The Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Response: How to Succeed in a Nervous Job Interview
The Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Response: How to Succeed in a Nervous Job Interview
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking for even the most confident individuals. When we are faced with a stressful situation, our body instinctively triggers a "fight or flight" response. This response, also known as the "freeze, flight, fight, and fawn" response, prepares us to deal with perceived danger by either fighting, running away, freezing, or adapting to our environment.
The freeze response occurs when we feel overwhelmed and unable to react. We may feel paralyzed, both physically and mentally, and unable to make decisions or respond to questions.
The flight response is when we try to escape the situation, either physically or mentally. We may feel the urge to leave the room, or we may find ourselves zoning out and losing focus.
The fight response is when we become confrontational or aggressive. We may become argumentative or defensive, which can harm our chances of landing the job.
Finally, the fawn response is when we try to appease and gain approval from the interviewer. We may suppress our own needs and opinions in order to fit in and please the interviewer.
To succeed in a nervous job interview, it's important to understand and manage our natural stress response.
Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Prepare: The more familiar you are with the job and the company, the more confident you will feel in the interview. Research the company and the job position, and be ready to talk about your relevant skills and experience.
Breathe: Take deep breaths and focus on your breathing. This will help you calm down and regulate your heart rate.
Body language: Stand up straight and make eye contact. Confidence starts from the inside out, and good posture and eye contact can help you feel more confident.
Speak positively: Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and avoid negative self-talk. This will help you project a positive and confident image.
Ask questions: Show your interest in the job by asking questions about the company and the position. This will also give you a chance to learn more about the company and to impress the interviewer with your knowledge.
Follow up: After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This shows that you are professional and that you appreciate their time.
It is natural to feel nervous during a job interview, but it's important to manage your stress response in order to succeed. By preparing, breathing, focusing on your body language, speaking positively, asking questions, and following up, you can impress the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.
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