The Power of Positive Thinking for Job Interview Success

There’s a sea of literature out there about positive thinking and why we should embrace it as a way of life. For the believers, they see it as the reason for their successes in life, whether in small wins (getting a parking spot) or the big ones (nailing a job interview that got them their dream job).

However, while the practice of positive thinking is meant as a constructive approach towards managing our daily problems, it’s important to highlight that positive thinking doesn’t mean suppressing all negative thought and emotion. Instead, it should be interpreted as a practice of mindfulness.

Being in-sync with our mind and body will give us heightened awareness of our thoughts and feelings, which will in turn allow us to manage them much more effectively. When we live in denial of our negative thoughts and emotions, we are effectively suppressing those fears and insecurities without solving the problem. It’s therefore important to acknowledge the negativity we’re feeling in order to confront the problem(s) head-on.

Contrary to the misconception that positive thinking solves problems, it’s actually the other way round. It’s how we handle our problems that determine our state of mind. Suppressing our fears will only make them worse in the long-run.

The same principle applies to interview preparation and getting into the right headspace for an upcoming job interview. It’s natural to feel anxious and worried about the interview, especially if it’s a job you really want. But instead of forcing yourself to think positive, i.e. denying your fears and anxieties, a better way is to reflect on those negative emotions and focus on facts and truths that double as positive affirmations of your strengths and attributes.

How? We’re glad you asked.

Here are five typical scenarios during the run-up to job interviews and useful mantras for each to help you manage those butterflies:

Scenario 1: When you’re haunted by the fear of making a fool of yourself at the job interview

Mantra: (ask yourself) What’s the worst that could happen?

Though slightly unconventional, a mantra in the form of a question keeps you grounded while reminding you to focus on what’s important. By asking yourself, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ you’ll realise that the worst possible outcome won’t be the end of the world. It always seems much worse in your head than it actually is.

Scenario 2: When your insecurities make you doubt your chance of success

Mantra: I am good enough.

Perhaps the most common source of negativity most of us carry within is simply self-doubt. Not a single person is immune from self-doubt, no matter how successful or experienced he or she is. If you find yourself thinking that you’re not good enough to get the job, think about all your accomplishments over the years and remind yourself that you’ve made it this far. You are good enough.

Scenario 3: If the idea of being judged at the job interview makes you anxious

Mantra: I am proud of who I am.

If the prospect of being judged at the interview makes you nervous, focus on the principles and values you stand for, and be proud of them. Say the mantra out loud: I am proud of who I am. You are an individual with unique perspectives and insights to offer. Remember that.

Scenario 4: You can’t shake off the nagging feeling that you won’t get the job

Mantra: I deserve to be successful

It’s quite natural for our brain to anticipate failure – it helps soften the blow when it eventually happens. The problem with this however, is the fact that negative thoughts can also be self-fulfilling prophecies. If we keep dwelling on the prospect of not getting the job, it will be reflected in our posture and energy level on the day of the interview, which can in turn lead to a lackluster interview performance.

So instead of allowing it to fester, turn it around by telling yourself that you deserve to be successful. Focus on the positive contributions you make in your daily life and allow yourself to feel good about them.

Scenario 5: The fear of not being able to answer interview questions intelligently

Mantra: I am an individual with my own mind.

Remember that you’re an individual with your own views and opinions that define who you are. Who’s to say what the interviewer will perceive as ‘intelligent answers?’ What’s important is for you to stay true to your beliefs and values, and express your views in a clear and articulate manner. So the next time you start stressing about this, repeat this mantra to yourself three times and take a deep breath. You’ll feel much better!

Getting into the right mindset for a job interview can be difficult if you’re struggling with insecurities and self-doubt. That’s where mindfulness makes a world of difference. If you need a hand getting started, check out this useful app for guided meditation and mindfulness.

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