When I think of interview for next job, I always feel unprepared. Is it natural or something wrong with me ? What strategy should I do to get rid of those feelings. Due to these feelings, I worked for 3 years in underpaid conditions.

What you're experiencing is completely natural and far more common than you might think. The anxiety you feel about job interviews is a shared human experience, not a personal flaw. Let me break this down for you and provide some concrete strategies.

Why These Feelings Are Normal

Interview anxiety stems from several psychological factors:

1. Evolutionary wiring: Humans are wired to fear judgment and rejection - it once meant potential exclusion from the tribe (life-threatening).
2. High stakes situation: Your livelihood is on the line, triggering natural stress responses.
3. Uncertainty: You can't predict questions or outcomes, which our brains dislike.
4. Self-protection mechanism: Your brain might be trying to "protect" you from potential failure by keeping you in your current (underpaid) situation.

The fact that you've stayed in underpaid work for three years due to these feelings shows how powerful this anxiety can be, but also that you're ready for change - otherwise you wouldn't be asking this question.

Strategies to Overcome Interview Anxiety

Preparation Strategies:

1. Research thoroughly: Know the company, role, and likely questions. Knowledge reduces fear.
2. Practice with mock interviews: Record yourself answering common questions. The more you practice, the more automatic it becomes.
3. Prepare your stories: Have 5-7 specific examples of your accomplishments ready using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
4. Develop a response toolkit: Prepare answers for difficult questions like "tell me about your weaknesses" or "why did you leave your last job."

Mindset Strategies:

1. Reframe the interview: It's not an exam - it's a conversation to determine mutual fit. You're also interviewing them.
2. Accept imperfection: No one gives a flawless interview. Aim for connection, not perfection.
3. Visualize success: Spend time imagining yourself confidently answering questions and receiving an offer.
4. Focus on your value: Remind yourself of your skills and what you bring to the table.

Day-of Strategies:

1. Use breathing techniques: The 4-7-8 method (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8) can calm nerves.
2. Arrive early but not too early: Give yourself time to acclimate without excessive waiting.
3. Power pose: Before entering, spend 2 minutes in a confident posture (hands on hips, chest out).
4. Remember they want you to succeed: Interviewers are hoping you're the right candidate - it saves them work.

Long-term Approach

1. Start with "low stakes" interviews: Apply to jobs you're not fully invested in to practice without pressure.
2. Build gradually: Work your way up to more desirable positions as your confidence grows.
3. Consider professional help: If anxiety is severely impacting your life, a therapist specializing in CBT can provide targeted strategies.

The financial cost of staying in underpaid work is real, but the psychological cost of staying stuck is often greater. You've already taken the first step by recognizing the pattern and seeking solutions. That's significant progress.

What specific aspect of interviewing makes you most anxious? Knowing that could help me provide more targeted advice.