Each month we see your questions surrounding mental health, so our Job Doctors have specially crafted this round of answers for your mental health queries. As always, we look forward to continuing our commitment to helping you with mental health, career or job search advice.
Jobedge also have a series called What's It Like to Work For, an initiative for the Fresh Jobs campaign for Fresh 92.7. Carolyn Mounce, Director at Jobedge, recently welcomed Brad Seaman, Director and Chief Strategy Officer at Hessel Group, to the Fresh studios to answer the questions Adelaide job seekers want to hear most. You can catch the latest episode here on the Jobedge website.
Remember to visit us again in next month for more answers, and if you have a question you'd like to ask, let us know via the form below or visit www.jobedge.com.au/fresh-jobs
Happy job hunting everyone!
How do you calm your nerves before an interview?
Nerves are a response to uncertainty, so let’s start with what’s in your control.
- Do your research. Learn a little about the company so you feel better prepared.
- Arrive early. You'll be more relaxed if you are not running late.
- Confidence comes when you sit upright, smile and look up.
- Take slow, deep breaths. Try this as you wait for the interview. Google box breathing to learn more. It’s been proven to improve performance and beat stress.
And remember, being nervous means, you really want this job. That’s a good thing! An employer is looking for someone who is committed to working with them.
What is a good tip for getting across your words when you feel nervous?
Often when we focus on the thing we don’t want to happen (getting words mixed up or stuttering) it tends to make us even more nervous –which of course makes it happen even more!
Believe us –you are more focused on this than the person you are talking to.
Our key tip is to change your focus. Try one of these:
- Focus on slowing your breathing: It creates a more natural breath and that means speech flows more freely as well.
- Focus on improvement not perfection. Some people who stutter avoid social situations and that can make things worse. Finding opportunities to practice to improve (not get it perfect).
- Focus on being grateful: Gratitude makes the brain filter out the negative and focus on positive thoughts. Be grateful for the opportunity, be grateful for the things in your life.
Do you have any tips to help overcome anxiety about returning to work after a mental health break?
Start by focusing on your reasons for getting back into work? What are the benefits to you? Never lose sight of this as it will help you push through.
When we step out of our comfort zone, our fears can get the better of us and make us anxious. What you are feeling are normal nerves. We’d be worried if you didn’t feel like this!
- Focus on what’s in your control. Anxiety can be a response to uncertainty. It’s easy to worry about things out of your control (will I get the job/will they like me etc.). It helps to focus on what's in your control. (e.g. your application, getting to an interview on time etc.).
- Get support from others. Use a service provider like Jobedge and let others know you want to work. They might even know about jobs that haven’t been advertised.
- Notice your success. Celebrate the small successes you have every day (e.g. today I sent out three applications –it all counts!). Every day gets you closer. Courage and confidence come from action.
- Be kind to yourself. This boosts confidence, motivation, and willpower.
Remember, feeling nervous about returning to work is completely normal. It means you want this.
HOW CAN YOU SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE JOB DOCTORS?
To get your questions to the Job Doctors, just fill out the form below and every fortnight, Dr Pers and Dr Hume will publish their expert advice on the most in-demand topics. So, what are you waiting for? Get access to expert advice that could make a difference in your job search!
MEET THE JOB DOCTORS:
Dr Paul Pers is a GP with 35 years of experience in personal injury and illness management, helping people with their physical and psychological health. At Jobedge, Dr Pers uses his skills and experience as a doctor to help Jobedge staff keep on top of the latest health and wellbeing approaches for people in Adelaide with a disability looking for jobs and career support.
Dr Clive Hume has over three decades’ experience as a GP in metropolitan, rural and remote areas, with a special interest in mental health, emergency and occupational medicine. At Jobedge, he is passionate about helping people to stay positive and healthy by finding work that matches their skills and personality, a belief that he helps to deliver every day for disabled job seekers in Adelaide.
