Recruiters usually judge candidates’ overall suitability by their confidence during the interview.
Interviewers can easily mistake nerves for inexperience and underestimate your capabilities.
That’s why knowing how to sound confident in an interview is essential.
But don’t press the panic button for a moment.
This post will walk you through nine simple tips for being confident in an interview.
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Hiring managers look for applicants who are confident in their skill sets.
It’s not enough to know that you can do the job; you need to convince the interviewer.
How can you expect a recruiter to feel confident investing in you if you don’t appear sure of yourself?
Of course, confidence in interviews comes with experience and a track record of achievements.
While we understand that you might lack experience, there is more you can draw.
That’s how to appear confident in an interview.
In other words, preparation is critical to being confident in an interview.
Tips
Research the company thoroughly.
It’s easier to feel confident when you know what the interviewer is looking for.
Even if you have no prior experience.
Check out our CVJury Interview Success Tips whenever you need advice from industry experts.
How To Boost and Maintain Confidence in Interviews
Many young graduates lack confidence in interviews, often preventing them from landing jobs.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how many qualifications you have if you can’t answer interview questions with certainty.
On paper, you could be the most qualified candidate in the world.
But you’ll still struggle to get the job if you aren’t convincing in the interview.
Likewise, lacking confidence during the interview could affect your career growth.
Our nine tips for being confident in an interview should prepare you for your next opportunity.
1. Get Creative
Being likable can get you hired. So, find a way to relate to your interviewer.
Although ‘likeability’ isn’t an exact science, John Spooner has some excellent advice.
As Gary Wood, Ph.D. and chartered psychologist, has said, we tend to think that confidence is about holding center stage.
A confident person can make others feel at ease. Confidence is about connecting rather than performing.
Here’s an example of a successful candidate who connected with her interviewers.
The candidate included a photo of herself on the first page of a PowerPoint presentation.
Instead of keeping things formal, she said, “I’ll be addressing… By the way, that photo is me. I hope I’m not too ugly there…”.
Everyone burst out laughing.
Later, the interviewers informed her that her light-hearted opening statement made her appear relatable and friendly.
In short, a simple joke broke down the interviewer-interviewee barrier.
2. Boosting Confidence with Breathing Techniques
Feeling relaxed can boost your confidence, and breathing techniques can help you feel comfortable.
Gelong Thubten is an Oxford University-trained mindfulness teacher and the author of ‘A Monk’s Guide to Happiness.’
He claims that focusing on breathing before an interview can significantly reduce tension.
Likewise, experts say slow, deep breathing brings more oxygen into your lungs.
More oxygen reaching your brain cells can help you think more clearly.
So, this exercise can help you learn how to appear confident in an interview.
3. Communicate Clearly
Ask questions when you don’t understand something.
Asking intelligent questions in interviews will impress your interviewer and boost your confidence.
If you reach the point in the interview where it’s clear that you’re doing well, don’t waste it! Show interest and ask relevant questions.
Furthermore, asking for clarification indicates that you’re eager to understand the topic thoroughly.
Why not flip the conversation and learn about the position and company from the interviewer?
Read More
4. Be Prepared
If you’re anxious about an upcoming interview, try rehearsing the answers to common interview questions.
You can ask a friend to help you or practice in front of a mirror.
It might seem funny, but preparing several answers suitable for a wide range of questions is an excellent way to prepare for an interview.
And feeling prepared will make you feel confident during the interview.
Tip Top
Remember that interviews are like exams.
The more you know about the company and job role, the more confident you will feel.
For more interview preparation tips, check out CVJury Interview Tips.
Top-Tip
Speak slowly.
People tend to rush when they feel nervous, so remember to be silent for a few seconds and pause occasionally.
This will give you time to assess the situation and relax.
7. Try Visualization
Before you go in, picture yourself having aced the interview.
This simple trick can help you maintain confidence throughout the interview.
Margaret Buj, an interview coach and author of Land That Job, says imagining a successful interview can boost your confidence.
So, try visualizing how you enter the room, shake hands, and answer questions.
8. Prepare and Rehearse
Top performers often write down their answers to critical questions and practice them.
That’s because practicing helps to relieve pressure on the day.
You’ll walk into the room confidently, knowing you know your stuff.
9. Befriend Your Anxiety
Mind Valley coach and teacher Charlie Morley believes making friends with your anxiety is a failproof interview strategy.
What does this mean? One hour before your interview, say to yourself, “Ah, my old friend, anxiety.
Thank you so much for coming. I know that you are here, and I acknowledge you fully.”
At first, this sounds silly.
However, recognizing your anxiety instead of suppressing it can help you feel more at ease and confident
Factors To Consider When Building Confidence
Here are five factors that contribute to your confidence in job interviews:
- Physical presence
- Social confidence
- Status confidence
- Peer independence
- Stage presence and overall persona
Working on how you carry yourself physically can boost your confidence without even saying a word.
According to Amy Cuddy, our body language and physical reactions can impact our mentality.
Each of these factors builds up to a confident persona more likely to succeed in interviews.
So, before an interview…
Do
- Practice your body language
- Do your homework
- Avoid accepting failures
- Work continuously and be consistent
- Organise your priorities
Closing Thoughts
Still not sure how to be confident in an interview.
Applying all the tips and recommendations in this post will boost your chances of getting the desired job.
The most important thing is preparation.
That’s key to ensuring your confidence during the interview.
Prepare questions and answers that will put you in a positive and confident mind.
Avoid obvious questions and show the recruiter you have prepared for the interview.
We wish you the best of luck and success in maintaining interview confidence.
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