Lack of Confidence
The vice:
You are comfortable in python as expected by the job description. But when the interviewer asks you to come up with detailed description of the step by step workflow, you fumble because of not being sure of what you are saying.
The check:
Keep on practicing. Mock interviews, practicing tough questions, getting updated about industry trends.
Stress
The vice:
Even the best prepared people face stress. You are fully prepared for the interview, you have studied hard over previous weekends when the others were binge-watching web series. On the morning of the interview, stress lies heavy in your head. You are so nervous that you refuse to eat anything. (Read our blog on workplace stress here).
The check:
Stay composed. Listen to calming music, do some breathing exercises and remind yourself that you have prepared well and be mentally ready for the interview
Over confidence
The vice:
You are under-prepared and yet you feel that you can handle any question. You are still not yet comfortable in some concepts and you know only at a superficial level.
The check:
There is no shortcut to preparations. Introspection is required in such cases. Keep on giving mock tests and interviews to show your preparedness levels. A reality check is necessary at these times.
Having negative attitude
The vice:
You are sitting comfortably in your chair, fully ready for your online interview. Suddenly, the interviewer asks you to explain the 1 year career gap in your resume. You take it negatively assuming that the interviewer is trying to humiliate you.
The check:
The interviewer is there to recruit you. Tough questions like these should be handled objectively without keeping any pre-conceived notions against the interviewer. The key is to be honest about it.
Uncontrollable thoughts
The vice:
Have I not prepared well? Do I look okay? What if the interviewer laughs at me? These seemingly cliché questions might arise in your mind 2 minutes before the interview. Uncontrollable thoughts like these affect your mental state making you fall off track of the interview process.
The check:
Do a quick breathing exercise. It can bring back to the current moment. Try to focus on the immediate task. Even without an interview, try doing some mindfulness exercises to control the running thoughts. (Read our blog on living in the moment here)
Overall checks:
Whenever you feel like the situation is going out of hand, you can always talk to a counselor/psychologist about these behavior of yours. Discussing Coping strategies with a counselor can help you being in check of yourself and an expert.