Guest post contributed by Dione Smith
Introduction
Job interviews can be stressful, especially when landing accounting internships. However, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can effectively manage anxiety and boost confidence during the interview process. EFT involves tapping specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on the issue.
By using EFT techniques, individuals can release negative emotions, reframe limiting beliefs, and increase their sense of calm and confidence. In this article, we will explore using EFT to overcome job interview anxiety and increase the likelihood of securing an accounting internship.
1. Understanding Job Interview Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Impacts
Job interview anxiety is a common phenomenon that many job seekers experience. A feeling of fear and apprehension arises before and during a job interview, often resulting in physical and emotional symptoms.
✓ Causes: Job interview anxiety can be caused by various factors, including fear of rejection, unpreparedness, and lack of confidence. Past negative experiences with job interviews or a high-stakes job can also contribute to job interview anxiety.
✓ Symptoms: Job interview anxiety can manifest in physical and emotional symptoms. Some common physical symptoms include sweating, shaking, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Emotional symptoms include fear, panic, self-doubt, and negative self-talk.
✓ Impacts: Job interview anxiety can significantly impact an individual's job search and career prospects. It can result in missed opportunities, underperformance in interviews, and rejection. In addition, job interview anxiety can create a negative cycle of self-doubt and limiting beliefs that can affect an individual's overall self-esteem and well-being. It is essential to address job interview anxiety to increase confidence levels and improve career prospects. One effective tool for managing job interview anxiety is EFT.
2. What are Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of energy psychology that involves tapping specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on the issue.
EFT is based on the idea that negative emotions and beliefs disrupt the body's energy system, causing emotional and physical distress.
By tapping these points, EFT can help release negative emotions and reframe limiting beliefs, leading to a greater sense of calm and well-being.
EFT can be a powerful tool for managing job interview anxiety and increasing confidence.
Tapping calms the amygdala in the brain to stop the fight, flight, or freeze response. It lowers cortisol, the body's stress hormone. Read here to learn more how EFT Tapping works.
3. Practicing EFT for Job Interview Anxiety: Step-by-Step Guide
To practice EFT for job interview anxiety, follow these steps:
a. Identify the issue: Begin by identifying the specific issue that is causing anxiety. It could be a fear of rejection, feelings of inadequacy, or worries about making a mistake during the interview.
b. Rate the intensity: Once you have identified the issue, rate the intensity of the anxiety on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no anxiety and 10 being extreme anxiety.
c. Tap on the karate chop point: Start by tapping on the karate chop point, located on the side of the hand, while repeating a setup statement that acknowledges the issue and accepts yourself despite the anxiety.
d. Tap on the acupressure points: Next, tap on each of the acupressure points while repeating a reminder phrase that focuses on the issue. Start with the eyebrow point, move to the side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, on the chin, on the collarbone, under the arm, and on the top of the head.
e. Repeat the process: Repeat the process several times, checking in with your level of anxiety after each round. Aim to reduce the intensity of the pressure to a more manageable level.
f. End with a positive statement: Finally, end the session with a positive message reinforcing a positive mindset, such as "I am confident and capable" or "I trust myself to do my best in the interview.
Many people find that making my their scripts and using my their words is way more powerful than scripts on Youtube. However, there are lots of Youtube videos as well that you can use if it's easier to follow along. :)
4. How to Use EFT Techniques to Boost Confidence in Job Interviews
EFT, or the Emotional Freedom Technique, is a powerful tool for managing job interview anxiety and boosting confidence. To use EFT to prepare for a job interview, first, identify the specific fears or concerns that you are experiencing.
Then, tap on the specific acupressure points while reciting a positive affirmation that addresses the identified fear or anxiety. For example, if you fear rejection during an interview, you might tap on the side of your hand while repeating, "Even though I'm afraid of rejection, I deeply and completely accept myself."
Regular practice of EFT can help shift negative thought patterns and promote confidence and self-assurance in job interviews.
5. Additional Tips for Using EFT to Boost Confidence in Interviews
Here are some additional tips for using EFT to boost confidence in job interviews:
a. Practice regularly: Practicing EFT regularly can help build emotional resilience, improve emotional health, and increase confidence. Use it in the morning to feel centered, grounded, and optimistic about your day.
b. Use positive affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into your EFT practice can help reinforce positive beliefs and increase feelings of self-worth.
c. Prepare ahead of time: Preparing for the job interview ahead of time can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare examples of your relevant skills and experiences.
d. Use visualization techniques: Visualizing success in the job interview can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. Imagine answering questions with ease and trust and receiving positive feedback from the interviewer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, job interview anxiety can be a significant obstacle for job seekers. However, with the help of tools like EFT, it is possible to manage and overcome job interview anxiety. EFT is an effective technique for reducing anxiety, shifting negative thought patterns, and boosting confidence levels. By practicing EFT regularly and addressing the root causes of job interview anxiety, individuals can improve their interview performance, increase their chances of success, and enhance their overall well-being.
Do you have deeper confidence issues? Working with an EFT tapping practitioner can help you manage deeper confidence issues like limiting beliefs and negative self talk.
ABOUT ME:
ANDREA HUNT - Transformational Life Coach & EFT Tapping Practitioner based in Munich, Germany
Accredited Transformational Coach (Animas Centre UK) and Certified EFT Practitioner (AEFTP), I help you overcome low self-worth, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefs using powerful EFT Tapping & coaching. Ready to transform your emotional health & boost confidence?
If you're not sure what EFT Tapping is and want to learn how it can transform your emotional health, make you more emotionally resilient, and boost your confidence by helping you overcome low self worth, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, negative self-talk, download my FREE EFT book! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3MOTeew
If you're interested in booking a free 15 minute discovery call for transformational life coaching, EFT Tapping or checking out my services page click here.
Header photo: Christina @ wocintechchat.com