Dear Ashwini, I am stuck in the same job for 10 years. I want to move on but I am scared to face an interview panel. I feel like I am not ready. Can you please help?

Ans: Hi,

Thank you for the question. Hope you are doing well.
Feeling nervous about facing an interview is completely normal, especially if you haven't been through the process for a long time. However, it's important to remember that change and growth often require stepping outside of our comfort zones.
Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself and gain confidence for interviews:
1- Reflect on your achievements- Take stock of your accomplishments and skills gained during your 10 years in your current job. Recognize your strengths, areas of expertise, and valuable experiences. This self-reflection will help boost your confidence and provide material to discuss during interviews.
2- Research the job market: Spend time understanding the current job market trends, requirements, and industry expectations. Identify the skills and qualifications that employers are seeking in applicants for the positions you're interested in. This knowledge will help you align your preparation accordingly and help you be interview ready.
3- Brush up on interview techniques: Refresh your knowledge of common interview questions and practice answering them. You can find resources online that provide lists of frequently asked questions. Practice responding to these questions either by yourself, with a friend or family member, or consider engaging with a professional interview coach (as an option). This will again help you get ready for the interview/s. To go one step further you can also ask a friend or a family member to conduct mock interviews with you. This will help you get the experience and become more comfortable with the interview process and improve your responses.
Remember, facing an interview panel can be intimidating, but with adequate preparation, practice, and a positive mindset, you can increase your chances of success. Don't be too hard on yourself if you stumble along the way—it's all part of the learning process. Take the experiences and learnings and move ahead. Good luck with your job search!

Hope this helps. To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident.

Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?