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No matter how old you are, managing stress levels before an interview can be challenging. Keeping with the theme of stress awareness month, this article will look at what we mean when we talk about stress, nerves, and anxiety and how to manage your concerns before your next interview.
What Is The Difference Between Nerves and Anxiety?
Nerves and anxiety are related concepts, but they have some differences.Nerves
Being nervous is usually experiencing heightened tension or apprehension, often associated with a specific event or situation. It's a normal physiological response to stress, such as before an important exam, a job interview, or a public speaking engagement. Symptoms of being nervous include increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and other physical symptoms. It also be accompanied by feelings of uneasiness or butterflies in the stomach.Anxiety
On the other hand, anxiety is a broader and more generalized state of uneasiness or worry that is not always tied to a specific event or situation. Anxiety can be persistent and may not necessarily have a clear trigger. It is often characterized by excessive or exaggerated worry about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, or the future. Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms similar to nerves, but it can also affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. In summary, while nerves typically refer to a temporary state of heightened tension in response to a specific event, anxiety is a more pervasive and generalized state of uneasiness or worry that may not always have a clear cause. Anxiety can also be chronic and may require professional help to manage, while nerves are often temporary and may resolve once the triggering event has passed.
How Should I Manage Stress and Anxiety Before A Job Interview?
Managing anxiety before a job interview can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help you cope with it. Here are some tips:- Being well-prepared for the job interview can help reduce anxiety. Research the company, review the job description, and practice your responses to common interview questions. Being well-prepared can increase your confidence and reduce uncertainty.
- Deep breathing and relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation, can help calm your body and mind. Take slow, deep breaths and focus on relaxing your muscles to help reduce physical tension and anxiety.
- Anxiety is often fuelled by negative thoughts or worries. Challenge and reframe negative thoughts that may be contributing to your anxiety. Ask yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions and try to view the situation in a more balanced and realistic way.
- Visualize yourself succeeding in the job interview. Imagine yourself feeling confident, answering questions effectively, and engaging positively with the interviewer. Visualization can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help reduce anxiety. Get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, engage in regular exercise, and engage in activities that you enjoy. Taking care of yourself can help you manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor about your anxiety. Simply expressing your feelings can help relieve some of the pressure. They may also provide you with encouragement and support.
- Grounding techniques can help bring your focus to the present moment and reduce anxiety. Examples include focusing on your senses (e.g., feeling the texture of an object, listening to the sounds around you), or engaging in activities that require concentration (e.g., counting backwards, solving a puzzle).
- If your anxiety is persistent and interfering with your daily life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor. They can provide you with effective strategies for managing anxiety and help you develop coping skills tailored to your needs.
Is Anxiety The Same As Stress?
While anxiety and stress share similarities, they are not exactly the same. Anxiety is a state of uneasiness, worry, or fear about future events or situations, while stress is the body's response to demands or pressures placed upon it. While stress can trigger anxiety, anxiety can also occur without a specific external stressor. Stress is a natural physiological response that can be triggered by various situations, such as work deadlines, financial pressures, relationship issues, or major life changes. It can manifest in physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, such as increased heart rate, tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns. Anxiety may not always have a clear trigger, and it can persist even when there is no immediate or obvious stressor present. While some level of stress can be normal and even beneficial in certain situations, chronic or prolonged stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Anxiety, similarly, can interfere with a person's daily life, relationships, and well-being if it becomes excessive or persistent. It's worth noting that stress and anxiety can often coexist and exacerbate each other. Chronic stress can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, and anxiety can also trigger stress responses in the body. However, they are distinct concepts, and understanding the differences between them can be helpful in managing and addressing them effectively. Seeking support from a healthcare professional, such as a therapist or counsellor, can be beneficial if you are experiencing persistent stress or anxiety.We Are Living In Stressful Times
It is no secret that times are pretty tough for a lot of people at the moment. If you are job seeking it is hard work out there! If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy these from our archive: How Do We Manage Work Related Stress In 2023? How To Handle Difficult Conversations With Your Boss And never forget, if you are feeling stressed or your anxiety is affecting your ability to get on with your usual activities, reach out. Here are some helpful resources: NHS Anxiety Stress Management Mind
Writing a successful CV in 2023 might sound like a daunting task. There are a lot of job vacancies but competition is fierce. A lot has changed and continues to change in the world of recruitment too. New hiring techniques and different candidate requirements post-pandemic have caused a seismic shift towards flexible and remote working. With the ever-evolving job market, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the most effective CV writing techniques. In this blog post, we will explore five important things to consider when crafting your CV in 2023: using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments.
#1 Using Keywords
Keywords are words or phrases associated with a job description or industry and they help recruiters match you to a job. They help hiring managers quickly identify whether or not you are a match. The average hiring professional with spend just six to eight seconds scanning through to determine whether or not the candidate is right for the role. It is, therefore, important to focus on using keywords when writing your CV in 2023. When crafting your CV, be sure to review the job description, research the industry and include all relevant keywords that highlight your skills and experiences.
#2 Formatting
This isn't a new one but it is worth revisiting. Formatting is a really important element of your CV. Your CV should be easy to read and well organized. Be sure to use headings and subheadings to break up the text and highlight important information.
Moreover, make sure that your contact information is clearly visible at the top of the page. This will make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to contact you.
Using bullet points to summarise key experience is a good way to pack information in an easy -to -read format. Keep to simple fonts and layouts. Let your experience and skills do the talking.
#3 Showcasing Your Accomplishments 
It is important to showcase accomplishments in your CV. Rather than simply listing your experiences and skills, be sure to include any successes you have had in your past positions. This can help you stand out from other applicants and provide a more comprehensive view of your abilities. This means highlighting the output of your duties, rather than the duties themselves in your work history.
- Focus on offering proof of your qualifications by including specific examples, figures or case studies that illustrate your abilities.
- Wherever possible, quantify your contributions and achievements to show the value you’ve created for your past employers. For example, have you helped to reduce costs, eliminate bottlenecks, increase productivity, drive more revenue, or improve operations?
- Did you meet or exceed your project goals or complete a project on time, ahead of schedule or under budget? Have you received any awards or special recognition for your performance?
#4 Most Requested Skills
These are the top five requested skills (in descending order):- Adaptability and flexibility
- Communication
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Time management
#5 Use Social Media To Your Advantage
More than ever, recruiters and hiring managers are using social media to help in their selection of candidates to invite to interview. So, you should include links to relevant social media accounts. For example, you might wish to include the details of your LinkedIn profile and Instagram accounts alongside your contact information. Just make sure that whichever profiles you link to. Just make sure you ensure these are up to date and that they don’t contain any inappropriate or unprofessional content. A social media audit is a must! If you have a side hustle or profile related to your passions and hobbies, it might be better to link to those accounts rather than simply give your personal accounts.
Now, Put It Into Action!
Crafting a successful CV in 2023 requires a combination of up-to-date techniques and strategies. By focusing on using keywords, formatting, and showcasing your accomplishments, you can ensure that your CV stands out from the rest. You will need to tailor your CV for each job you apply for, but if you get a good template set up using the tips above this shouldn't take you too long. Good luck out there! For the latest in digital marketing and ad agency jobs, head to Dotgap now to browse or get in touch. We are ex-agency ourselves and so we understand the industry better than anyone and are committed to helping you find your dream job.
Digital marketing is an ever-growing field with plenty of job prospects and career opportunities. Whether you're just starting out, or want to switch to this field, it's important to understand the basics of getting into digital marketing. In this blog post, we'll discuss the necessary steps you need to take to become a digital marketer.
5 Top Tips To Become A Digital Marketer
To become a successful digital marketer, you need to have a good understanding of the latest marketing techniques, as well as the ability to apply them to the unique challenges of the digital space. Here are some tips to help you get started.
What Education Do You Need?
While it isn't a requirement to have a university degree, having an understanding of the basic principles and techniques of digital marketing is essential to your success. This includes search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and more. You should also make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies in the industry. If you want to do a degree, or are considering your university options then marketing or a related field would certainly be useful. A degree is not as useful as having demonstrable knowledge of digital marketing tools and techniques and relatable experience is key.
Experience Is Key
Experience is another key component to becoming a successful digital marketer. Most employers will require some level of experience before hiring. Taking related jobs, doing freelance work or internships can provide great learning experiences. Having a good understanding of the industry and its various tools will give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Of course, this raises a challenge for new graduates who may have more qualifications than experience. Check out our previous post on how to demonstrate you've got the goods for our tips!
Upskilling Is Vital For Digital Marketers...
Digital marketing is a fast-evolving industry. As such, it requires a strong understanding of technology. You should become familiar with the latest tools and platforms in the digital marketing world, including analytics software, web design tools, and content management systems. You will work with many other people to provide clients with the best service and so it is really good to demonstrate your knowledge outside your specific job role. You can enhance your technical skills by reading about analytics or brushing up your writing or design skills. You could consider learning how to code HTML and CSS to help you understand search engine optimization for websites. Read more out more about upskilling here.
... And Get Certified To Prove It!
To demonstrate your knowledge and skills, you could consider getting certified in digital marketing. There are plenty of online courses and certifications available, such as Google Analytics, Social Media Marketing, and Digital Marketing Strategy. With a certification, you can show potential employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the digital marketing industry. It's also important to have a good grasp of the latest trends, tools, and strategies in digital marketing. Keeping up with the latest information is key to staying ahead of the competition.
Network With Digital Marketers
Seeking out and networking with other digital marketers is a great way to learn more about the industry and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. You can join online communities, attend conferences, and join local meetups to connect with other professionals. Co-working spaces can be great too.Take Your First Steps Today!
Taking the right steps to prepare can help you land the job you want more easily. With the right knowledge and tools, you can be on your way to becoming a successful digital marketer. For more job seeking tips and tricks, visit the Dotgap blog page today and get ready for your new role.
As we edge closer to a recession, many Britons' feelings are echoing those of 12 years ago. In 2010, 9 out of 10 Britons said they would consider leaving the UK for a life abroad. More recently, the coronavirus sent a lot of ex-pats home, and when the borders began opening up, many people were keen to restart their dreams of relocating to other countries.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a similar situation yet again. While other countries may seem attractive, the current impending recession is set to be a global one so there are many things to consider if you have your heart set on moving away. Changing jobs can still be a great way to find new opportunities for job growth and career development. But while we have talked about the benefits of moving jobs before, changing jobs in a recession presents a different set of challenges.
A recession occurs when economic productivity is rapidly declining. Recessions increase your chances of losing your current job and do make it more challenging to secure a new one. Many young people will try and find a better-paying job in times of economic instability. If you are employed, think carefully before you leave, and read this article for advice on relocating for work in a recession.
Financial Considerations Are Even More Important When Changing Jobs In A Recession
First things first, you need to make sure that you are fully aware of all the local regulations. Look into your sector to make sure there are enough opportunities. This is especially important if you are planning to become self-employed in a new country. If you are investing or retiring abroad, you will have to make sure your income or savings will really be enough to cover your expenses. Currency fluctuations can really impact your move abroad and affect your ability to live comfortably in your new country. If you do decide to move abroad during a recession, you really have to ensure your financial situation is strong enough to cover the costs. Do your research into all the potential costs and how to keep them low! We would recommend you secure a job before moving. Many companies will offer assistance with visas and even offer a relocation bonus. If you haven't found your job yet, start looking for a job asap and make sure it will pay you enough to cover your daily expenses.
Choose Your Location Carefully
Choosing the right location for you will depend on the kind of work you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a job in digital marketing, starting your own business or investing will all influence your options. You also need to consider your age and whether you have children or not. Many countries have complex and expensive visa requirements. Australia and New Zealand are still among the most popular countries to move to. There is a booming digital marketing and ad agency economy over there and no language barrier. However, we are facing a global recession. That means Australia and New Zealand are likely to be facing similar strains in recruitment. Some less traditional locations you could consider are Poland or the Czech Republic. While they do suffer economic problems the living costs are relatively low and there are digital marketing opportunities available for English speakers. Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research and don't rush into anything.
Changing Jobs In A Recession Requires Consideration of Lifestyle And Living Costs
If you do your research and have realistic expectations about the country you are moving to, you should be able to change jobs and relocate during a recession. The most important thing to remember is to be realistic about what you can afford and be prepared to have a different quality of life from the one you're used to in the UK while you settle in and find a job. Dotgap works with companies in the UK and Australia and we have been committed to keeping media professionals doing what they love throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so through the recession. If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy these articles on our blog: How To Find A Job When Jobs Are Scarce: Navigating A Recession As A Job Seeker 3 Ways To Optimise Your CV For International Job Search
New job anxiety is very common. In the media agency and digital marketing industries, you might find new jobs and roles that are thrust upon you regularly. If you are feeling anxious about your first day at a new job, you are not alone! It is totally natural and valid to feel this way. There are many reasons to feel anxious about a new job and these might not always be clear, or the same, for everyone.
Your anxiety symptoms can be managed using these three simple tips. But, please remember, if your symptoms persist or are causing you problems daily, and affecting the way you usually live your life you should seek further assistance.
Preparation Can Really Ease New Job Anxiety
A new job can mean a new commute, or a new schedule. Remote work means there is often one less thing to worry about if you suffer from anxiety- no getting lost on your way to the office! It can mean a total change to your current schedule though which can exacerbate new job anxiety. So, what can you do. Make an effort to prepare everything you need for the morning, the night before. Prepare lunch and your outfit, tidy your desk. If you are leaving for your job, place your packed bag by the door. Small steps like this put you in control and free up your time in the morning helping you keep a clear head and feel confident. First day nerves can increase you feelings of imposter syndrome and make you feel insecure. When your first day nerves get the better of you it is easy to lose sight of why you are there. The first thing to remember, is that you have beaten the competition to this job. You have been given it for a reason! Before you start, take some time to go over the job description and remind yourself why you want it, and what your responsibilities are. Keeping this sense of purpose will help guide you through your first day and remind you what to expect. So, take some time out beforehand to go over the job description for your new role, and remind yourself of your responsibilities. That way you’ll be able to go in with a real sense of purpose, not to mention know what to expect as the weeks progress. Focussing on the day-to-day aspects of the job role can help distract you from your nerves.
Don't Expect To Know Everything
You have already showcased your skills at interview. They have reviewed your experiences and qualification and you have been selected for the job. Do not feel as though you need to know everything right away. Your employer will expect you to ask questions and be unsure of things at this stage... it is your first day after all! Key skills in digital media jobs include willingness to learn and communication so utilise these skills in your interactions throughout your first day and the weeks to come. Minor errors are part of the learning process, just make sure you take accountability for your actions and learn from any mistakes. Hiding things or trying to pass blame is unprofessional. Remember: You've passed the biggest test already! Keep reminding yourself of this and stay calm and confident.
Deep Breathing For Anxiety
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system which helps calm and relax you. It is the opposite to your body's 'fight or flight' response. When anxiety or overwhelm get too much, your brain is trying to protect you and the subsequent overthinking is trying to prepare you for what might be about to happen. If you feel panicky before or during your first day, try switching to deep breathing for a few minutes to help activate the relaxation response. Try this short exercise now and see how it makes you feel: Sit still and upright. Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Breathe in long and slow for four counts, paying attention to the belly expanding, then breathe out for a count of six, feeling the air leave your lungs and deflating your belly fully.Use Resources To Help Your Anxiety
When you work in digital marketing, you are often required to wear many hats. This can add to your new job anxiety. Make use of any resources your company can offer, communicate if you are overloaded and don't be afraid to ask for help.
When you have a lot of different responsibilities and tasks on the go, a 'brain dump' is a great exercise to clear you head before getting on with your number one task. Simply write down everything running though your head (it doesn't have to look nice or be grammatically correct). This allows to you make a note of anything you may need to come back to, allowing your mind to focus.
Good luck in your new job!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out these posts on the Dotgap blog:
How To Interview Well: Top 5 Dos and Don'ts
7 Tips For A Successful Day At Your New Graduate Job
If you find anxiety impacts the way you see yourself, others, and your world, it may be a good idea to find a mental health professional to talk with.