The job hunt can be brutal even for the most qualified candidate. Spending your days pumping out job applications, filling out the same information over and over again, hoping you get the call for an interview. You dress to impress, boast about your accomplishments, and then you get bad news. And the process repeats. It’s enough to make you tear your hair out. So what happens when you, for any reason, feel yourself getting emotional during a meeting or interview?
It Happens
Though you are navigating professional waters, it’s not uncommon for a job candidate to feel emotional. You may spend 40 hours per week or more in your workplace: it’s important to get the right job. The pressure can be immense, causing some serious emotions to emerge. Interview performance is a huge indicator of whether or not you’re right for the job, and anything that impacts your interview experience can make or break your chance of getting the offer. If you are tearing up or feeling any range of heightened emotions, know that it’s not unusual. Any hiring manager will tell you that it has happened as they interviewed candidates in the past.
Make a Positive Impression
During an interview or throughout the hiring process, the key to success is staying professional. If you start to get emotional, for any reason, take a moment to collect yourself. It can be difficult to decide whether you should address it or just let it go. The best thing you can do is confront the elephant in the room. Ignoring the problem isn’t the solution in this scenario. Give a brief explanation and move on: “Apologies for getting emotional, I’m pretty passionate about my career. I have been, ever since working with a mentor who inspired my transition into graphic design. This is why I’m focused on continuing to learn about my field and expanding my technical abilities.” Try to redirect your message back to your hard skills and experience.
What’s Appropriate?
When it comes to emotions in an interview, stay centered and show that you can maintain control in a professional environment. Fun anecdotes are appropriate – sobbing through tears is not. While it’s necessary to keep a cool head, nobody wants to hire a robot. If you’re dedicated to earning a job, you need to let them see the real you. Hiring managers look for the right fit, which means they truly want to get to know you. The best way to handle your emotions throughout the hiring process is to be relatable, but to keep calm when things get tough.
Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Chicago
With these tips, you can keep yourself in check while appealing to potential employers. Searching for the right position requires balancing your more intense emotions with every application and interview. To take your job search to the next level, talk to the pros at Davis Staffing. We have the insight and resources you need to land the perfect position for your skill set. Contact us today to work with a top staffing agency in Chicago to get the job done!
