This Is How to Get Your Next Job

#4: Don’t Worry

I say this with great empathy. I worry about most things. I learned it from my mother, who learned it from her mother, who probably learned it from her mother before they ever set foot in this country. But it won’t help you in an interview.

Yes, the stakes are high and the pressure is on big-time. And yes, most likely, you’re worried about messing up and saying the wrong thing.

Performing poorly or worse than expected happens to a lot of highly competent people. But listen to this: Ironically, your desire to succeed can cause you to do your worst. So says Sian Beilock, psychologist and author of Choke (Free Press, 2010). All because you’re worried.

Choking can occur when you think too much about an activity that is usually automatic. ...