Low stress levels — Avoid intense, high-pressure environments that will feed your anxiety. Low noise levels — Loud noises trigger anxiety in many people. Few interruptions — Too much multi-tasking is another common anxiety trigger. Look for jobs that allow you to focus on one task at a time. Limited interaction with other people — While you don’t want a job where you’re interacting all the time (like a cashier or call-center operator), you also don’t want a job where you are isolated. Look for jobs that stress one-on-one interaction. Few group projects — Group projects not only force interaction, they also increase uncertainty, another source of anxiety.

Lab analyst Actuary / accountant Financial analyst Construction inspector Graphic designer Website creator Cleaning offices

Tutoring Counseling Financial advisor Electrician, plumber, brick mason, etc. Nanny or caregiver

You are applying for a job at a workplace that is known to welcome people with disabilities and encourage a diverse workforce. Being open with your employer can make your relationship with them much easier. You believe the employer will notice your anxiety and have questions. If so, acknowledge your anxiety and turn it into a positive. For example: “I am a bit nervous today, but I like to push myself to perform even when I am nervous. It’s a great way to grow and improve. “[3] X Research source You believe you will need accommodations, such as a less distracting office space. [4] X Research source (Your employer cannot charge you or pay you less salary for reasonable accommodations. )[5] X Trustworthy Source US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission U. S. government agency that enforces civil rights in the workplace Go to source To benefit from the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must disclose your disability and your required accommodations to your employer. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Labor Federal department responsible for promoting the wellbeing of workers Go to source

Be ready to address gaps in your resume – e. g. , “Yes, I had a number of part time jobs until I realized the need to improve my skills, so I have undertaken additional training. " You can also discuss the educational steps you took between jobs. Be ready to answer common questions: What is your biggest weakness? Where do you see yourself in five years? What interests you about this opening? Why did you/are you leaving your last/current job? Present your answers as short stories. You should be able to tell a compelling story about your career path, or about particular skills you have learned. Always have specific examples from real job situations ready to validate any statements you make.

Use LinkedIn. Connect with people who can help you there and keep your profile up to date. Get organized. Make a spreadsheet with the contact info of people you respect and would like to work with. Depth is more important than breadth here. Schedule a follow-up. Put entries in your calendar reminding you to get in touch with your contacts. This doesn’t have to be a big deal. A simple email asking them how they are doing and if you can help out in any way will do. Stay in touch in creative ways. Keep track of your contacts on LinkedIn. If they are promoted or get a new job, congratulate them. If you come across a news story or blog they might like, pass it along. If you share a hobby in common, send them articles about it. Say thank you. Remember to always thank your contacts if you have taken their advice and it helps. A little gratitude will go a long way.

For example, if you’re about to give a presentation, you might be worried that it will go terribly, you will look overly anxious, no one will listen to you, etc. Replace these thoughts with more realistic expectations: I have prepared well and have a convincing presentation; if things don’t go well, it’s not the end of the world.

Slow Breathing — Breathe in for a count of four, hold it for one to two seconds, then out for a count of four. This will help to calm your nervous system. [12] X Research source Resistance Breathing – Creating resistance while you breathe out has a calming effect. This can be achieved by breathing out through the nose, by pursing the lips when breathing out (as if blowing out air), or by making a sound when you breath out (like “ohm” or the word “relax”).

Describe the objects around you — Focus in on your environment: the carpet, the walls, the furniture. Describe it in detail, e. g. this table is oak, very solid, with a dark finish. It sometimes helps to touch the object you are describing. Focus on the people around you — Listen closely to what they are saying. Examine their mannerisms or clothes.