The moment you get selected for an interview, the stress starts getting on your nerves and you drift into the nervous zone. Moreover, despite possessing all the required learnings and skills for the respective job profile, most of the individuals usually lose confidence due to this nervousness that negatively impacts their performance in the interview. You’d be glad, or surprised to know that you are not alone in this situation and a lot of other candidates feel the same.
Now, the question arises-How to overcome this feeling of nervousness and be confident in an interview?
Before I share a few tips with you, you must note that feeling nervous or anxious during the interviews is quite normal. However, if you want to give your best in the interview and get an edge over the other candidates, staying calm and confident is the only way to go.
How to Appear Confident in an Interview
Here are the 10 tips you should follow if you want to appear confident in a job interview and leave a good impression on the hiring manager.
- Consider your eligibility for the position
Whenever you apply for a job position, you should always ask yourself why you are applying for the job and why the employers may want to hire you. It is important to consider your own experience and skills for the job you are applying for. You may also assess if the job position aligns with your career goals, and then apply accordingly. Doing this practice allows you to grab opportunities that align with your career goals.
- Read the Job Description Properly
Once you have analysed your skills have decided to apply for an interview, the next important step is to read the job description thoroughly so that you understand the requirements that the organisation has from you. It will also help you to highlight your relevant skills during the interview. Avoid applying to jobs mindlessly without reading the job description properly. Also, practice to speak about your previous experience that matches with the current role, as this will help you to answer questions easily and confidently.
- Research about the Company
Before the interview, make sure to study about the company, its work culture and the area of their work. Having this information may help you be more confident during the interview. You can gather relevant information about the company from its official website, their social media handles or from any recent news about them. This will help you understand the company’s mission and vision and how your skills will fit into the larger picture. Usually interviewers end up asking you questions on your understanding about the company, and having knowledge in advance will help you give better answers.
- Arrive on Time
This connection may sound weird to you and you must be wondering that how being punctual or showing up a little earlier at the interview place can help you in enhancing your confidence. Well, for starters, being punctual sets a good first impression on the interviewers as it shows your concern and interest in the job opportunity. Secondly, arriving on time or a little early allows you some time to soak in the formal environment and relax your nerves a bit. Being punctual also depicts your analytical skills such as time management, commitment etc. to the interviewer.
- Dress Professionally
Choosing the right outfit for the interview can largely improve your confidence. Try to dress formally for an interviewing while also choosing clothing that fit well and is not too flashy. You can also research about any dress code that the company may follow. Also try to avoid extra accessories and o=stick to wearing simple pieces only.
- Read about most Commonly Asked Questions
Read about the most commonly asked interview questions and prepare your answers in advance. It might be helpful to read the job description thoroughly to get an idea about the possible questions that the interviewer may ask. Spend some time preparing and rehearsing your answers to these questions. Try to answer the questions thoughtfully and avoid bragging or lying about anything. Here are some commonly asked interview questions:
- Give a brief introduction about yourself.
- What are your greatest strengths and some areas that still need improvement?
- Explain a challenge you faced professionally and how you overcame it.
- Why do you think should you be hired ?
- What makes you different from the other candidates?
- Answer Calmly and Thoughtfully
When presented with a question, take a few moments before you start answering the question. Answering with confidence is important but blurting out everything in one go is never a good option. Always listen the question properly and articulate its meaning before you start answering it. When people are nervous, they tend to speak a lot and start blurting this out. This is why it is important you stay calm and collected during the interview. In case you do not understand a question right away, do clarify things, rather than giving wrong answers.
- Prepare your work Examples
Interviewers often tend to ask tricky and confusing questions during interviews regarding everything, especially about your previous work experience. The interviewer may ask questions that may put you in a dilemma of what to answer. Therefore, it is usually advised to prepare your work examples in advance in order to look interest in your work. You can also bring a portfolio of your work to show your previous accomplishments.
- Follow Breathing Techniques
Geeting nervous before an interview is very basic human nature. It also allows you to not become arrogant and over-confident. However, if you are someone who has anxiety or gets panicked easily, it is advisable to follow slow breathing practices. When you are stressed, your cognitive functions get hampered which may lead to you fumbling or not be able to form correct answers. To avoid this, it is advised to sit quietly and focus on your breathing to compose yourself before an interview. This helps in improving the airflow in the body and eventually restores mental functions.
- Practice the Right Body Language
Hiring managers take note of your body language and assess you on the basis of it. Certain body movements such as fidgeting or shaking your leg can be a sign of nervousness. Practice to control such body movements before an interview to appear more composed and confident. Always keep a small smile on your face during the interview and make eye contact with the interviewer while answering their questions.
Conclusion
While it is impossible to get rid pf all the jitters before an interview, the more you practice, the more you’ll start gaining confidence. Try to approach the interviews with a positive mindset. Know your worth and the values you can bring to the company. Practice your areas of weakness and you’ll see yourself gaining confidence over time. Thinking positively and being prepared will help you come across as an enthusiastic and valuable candidate for the role.