews. Some might say there is a danger that you could notice flaws and then mentally focus too much on them come the real interview, which you wouldn't have noticed without the filming... but I think when feeling extremely anxious to the point you are describing, there isn't much you wouldn't be worried about as it is, so it can only go up from there.

Other than that... practice practice practice! Even with your dog, parent, stranger, whomever. Getting very familiar with the motions could help, even just ever so slightly.

I also find deep breathing helps, but I'm sure you've already been told that technique, along with other ones.

And like others have said, if you got the interview, they are excited to meet you and just want you to show off how awesome you appear to be on paper.

Good luck!

 

[Shanomong]

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[ReadyBeVet]

I also have severe anxiety in these types of situations.

If you can't conquer this enough, consider to applying to schools that don't interview. That way, your application will speak for itself, so you won't have to!

Good Luck, Let us know the outcome of the hypnotherapy. I'd be interested in hearing how it goes!

 

[DVMDream]

Wow. I get nervous during interviews too, but I have come to learn that it is only another person interviewing you. Since both the adcoms and you have the same interests, try to think of it as more of a conversation. Be yourself! Pretend that it is your good friend who is also pre-vet asking those questions and answer it the same exact way as if it really was your friend. I am currently taking a public speaking (my greatest fear) class and I have come to find out that pretending as if you are having a conversation helps a bunch. It makes me a lot less nervous. I will also agree with everyone else, keep practicing the mock interviews. I am interested to see how the hypnotherapy and beta blockers work; so let us know how your interviews go. Good Luck to you. This is your year!

 

[misswhiskers]

You are definitely not alone. I have severe anxiety with one on one interviews and when I have general conversations or discussions in small groups of people. I know it's a horrible characteristic to have for someone wanting to work in the veterinary field. This is a huge problem for me. I immediately flush when I have to start talking (a lot of times even before), and it is very very obvious. Then I'm so worried about how I'm going to react that I don't even listen to what is being asked, so I just try to give quick answers to get the attention off me. I end up sweating like crazy so I have to watch what I wear too. I've tried medications and stuff, but haven't found a good match yet. If I ever get lucky enough to get an interview somewhere this is probably what would destroy me. I have a lot of work to do with myself. Just wanted to let you know there's someone else out there that feels the same so don't worry!

 

[meadow36]

Don't treat it as an interview. Just walk in, introduce yourself to everyone (very important), shake everyone's hand and pretend like you're just having a casual conversation with everyone.

I sometimes find it helpful to throw in a question of my own in-between questions to me - makes me feel like I'm getting to know the interviewers better. Something relevant to the conversation is usually good; or you can ask something general to the student interviewer (if you have one) about the school, etc. Just be careful not to ask to many or make the question too involved. Keep it light and simple.

I also find this is a good way to sort of force a "break" from the questioning; while the person is answering you can take a deep breath, relax, and realize that you're just having a nice conversation with some colleagues.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you!

 

[turnandburn]

Xanax. Seriously.

 

[Crazy Hippos]

You are definitely not alone. I have severe anxiety with one on one interviews and when I have general conversations or discussions in small groups of people. I know it's a horrible characteristic to have for someone wanting to work in the veterinary field. This is a huge problem for me. I immediately flush when I have to start talking (a lot of times even before), and it is very very obvious. Then I'm so worried about how I'm going to react that I don't even listen to what is being asked, so I just try to give quick answers to get the attention off me. I end up sweating like crazy so I have to watch what I wear too. I've tried medications and stuff, but haven't found a good match yet. If I ever get lucky enough to get an interview somewhere this is probably what would destroy me. I have a lot of work to do with myself. Just wanted to let you know there's someone else out there that feels the same so don't worry!

That sounds like me! I've never been one to start up random conversations with strangers (stranger danger! j/k) so having an anxiety-free interview with the committee will be extremely challenging. Since everything else seems to look good, I'm pretty sure that's what will keep me out of vet school too.

 

[Shanomong]

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[meadow36]

Xanax. Seriously.

Yeah, I was going to suggest that too. 🙂

 

[MonieBalonie]

I feel for you. I like to say I Sarah Palin-ed one of my interviews last year. Both schools I interviewed at told me if I'd had a better one I'd be in.

And I hate when people tell me to "just by myself"! It's not the same when I have to quickly think of a super specific personal anecdote for some bizarre behavioral question. Grrr.

Are there organizations out there that offer mock interviews? I don't live near my school anymore. Are you going to try hypnotherapy before your first interview to see how it goes? I'm really curious.

 

[thnythe]

I just try to think that if things are meant to be, they will happen. It sounds like you've done everything to prepare, both academically and for the interview. At a certain point, things are really out of your hands.

If you don't get in, it's not the end of the world and I'm sure there are many options out there. For me at least, this mindset is relaxing in interviews. This and deep breaths.

 

[BlacKAT33]

And I hate when people tell me to "just by myself"! It's not the same when I have to quickly think of a super specific personal anecdote for some bizarre behavioral question. Grrr.
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I agree. If people can say "just be yourself" "have a normal conversation" i don't think they know how extreme our anxiety is. Its just not the same when you are the focus, you dont know the people, and you dont know what will be asked in order to form a proper response quickly. My face also flushes and my heart feels like its beating out of my chest. Even if I haven't spoken yet!! Like when I need to ask a question during a lecture, just thinking "oh i should ask this" in my head makes me turn red and have a drum in my chest.
I know good interviews should be like a conversation, so its good advice, but its just not possible to make it into that by telling myself to act normal. sighh 🙁 Its times like these where i wish i was an extrovert!

 

[dgm]

And I hate when people tell me to "just by myself"! It's not the same when I have to quickly think of a super specific personal anecdote for some bizarre behavioral question. Grrr.

Are there organizations out there that offer mock interviews? I don't live near my school anymore. Are you going to try hypnotherapy before your first interview to see how it goes? I'm really curious.

For the most part, you should be able to have all your key anecdotes prepared before interview day. Go through the lists of common interview questions (I don't remember where I got them from, but I had a huge compilation of questions that I browsed through last year), see what traits those "tell me about a time when..." questions are looking for, and prepare an answer. Oftentimes, the same story could be tailored to answer many different questions, so if you have 3-5 anecdotes fresh in your mind, that could make your life easier.

And I'm not sure about organizations that might offer mock interviews, but if you haven't already, try to get your hands on one of those lists of previous interview questions and start going through them, at least in your head if not with your friends and family.

PS: After all my prep with the anecdotes and stuff, I didn't get asked a single "Tell me about a time when..." story in my interview. It was all much more conversational. Which doesn't help you much unless you're interviewing at Penn, in which case you could probably relax a bit because they don't seem to do the crazy question thing.

 

[causticus]

You are definitely not alone. I have severe anxiety with one on one interviews and when I have general conversations or discussions in small groups of people. I know it's a horrible characteristic to have for someone wanting to work in the veterinary field. This is a huge problem for me. I immediately flush when I have to start talking (a lot of times even before), and it is very very obvious. Then I'm so worried about how I'm going to react that I don't even listen to what is being asked, so I just try to give quick answers to get the attention off me. I end up sweating like crazy so I have to watch what I wear too. I've tried medications and stuff, but haven't found a good match yet. If I ever get lucky enough to get an interview somewhere this is probably what would destroy me. I have a lot of work to do with myself. Just wanted to let you know there's someone else out there that feels the same so don't worry!

Yes, this is exactly it! I blush too whenever there is (or I think there is going to be) attention focused on me. So thinking of it as a conversation doesn't necessarily help, because conversations with strangers make me nervous too (though not nearly to the same extent).

Several people have recommended anti-anxiety meds, but I really hesitate to do this. It's one thing to take beta-blockers for a one-day event, but I don't want to be on anything long-term if I can help it. I've seen too many people on similar drugs, and it absolutely changed who they were - I don't want to risk that.

Shannon, an MD gave me the beta-blockers. I don't think psychologists can write scrips, can they? I am going to go this week to pick them up, then I'll probably try a few "test runs" to work out the timing and dosage. After that, we'll see (the MD said I was "too small" for Valium and was worried that even the 10mg dose of BB's would knock me flat!). I'll try to post an update after the test run.

And for everyone interested in the hypnotherapy - it's not like you see on TV or in movies. There is no pocket watch and no cue words of any kind, it was not at ALL what I expected (though I am relieved that I did not come out clucking like a chicken). And it's not a one-time deal: you do a few sessions, and then they give you a 15min MP3 to listen to on a daily basis for a month. I'm really not sure what I think of it at this point. I don't feel noticeably different after 3ish weeks, but then again I guess it won't really be "tested" until the big day. On the one hand, I've never put much stock in things of this nature...but on the other hand, never underestimate the placebo effect. If all it does is give my brain an "excuse" to relax, it will have been worth it.

Applying to schools that don't interview would probably be my best bet at this point. But if there is one thing MORE important to me than getting into vet school, it is being with my husband, and he is a PhD student at OSU, so that is where I have decided to go. Plus we bought a house this year, so I am here for the long-haul. As a side note, I found out that OSU has DOUBLED the points that the interview is worth this year. 👎 Not cool, OSU.

Thanks to EVERYONE for the great advice!! 😀 I know there's not really a magic bullet that will make this go away, but I'm hoping that all of these little things together will add up and make a difference. Also hoping that this thread has provided some good advice for people who have the same problem that I do - hang in there, we can DO this!! And if there is any way I can repay you guys for all the good advice, please let me know! I am an application veteran by now (four cycles and counting), so I have learned a lot about the process along the way. I also work at the vet school at OSU, so I may be able to help with school-specific questions if anyone else has applied there. Thanks again!

 

[DVMDream]

I agree. If people can say "just be yourself" "have a normal conversation" i don't think they know how extreme our anxiety is. Its just not the same when you are the focus, you dont know the people, and you dont know what will be asked in order to form a proper response quickly. My face also flushes and my heart feels like its beating out of my chest. Even if I haven't spoken yet!! Like when I need to ask a question during a lecture, just thinking "oh i should ask this" in my head makes me turn red and have a drum in my chest.
I know good interviews should be like a conversation, so its good advice, but its just not possible to make it into that by telling myself to act normal. sighh 🙁 Its times like these where i wish i was an extrovert!

You are right. I thought the same things when people told me to "be yourself" and "have a conversation". I am a huge introvert. I try to avoid the spotlight if possible. Whenever I go to an interview or make a speech my voice gets shaky and it sounds like I am going to cry. I am also very soft spoken so people can have a hard time hearing me. After a good minute or so, I manage to think (in my head) calm down, these people do not know you and want to see what you have to offer. I also just think these are my peers/colleagues and share my same interests so I am going to just talk about the subject they give me and state my opinion. I guess better advice would be to practice with mock interviews if you can. Since we ourselves tend to be our hardest critics maybe come up with some questions (or give them a large list of questions so it will be random) and have somebody you know (or don’t know) give you an interview and video tape it. Then, watch the video tape; maybe you will be able to see something that will help you do better. (TheEvilShoe already mentioned this, sounds like it could be a good idea). I used to hate it when people said “just be yourself”, but that seems to be the advice I give now (as you can see above). Try to relax (the best you can), take some deep breaths, and don’t expect to have an answer to a question instantly. Take a couple seconds to think of a good answer. And remember, the adcoms do not expect you to be perfect, and they expect people to be nervous (it is only natural). They were in your shoes at one time and they are not going to kill you if you ask for a few extra seconds to develop a good answer to their question. “Trying to be yourself” is hard when people do not know “you” (and you are incredibly nervous and want everything to work out perfectly), but that is why they are interviewing you. They want to get to know “you” better. They would not have asked you to come if they were not interested. Ok, this ended up being way longer than I expected, but hopefully it can help someone. 👍

P.S. I almost got fired from a job because I was too shy/introverted.😉 So I understand how scary it is and will most certainly feel the same nervousness when I go for my interview.

 

[turnandburn]

From what you wrote it sounds like you might have an anxiety disorder. It's ok, its extremely common. 🙂 I completely know what you're going through, I've been there myself.

The xanax I'm prescribed is not a daily medication, it's only as needed. I hardly ever take it- only before specific situations where I know my anxiety will be out of control (like interviews, flying, etc). It doesn't "change" anything about you, only calms you down to a point where you can manage yourself and perform up to what you know you are capable of, instead of trying to control runaway anxiety.

This really clicked with me, when my doctor said that "people who have anxiety will always have anxiety about taking anti-anxiety medication." It might be worth trying- your future could depend on it! 👍

 

[BlacKAT33]

its glad to know so many other people struggle with this!! thanks for posting all this advice, and i will also take my own advice... keep doin those oral presentations eeeek 😱

DVMdream- YES, i hate when it sounds like im gonna cry!! its like omgg calm downnn people will think ur insane haha. Speaking of this... for one of my LOR's it TOTALLY sounded like i was gonna cry towards the end of my lil speech... "it would be an honor if you would write a letter for me" and i thought to myself even, OMG DONT CRY i could barely get words out cuz my throat was closing up hahaha soooo embarrassing!!! (it didnt help he was a male too) jeez lol luckily, the other 2 LOR's were both my bosses and already acknowledged they would write me one before i had to ask *phew*

 

[Shanomong]

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[Angelo84]

I'm so with you there. I always just hope they'll call on me as soon as I raise my hand before I have time to start the heart palpitations... but most of the time they start before I even raise it and I chicken out 😀



Ugh they have the WORST interviews. I almost cried when my best friend told me about her experience interviewing there last year. I'm not a fan of the 20 questions game aimed at applicants who are already about to pee their pants... it just seems cruel.

I have to disagree with this. When I interviewed my interviewers were really nice and had a sense of humor. I actually enjoyed my OSU interview, yes you are asked lots of questions but it wasn't in a "grilling"style. I had plenty of opportunity to ask my own questions about the school as well.

I think the most important thing to do when interviewing is take a moment after they ask something and think about your answer. It will seem to you like you are taking forever to come up with an answer but you are probably only taking 30s which in completely okay. Also if you answer a different question then they are looking for they will redirect you with another question.

 

[BlacKAT33]

I'm sure it just depends on the person. Different people see things differently. For one person it may feel like they are simply asking conversational questions and for another they feel attacked because they just aren't used to the setting and are nervous. Some people also get stuck on previous questions that they think they may have answered wrong whereas others are able to block it out of their head immediately.

 

[Harumph]

I don't have too much experience with anxiety so I'm just throwing this out there... have you ever tried teaching or tutoring? I used to freeze up a bit when speaking in front of groups, but teaching ESL made it easier for me to think under pressure. I mean, it gives you the same environment of people 'judging' you, so to speak, and of people asking you questions and expecting you to answer quickly and eloquently. But it's in a more casual setting... and it's something you can do on a regular basis without feeling like you're imposing on someone else's time.

Just an idea. I really hope it works out for you, though.

 

[causticus]

Interviews at OSU also depend largely on who you get - my boss interviewed last year, and they paired him up with an interviewer who was more...intense (and made a few people cry!). I had a really tough one last year (same person who wrote those horrible essay questions on the supplemental, if that tells you anything). So it can go both ways, depending on the luck of the draw. And yes, each person is going to interpret the interview differently. For example, I am a very private person, so just having a conversation about myself with a stranger is very difficult for me, no matter how friendly they are! (Also why tutoring is slightly different...I could talk all day about things I know, it's the personal stuff that makes me most uncomfortable. Then there's the intimidation factor: the power/knowledge differential across that interview table is insane!)

I did think of one thing that has helped me...for all you other stress-puppies out there (just tried it in my last two mock interviews, and it really made a difference in how I felt about it). As soon as I sit down, I look for something that will make the other person "human" to me - messy desk, shoe untied, skipped belt loops, maybe they mispronounce a word or there is something in their teeth. It feels kind of awful to deliberately look for flaws in another person, but noticing those flaws makes them seem much less intimidating to me. In one of the mock interviews, a friend's husband was the "interviewer," and was wearing flannel PJ's with fuzzy socks. That totally did it for me. I wish more interviewers would dress this way. 😀

Before I found the beta blockers, I thought of putting a shot of alcohol in a water bottle or something. Has anyone ever tried that? These interviews are so high-stress, it would be interesting to see what percentage of people in our position use some kind of "chemical help." 😉 Also wondering how many people (if any) would view this kind of thing as a form of cheating?

Ah, so many questions. I can stand the waiting period between Dec and March...it's this pre-interview wait that gets me! Thanks again to everyone for the great advice!

 

[Armymutt25A]

I haven't done a vet school interview in a while, but I am under the gun, so to speak, for about 5 minutes every day and have had to be interviewed by people who have seen me in action and want to know why I acted that way. My advice would be to look and sound confident. Have enough material in your head that you can rattle off without having to think too hard about. If I recall correctly, the interview was mostly about me, with a couple of side questions thrown in, like have I seen anything unethical in my vet experience. To this day, that question haunts me. I hadn't seen anything unethical, but felt they were looking for something. Can't remember how I answered it, but I think my lack of confidence resulted in me ending up on the alternate list. I have noticed that when I don't have a prepared answer, or at least something close to one, I get nervous, my heart rate increases, and I start to sweat. Thinking of the correct answer at that point becomes very difficult and the response is usually incomplete, even though I'll think of the correct info about 30 seconds after we've moved on. That's never a good scenario. I guess, Be Prepared is the best advice I can give. Nothing can prepare you for working through your physiological response other than working through it routinely.

 

[Sophie10]

I have the same problems as the rest of you. I considered taking Xanax last year but I was afraid it would make me slow or tired. However, I think slow or tired would have been better than full of adrenaline and scared to death.

I am getting my speech coach from high school to help me with this. I was actually very good at debate in high school thanks to him so hopefully he can help me with this.

Even responding to this thread is making me nervous. I think I also need to get some mock interviews under my belt. I also think that last year I was scared because I felt unprepared.

Also, I have only heard the WORST things about OSU interviews, including my own. I'm sure this doesn't help any of us get over our fears. They were so good at finding my weaknesses and exploiting them. And I think I thought some of their questions (Is it ok to get C's in vet school?) were geared directly towards me (I got Cs in classes that I have now retaken), but were really just general questions. 🙁

 

[david594]

Also, I have only heard the WORST things about OSU interviews, including my own.

My OSU interview was pretty rough. But in hindsight the questions I was asked were all ones I had kind of expected based on reading previous interview feedback.

Why vet med instead of human med. Talk about a current issue. A zoonotic disease. Talk about what you do in your free time to relax. All phrased a little differently to the point that I had to take a second and think about what exactly they were asking me before I started babbling an answer.

Then some ones specific to me. Talk about your low GPA. Talk about one of my supplemental question answers. The GPA question made me really defensive at the time, but looking back I'm really glad they asked it as it gave me a chance to explain my GPA.

 

[Sophie10]

My OSU interview was pretty rough. But in hindsight the questions I was asked were all ones I had kind of expected based on reading previous interview feedback.

Why vet med instead of human med. Talk about a current issue. A zoonotic disease. Talk about what you do in your free time to relax. All phrased a little differently to the point that I had to take a second and think about what exactly they were asking me before I started babbling an answer.

I think you are right about them asking the questions you expect in weird ways. Instead of "Tell me about your experience in clinic X" they said, "You are a RECEPTIONIST at clinic X? You probably don't have much animal handling experience do you?"

I think I need to make sure I'm calm enough to see what they're asking and answer that.

 

[david594]

Yeah, I had one question where they had asked me something about how I handle stress and it was kind of lost on me.

And then I asked them "Oh, you wondering what I do in my free time to relax and enjoy myself?" And it was exactly what they were looking for.

 

[Bantams17]

so I know this thread started for anxiety in the interview, but is anyone who already had their interview even more anxious now?? The more time goes on the more I feel like I blew it... I feel like I just threw out the first thing that came to my mind and that I sounded like I had no idea what I was talking about. Basically, that I portrayed I am unfit to start vet school 🙁 Is anyone else feeling this way??

 

[August24]

Having interviewed people for positions in the past, I have actually seen one person cry. They were sharing a tricky situation with us and in the pressure of the interview, they cried. I didn't hold it against that person, we just gave them a few minutes to get composed and continued.

I would reccomend going for real job or undergrad/grad school interviews. Apply to a fast food chain. retail. the nearest undergrad institution for a major you don't care about and ask for an opportunity to interview. Whatever. This way, the interviewers are REAL. They don't know/won't treat you as a practice. But there's no pressure. You don't want that job/school anyway! But only you know that, and there's no pressure. Intentionally goof off (but be reasonable). It might just get you comfortable with the situation.

If you have time, join a community theater production to become more comfortable with being in the spotlight. Actually GET a retail/fast food/telemarketing job for even a few hours a week. You will be practicing making first impressions and interpersonal communication every day. And get into a routine for each interview-like challenge so it will be more familiar. Good Luck!

 

[bardsle1]

so I know this thread started for anxiety in the interview, but is anyone who already had their interview even more anxious now?? The more time goes on the more I feel like I blew it... I feel like I just threw out the first thing that came to my mind and that I sounded like I had no idea what I was talking about. Basically, that I portrayed I am unfit to start vet school 🙁 Is anyone else feeling this way??

i feel you on that comment.. (i think we are both talking about OSU here) i am starting to reanalyze my answers and the fact that i couldnt answer one of the questions even though i thought i had brushed up on all my current events.. 😡

 

[sofficat]

When I went to my interview I was super nervous on my way to the interview (11 hr drive from FL to AL) and as soon as I got there I really calmed down. I actually surprised myself with how calm I got once I was there.

Also, I didn't read the other posts but I saw someone mentioned anxiety drugs. Ever tried marijuana? Seriously, though, it can do a lot of good for anxiety. Just a thought (guess it also depends on where you live if you want to do it legally or whatever)

 

[dgm]

so I know this thread started for anxiety in the interview, but is anyone who already had their interview even more anxious now?? The more time goes on the more I feel like I blew it... I feel like I just threw out the first thing that came to my mind and that I sounded like I had no idea what I was talking about. Basically, that I portrayed I am unfit to start vet school 🙁 Is anyone else feeling this way??

I was pretty much a wreck after my interview. I really couldn't tell one way or the other how it had gone (although I was pretty sure the one woman hated me, given the kinds of questions she was asking... started with "You have a lot of responsibilities, blah blah blah, and a horse" and I told her I wouldn't be working and would have to sell the horse if I got in and then she said "Oh, and what do you think happens to a lot of unwanted horses?" as a way to bring up slaughter. I didn't mind talking about slaughter but was a little taken aback by the way she got there!) Afterwards I kept analyzing everything and thinking of things I should have said. Thank god they called me that night or I think I would've self-destructed over the weekend. The waiting is awful, because there is nothing more you can do, and you just keep replaying everything. I really hope you hear back soon.

 

[Smashley224]

I am interviewing at OSU on Saturday. This is my 2nd time at trying to get in, and I am just as nervous as ever. I am a naturally anxious person and am dreading it. Whenever I practice at home, I feel like I can string together words that result in a clear, educated point. However, my experience with talking to people tells me that this is all going to fall apart come Saturday. I have given numerous presentations during my undergrad, and each one I worry about for awhile before the day of the actual presentation. I am even nervous when talking on the phone with people, eating in front of people I don't know, and entering a room that already has a few people in it. When it comes to people in general, I am a nervous wreck. As I write this post, my anxiety is rising just thinking about these things.

I know I should probably be on some sort of meds, but I have never gotten around to really finding a psychiatrist and committing to weekly or monthly meetings.

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents worth. Good luck with interviews!

 

[dgm]

The interviews I've done best on in the past have been ones where I had either already convinced myself I wouldn't get the job/acceptance, or where I truly didn't care about getting whatever I was interviewing for. I wonder whether convincing yourself that you won't be getting in this year, but it's a good chance for some face time with some people at the school would help anyone else loosen up a little bit? That was kindof my attitude going into my interview (I was positive I would not get in last year; I really thought I was just going through the motions). It didn't stop me from going nuts AFTER my interview, but it helped keep me calm before and during. Obviously everyone here DOES care, so I doubt that you would take it so far that it actually appeared to your interviewers that you didn't give a crap. Just might help you be more "you".

 

[zeebra44]

When I went to my interview I was super nervous on my way to the interview (11 hr drive from FL to AL) and as soon as I got there I really calmed down. I actually surprised myself with how calm I got once I was there.

Also, I didn't read the other posts but I saw someone mentioned anxiety drugs. Ever tried marijuana? Seriously, though, it can do a lot of good for anxiety. Just a thought (guess it also depends on where you live if you want to do it legally or whatever)

Are you saying we should show up stoned to our interview? Baaad influence!

I think all of the jobs I've interviewed for (and not been hired at) in this horrid economy after graduation gave me good practice for vet school interviews..haha! I dunno, they're just people, and they're there to listen to YOU. Honestly, what other time in your life are you going to have people dedicating a block of their time to truly LISTEN and ask questions about what makes you tick? Never. Pretend you're a celebrity! So, that's how I think of it. It's actually pretty cool.

 

[twelvetigers]

I am a celebritah!

*Z-snap*



Wait, do forums count? 🙄

 

[ginger17317]

I am also terrified in interviews!!! I took a speech class that was amazing and I really did a lot better in front of a class, but I haven't been in an interview since the class - I feel I'm just going to be a blubbering idiot - I know I don't sound like that on the outside, but that's how I feel!

 

[ShelterGirl]

For me, the worst part was waiting outside the interview room. So (and this sounds cheesy, but it totally worked) I pictured all of the people who had been my strongest supporters waiting there with me, telling me I could do it. Coworkers, friends, family - everyone. It helped.

 

[racccjlm]

<-- current state
I have never interviewed for anything and I am soooo nervous

 

[causticus]

Just wanted to update everyone on how things went, with the combination of things I tried. Kind of late for this year, but hopefully it will help out those in the future who have a similar anxiety issue.

👎 Hypnotherapy - I feel like IF this helped me, it did so in a more general sense. Like it helped me keep low-key in the weeks before the interview; it was a good way to relieve stress for 15-30 minutes, BUT on the day off I was as nervous as ever. My heart started racing about two hours before my interview.

👍 Beta Blockers (Propranolol 10mg) - Best. Thing. Ever. This made a HUGE difference. I was able to just have a normal conversation with the interviewers, and I felt completely calm and collected. Also I felt totally like myself, just a calmer version of myself. They aren't centrally acting, so it had no effect on how I behaved or thought - I didn't feel sluggish or "drugged" or anything.

👍 Mock Interviews - being calm was important, but I feel like the practice that these mock interviews gave me was absolutely invaluable. Also they gave me a chance to "try out" different things I wanted to say.

Congrats to all those who rocked their interviews, and best of luck to those who still have interviews ahead!! 😀

 

[Minnerbelle]

Just wanted to update everyone on how things went, with the combination of things I tried. Kind of late for this year, but hopefully it will help out those in the future who have a similar anxiety issue.

👎 Hypnotherapy - I feel like IF this helped me, it did so in a more general sense. Like it helped me keep low-key in the weeks before the interview; it was a good way to relieve stress for 15-30 minutes, BUT on the day off I was as nervous as ever. My heart started racing about two hours before my interview.

👍 Beta Blockers (Propranolol 10mg) - Best. Thing. Ever. This made a HUGE difference. I was able to just have a normal conversation with the interviewers, and I felt completely calm and collected. Also I felt totally like myself, just a calmer version of myself. They aren't centrally acting, so it had no effect on how I behaved or thought - I didn't feel sluggish or "drugged" or anything.

👍 Mock Interviews - being calm was important, but I feel like the practice that these mock interviews gave me was absolutely invaluable. Also they gave me a chance to "try out" different things I wanted to say.

Congrats to all those who rocked their interviews, and best of luck to those who still have interviews ahead!! 😀

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I'm so glad you were able to overcome your anxiety over interviews!

That must be such a relief!

 

[August24]

Great! I'm really glad it worked out! I'm sure your interview was AWESOME and if that was the only thing keeping you back before, I feel a premature congratulations is a pretty safe bet. I'm happy to hear it went well.

 

[MonieBalonie]

Good job Causticus! You give hope to all the anxious masses and nervous nancies

 

[mickeyy]

I actually have generalized anxiety disorder, and I have always had the WORST luck at interviews. I'm also really uncomfortable with the idea of taking meds everyday so I decided not to take them. However, my psychiatrist suggested a beta blocker just for when I know I'll have stressful situations that may bring on an anxiety attack. I used propanolol for my OSU interview, and I really have to say that it worked like a charm!! Propanolol is a beta blocker that's frequently given to performers for stage fright and etc. Like causticus said, I wasn't drowsy at all, and it just prevented my attacks. I did get nervous, but it was nowhere near the amount that I would be nervous usually. I have actually failed most interviews I have ever had in my life, but for OSU, they pretty much offered me a seat right after the interview and called me for the official acceptance the very next day.

I mean... I don't know if it's a placebo effect or whatever, but I strongly recommend beta blockers for those of you who do have anxiety disorder. You do need a Rx for it, so you'd need to see and psychiatrist and confirm that you do need the drug.

Also, the other thing that really helped me was thinking of topics that I wanted to talk about so that I could steer the conversation in that direction (that way they don't have enough time to ask more of the tough questions). I always feel that the more you talk, the less they can talk, and the easier the interview will become.

Good luck to everyone for interviews, and feel free to ask any questions about my anxiety treatments etc!

 

[Smashley224]

Just a quick question to anyone who this applies to: I just started taking Paxil due to anxiety, OCD, etc. that also caused daily headaches. I am worried about any type of weight gain as that is all I hear about this drug in particular. (I do know that most if not all anti-depressants will cause weight gain.) I exercise 4 days/week and watch what I eat very closely. However, I have read of testimonials of pple who have taken this drug and have put on a lot of weight despite good habits (eating and exercise). Any input/ advice/ experiences would be very helpful if anyone feels like sharing. You can also PM me if you would not like to discuss privately. I am just looking here for advice since I figure that most pre-vet/vet students probably have high anxiety.

Thanks!!

 

[flagirl2014]

Several years ago, I was on paxil for about six months. It definitely helped with the anxiety I was going through due to a death in the family. It actually regulated my migraines, so that was nice. As for weight gain/loss, paxil prevented me from losing ANY weight and I would say I gained no more than 2-3 pounds during that period. Also, it significantly decreased my libido, however my husband was very understanding luckily.

Everyone reacts to meds differently. I recommend you give it a tryif your doc is advising you to take it (but give it a month or so to start noticing the effects)...if it helps your anxiety, most people can agree that is worth gaining a few extra pounds or the inabaility to lose weight during that time period. Anxiety sucks! Good luck to you.