Dear Elsa,

I have a huge problem with interview nerves. Every one I’ve ever been to has been hijacked by my nerves and I leave cringing at my inability to sell myself. I have never gotten a job from an interview alone and have been lucky to have reached my age without them.

My first job was not something I wanted to do but I was reasonably good at it. It was a friend of my father who got me the foot in the door. I stayed for 14 years and progressed some but only through reorganizations. My second and last job was got thru pure luck, i.e. the person was desperate and so was I. I was informally interviewed at my house too so comfortable in my surroundings. It was a job I really enjoyed luckily but with very poor pay. This was ok at the time as my partner had a good job but now we have split and I need to support myself. I had to move out of the area as I couldn’t afford the rents there so the job had to go too. I’m happy where I am though and have been living off earnings from the proceeds of our joint property but my confidence is shattered and even applying for jobs now turns my stomach.

I’m usually ok when I get to the place but once I’m in that chair I go blank and start stumbling over my words which makes me almost start hyperventilating. This is completely at odds with how I am in social situations where I am generally pretty confident and can talk to anyone. Things are reaching a crucial stage and I really need to find employment soon or I will be in deep trouble financially. I just can’t seem to find a way of combating my nerves. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and keep doing a great job.

Nervous
United States