Anxious Before an Interview

Interviews are a curious blend of excitement and trepidation, aren’t they? The anticipation of showcasing yourself, your skills, and your worth to an organization can often leave one wrestling with anxiety. I remember one such experience vividly — not because I aced it or made a complete mess of it, but because of the clarity it brought me.

I was sitting in the waiting room, clutching a folder that seemed heavier than it should have been. My heart raced, not out of fear, but because I knew this moment could steer my career in one of two directions: either I would be selected, or I wouldn’t. There was no third possibility, and oddly, this binary outcome brought a strange sense of calm. There’s something liberating about acknowledging the worst-case scenario — it prevents you from overthinking every little detail.

I wasn’t particularly prepared that day, and I don’t mean that proudly. Life had been chaotic, and the days leading up to the interview had slipped by too quickly. But I carried with me something that preparation can’t always guarantee: a clear head. I didn’t have time to obsess over possible questions or to rehearse perfect answers. I simply walked in with what I already knew, trusting that my knowledge and experience would guide me. Sometimes, that’s all we can do — rely on the groundwork we’ve already laid.

Referrals played a big role in this opportunity. Let’s not pretend that the professional world is entirely merit-based. A good word from the right person can open doors that hard work alone might struggle to unlock. But once inside that door, it’s your competence, your confidence, and your ability to connect that matter most. The referral can only get you so far; the rest is up to you.

As I faced the panel, I realized that confidence wasn’t about having all the answers — it was about being comfortable with what I didn’t know. I was asked a few technical questions I couldn’t answer, and instead of fumbling, I admitted it honestly, redirecting the conversation to areas where I excelled. Interviews, after all, are as much about your attitude as your aptitude. The ability to handle pressure, to remain composed, and to adapt to unforeseen challenges is often more impressive than having a textbook-perfect answer.

When the interview ended, I walked out feeling lighter. I wasn’t sure about the outcome, but I was certain that I had given it my best shot under the circumstances. As I waited for the verdict, I reminded myself of a simple truth: if this door didn’t open, there would be others. Rejection, while disheartening, isn’t the end of the road. It’s merely a detour that redirects you to opportunities better suited for you.

Eventually, I got the call — I had made it. But the real victory wasn’t the selection. It was the realization that interviews are not just about landing a job; they’re about discovering yourself. They push you out of your comfort zone, force you to articulate your worth, and often leave you with lessons you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

So, if you ever find yourself anxious before an interview, remember this: whether you’re selected or rejected, the experience will shape you. Walk in with the knowledge you’ve built, the confidence you’ve nurtured, and the understanding that your worth isn’t tied to one single opportunity. Life is full of doors; when one closes, another inevitably opens. And often, the best door is just around the corner.