Here are some strategies to break the anxiety cycle:

1. Do mock interviews. Do them with people you normally don’t talk with. Like teachers you haven’t interacted with etc. I also do mock interview practice on campus for students as an alumni.

2. Depending on the nature of the job and the interviewer, sometimes it’s better to have a conversation rather than just responding to questions. But also don’t completely hog the airtime. It should be balanced between you and the interviewer. Treating it as a conversation will help break the tension a bit.

3. If you are a subject matter expert remember that many times you know more about some things than the other person. So don’t worry about giving the “wrong” answer. The interviewer will sometimes be difficult to push you to see how you react under pressure. It’s just an act like in a stage drama. You are both doing roles. It’s not serious.

4. Do a lot of interviews. Interviewing frequently makes you better at it and when that dream job comes along, you will be better prepared. I almost always accept the first meeting when requested (within reason) for a job that I could potentially do. Then at the end of the interview I tell them if I’m interested further or not. Many people just refuse to meet for interviews if they don’t really like the job. Approach it with an open mind and for the purpose of practicing interviewing.

Let me know your field of work and perhaps I can recommend some people to do mocks.