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- Aug 16, 2004
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I have gotten pretty good at channelling my nervousness into focused calmness. I just posted this calming exercise on the "Tough Interview Questions Thread but I thought more of you could benefit if we exchanged ideas about getting rid of interview nervousness on a new thread.
I first developed this technique at an interview for a research fellowship a couple of years ago. It could be considered a form of meditation.
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Sequoia's Relaxation Method
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(1) Take a deep breath and hold it for the count of 10 then let it out for the count of 10. Repeat 3 more times. By now you are focused on your breathing and not thinking very much.
(2) Continue to breath in a very slow controlled way. With each inhale, imagine that you are breathing in calmness, or focus, or relaxation, or whatever you need at that moment. With each exhale imagine pushing out all your tension, nervousness, fear, etc.
Cycle through the things that are bothering you most, replacing them consciously with the things that you need most. Go through a cycle of four things positive, and four things negative before switching back to step (1) for four more cycles. Go back and forth between the two until you feel relaxed, confident and calm.
Tip: I usually mentally say to myself what I'm exhaling and then what I'm replacing it with.
For example: (Inhale and short hold) Thinking "confidence"....(Exhale and short hold) Thinking "saying umms during interview".
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This works really well for me every time I interview for anything. I'd love to hear how it works for all of you.
Also, please post other suggestions and ideas.
I first developed this technique at an interview for a research fellowship a couple of years ago. It could be considered a form of meditation.
========================================================
Sequoia's Relaxation Method
========================================================
(1) Take a deep breath and hold it for the count of 10 then let it out for the count of 10. Repeat 3 more times. By now you are focused on your breathing and not thinking very much.
(2) Continue to breath in a very slow controlled way. With each inhale, imagine that you are breathing in calmness, or focus, or relaxation, or whatever you need at that moment. With each exhale imagine pushing out all your tension, nervousness, fear, etc.
Cycle through the things that are bothering you most, replacing them consciously with the things that you need most. Go through a cycle of four things positive, and four things negative before switching back to step (1) for four more cycles. Go back and forth between the two until you feel relaxed, confident and calm.
Tip: I usually mentally say to myself what I'm exhaling and then what I'm replacing it with.
For example: (Inhale and short hold) Thinking "confidence"....(Exhale and short hold) Thinking "saying umms during interview".
================================================== =======
This works really well for me every time I interview for anything. I'd love to hear how it works for all of you.
Also, please post other suggestions and ideas.
