By Shea Ki

After your job interview, it is common to start picking apart how you answered the questions and where you think you messed up. Getting your mind off of listening for a call back or a message from the employer can also be a challenge. The next steps you choose can lead to a stronger interview next time or instead keep you stuck.​

It can be tempting to give up on trying to interview for your first job or for a better position. Many find themselves blaming others, cursing the economy, or believing they are not good enough for more. Resist those urges to give up on your dreams.


Do not give in to the false idea that you have to work in a job that kills your spark. ​

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The more you can see where you need to improve without beating yourself up, the faster that first or bigger paycheck will be in your bank account. Use a combination of at least two of these stress reducers to keep your mindset and your future success on track. 

• Keep a job interview log. Write down or use an app in your phone to record three strengths you demonstrated at the interview and two ways you could improve for next time. Use it each time you meet with an employer. After a few interviews, you'll find patterns you may need to work on improving and also see your growth.

• Move over beer, hello hot tub. Instead of a drink, a smoke, a shopping spree, or another vice to unwind the nerves, move yourself towards the gym, a book, or a hot bath to feel at ease again. Practicing a positive habit for stress relief will help your performance improve at the next job interview instead of making things worse.

• No more mental karate-chopping. Stop replaying parts of the job interview you wish you could redo. Over-analysis really does lead to paralysis. Kicking yourself again and again for what you did wrong or could have done better does not lead anyone to success.

• Keeping solo keeps you in slow-mo. Asking others about how we perform can feel scary or awkward. Did you know it is the best way you can shorten the time it will take you to get a job you like? Talk with a friend, career coach, or other supportive person in your corner about your interviewing skills or other career stress. Develop a plan together on how to get to your next best step. Most importantly, determine how you will stay accountable to following it.

You deserve more. It is possible to be in a work place you care about and that cares about you.

Most of all, believe in you.

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Your turn: Tons of research notes that in America most of the workforce is experiencing an unhealthy level of pressure in their job and do not have much work-life balance. What tips do you have to help others move towards a healthier work situation?

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