I struggle at interviews, could I have a disability?

Question

I do work, but I'm applying for jobs elsewhere, because I work in a toxic environment which is having a negative affect on my mental health.

I've had numerous interviews, but no matter how much I prepare for them, I end up making a fool of myself when i answer interview questions.

I either get tongue-tied and start stuttering, even though I don't normally have a stutter. Only at interviews. Or my mind goes totally blank and I can't answer. Or if I do answer, it comes out all wrong and I sound like a kid talking. 😩

Could this be because I have some sort off disability?

sheikalana · Accepted Answer

No, you just seem anxious and a bit insecure. I used to act that way on my 20s when I was trying to pursue my dream job. I wanted it so bad and used to make it until the final interview rounds but was also constantly doubting myself I used to try to anticipate questions and try to memorize answers which is a big No No. The more natural, calm and confident you look the easier it will be. The best thing I can advise is whatever job you're applying for try your best to show your knowledge, knowledge is power. Make sure you know about the company you're applying for and the job role. You can check on YT videos of what recruiters are looking for. Don't feel discouraged if you don't hear back from the companies you're applying for. Keep going to interviews and try to learn from your mistakes. Ten years later I can say that I made it to the Top and I have a career that only a small number of people have the opportunity to be in but that only happened because I worked on myself and always aspired to be better and improve. Trust me, if I made it anyone else can. Best of luck to you!

serious_miss419 · Accepted Answer

Even if you did have a disability, it just means you’re gonna have to work towards things with extra effort. Also if you don’t want that specific job but you just need a job, then the interview is gonna suck!
Besides, interviews aren’t a natural way to interact. The body language and tones are all weird if you asked me.
Look at it this way, hire your employer. Interview them, do they have your back during a workplace disaster, do they treat staff well?

ProbablyClueless · Accepted Answer

You don't have a disability, you're just getting anxious and psyching yourself out. I recommend taking a supplement called "Ashwagandha." It's a natural supplement that will soak up the extra cortisol in your blood and brain. Cortisol is the fight or flight chemical that your brain uses to survive in stressful situations. Having too much cortisol for long periods of time causes anxiety. The problem you're running into right now is that your body is producing too much cortisol and it's preventing you from being able to take the steps you need to to get out of your stressful situation.

zagor · Accepted Answer

I do the same kind of thing. I had an interview a few months ago for a really good job at Microsoft, quarter mil $ a year and all that, and I totally choked on the initial screening interview, couldn't even remember basic things that I had done many times. Needless to say I got the generic thank-you-for-your-time-but email afterwards.

You probably need to practice interviewing with someone you know, preferably someone who actually interviews candidates as part of their job, and get their feedback. And keep interviewing; you may be able to overcome your panic reaction.

Anonymous · Answer

No. You just need practice and also its probable your interviewing for jobs for which your inexperienced.

Nerves are hard things to manage, and if you know the interview your attending will have questions your unprepared to answer or will need to answer in some way to sway the interviewer your going to be very nervous.

It can help if you apply for both a job thats difficult for you to land, and one you can land easily. It will allow you to understand, when applying for the easy position, that its just getting enough experience and building skills. You don't have to take either job unless your convinced, and applying for a range from easy to get to hard, allows you to increase your confidence generally.

Best of luck.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm going through the same thing. I too work in a toxic work environment and looking to get out because its affecting my mental health as well. I have so far screwed up every interview I have interviewed for because of my nerves. You don't have a disability. It's quite normal to get tongue tied and stutter during interviews especially if you've had little time to prepare for it.

Anonymous · Answer

I do too…. Very bad and I think the same thing… my mind goes blank. I struggled with confidence after that and felt “retarded”…. I struggle a lot with anxiety and self doubt… I think I may have adhd..

There could be some factors that are worth looking into.

I know the painful feeling love.

Even for the most basic jobs.

superchan2011 · Answer

No I don't think you have a disability. I think the nerves just be getting to you. I used to have very bad interview nerves and actually froze up a couple times myself. Maybe you can try to just think of the interview as a conversation with a friend, or better yet just think of the interview as you and a friend practicing. That helped me out quite a bit with my interviews and still use that method to this day.

exitseven · Answer

I have gone on literally dozens of job interviews. Some have gone well, others not so good. The thing they all have in common is that I always come up with a better answer to a question while I am driving home.
You need to prepare first, also come up with a couple of thoughtful questions about the position or the company in general.
Be confident in your prep work and try to relax. Remember, everyone that is interviewing is feeling the same way

Melicermenocermeno · Answer

it is not a disability it is that you have not been taught about how interviews go and how to act during one interview. and yes it is good to leave a job where you do not feel best at especially where the environment is not good. and yes nervousness during interviews are normal

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

It sounds like you’re just nervous. You can practice questions on your own fairly often but maybe you should practice with someone else

Twalli · Answer

Have a list of answers ready. Also before an interview, do the wonder woman pose (feet apart, fists on hips with elbows out) in the mirror. It looks stupid, but it has shown to increase confidence. Also mental disorders do not affect interviews only.

strateguy632 · Answer

not likely. probably no serious problem nor clinical.

boggboss · Answer

No its most likely u do shit under pressure and or have anxiety around it

Booklover_90 · Answer

Of course not. Interviews are nerve wrecking for many people. Have someone do a mock interview with you so that you can practice. 😊

noohair · Answer

I might suggest that you tell people up fromt that you don't interview well. Say that you get flustered because you want the job very much.

JacobJordan · Answer

No you are nervous/anxious. Just make shit up but keep it in the realm of possibility practice beforehand

ChicoFromThe305 · Answer

Nope just a discomfort to face

jahaims · Answer

You are insecure and get nervous

DreamLife7 · Answer

No you're just insecure and dumb

shortster · Answer

Performance anxiety?

In_Trance · Answer

Lol no

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