Struggling with Interviews After 12 Years in HR: How Can I Boost My Confidence?

Seeking Advice on Interview Preparation

After having 12 years of experience in several areas like HR, IR, and ADMIN, I am unable to face interviews. I am confident that I can excel in any type of HR-related job. Throughout my tenure, I have personally resolved all issues at my level without causing any inconvenience to others. Senior professionals, please advise me on how I can improve myself.

Regards

Dear Lokesh, Your post highlights the glaring differences between an interviewer and an interviewee. Over your 12-year tenure, you must have conducted many interviews. However, when you found yourself in the shoes of the interviewee, you started to feel butterflies in your stomach! It is easy to test others' knowledge, but taking a test yourself is difficult.

Another significant difference that your post brings to light is the relationship between the length of your service and your confidence. Why did your 12 years of service not develop confidence in you?

The third point your post addresses is your personal handling of HR issues without involving your superiors. While it is commendable not to trouble your superiors, in your case, it worked against you. By not seeking validation on your decisions, you deprived yourself of feedback. Self-development is crucial, but without external feedback, it loses its impact. Your lack of confidence stemmed from this lack of feedback.

Final Comments: There are a few inconsistencies in your post that need addressing. Learning to write in a logical sequence with simple sentences and transitional phrases is essential. These skills are expected from someone with 12 years of HR experience. Therefore, my humble suggestion is to enhance your business writing skills by understanding the concept of communication. Note that I refer to the concept of communication, not just communication skills.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Thank you for your wonderful comments and advice. Actually, taking an interview is different from giving an interview. I have attended interviews where the discussion does not stick to the subject or relevant topic. For example, if the job post is for the PF section, they should focus on that topic or something relevant to it. Unfortunately, they are not doing so (the position also matters). We, as HR professionals, aim to identify the negative points of the interviewee. Therefore, I request guidance on how I can improve, suggestions on gaining vast knowledge, and becoming more confident in all aspects.

Thank you,
Lokesh H R

As Mr. Divekar rightly said, "Building Confidence" and "Trust" in your ability to win in interviews is what you need to work on at this stage. In interviews, the interviewer would like to know what you have to say. So, if you present your skills and experience in a properly planned manner, your confidence will boost during the interview. Don't be afraid; remember, a discussion with smiles and laughs kills the fear and stress, giving way to a healthy discussion.

If you have fear in your mind, prepare yourself in front of the mirror at home. This will give you confidence. Also, you need to study and prepare what you will be presenting before the interviewer.

All the best.

Regards,
Sumeet