How do you best deal with post interview anxiety?

[Anonymous]

How do you best deal with post interview anxiety? Long story short I was hyped up by an old coworker that is high up in the company I interviewed for now, and I don't know if I let the pressure get to me, but aside from I think the interview MOSTLY going well, I gave a couple less than great answers. However the interviewer still lasted the full hour. Still some positive cues following the rough responses on my part.

So I don't know, it could go either way. But this is a big move for me. I will be leaving my home state where all my family is and if it works out it is really bittersweet. I’d be leaving my mom who I have stayed with since my dad died a few years ago, and even though I don’t know what’s going to happen it’s really weighing on me. I feel a bit of sadness and guilt. But this would be a big step into my future which I have been waiting on for so long.

It might all not work out but I guess I just had to get that out and curious about your thoughts. I sent my thank you letter and think it perfectly summarizes my thoughts post interview, shows a slight bit of self awareness where I know I can grow in the position, but still be of great help to the company, so fingers are crossed! 🤞

[madhatters4]

great question...

i think after wards you have to sort of tell yourself 'now it's out of my control'

I think a primary root of anxiety is a sense that we do not have control and the key to getting past that is accepting that it is (and many things) our out of our control. accept that you've done your best and that is all you can do but now the process is out of your hands

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I didn't know that was a thing. I always feel like a major weight has been lifted off me after an interview.

[CherryLove007]

I remind myself that life is not fair and I continue onward and forward. The place you belong is where your soul gives you breadcrumbs and you follow the crumbs.

[Nikki1989]

Anxiety thrives in a void. If you aren't busy, your brain will fill that space with worst-case scenarios.

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

A few things I’ve learned over 20+ years coaching candidates:

1. Interviews almost always feel worse from your side. One or two clumsy answers rarely sink a strong overall performance, especially if the interview ran full length and stayed positive.

2. Control what you can now:
• You already sent a thoughtful thank‑you. Good.
• Set a “worry appointment” (10–15 minutes/day) to think about it, then redirect to something active: exercise, learning, hobbies, next applications.

3. On guilt about moving: loving your mom and building your own life can both be true. Before anything is decided, talk with her:
• Share the opportunity and your mixed emotions.
• Ask how she feels and what support structures you can plan together if you move (regular visits, video calls, maybe siblings/friends nearby).

4. Reframe the outcome:
• If you get it, you’ll have gained a huge step and can plan carefully with your mom.
• If you don’t, you’ve still gained interviewing skill, clarity about what you want, and a champion inside that company.

Finally, give yourself credit: you pursued a big opportunity despite fear, honored your dad’s memory by moving forward, and stayed considerate of your mom. That’s exactly the kind of character employers look for.

[exitseven]

I used to ve worried that I would not get the job of a few times after visiting the place I would be worried that I would get the job. I used to tell myself that this is not anything new. I have changed jobs before and always landed in a better place

[Zack-Bann]

I remind myself that spilled milk is nothing to cry over
Since the interview is done there nothing left to do to change the past
So anxiety is a waste of time

[Asker]

It’s true. I just wish I could have a couple of questions back. I know the material. I just don’t use it much in my past experience. Just didn’t come to me very well. That’s the most frustrating part.

[Zack-Bann]

Tell yourself that the questions you missed are a part of the story
That no matter how well you prepare there was going to be at least one or two answers you couldn’t think of on the spot. It’s an acceptable margin of error in a way