The first step to being more confident is to remember that the interview is a conversation between two professionals.
- Approaching the interview as an opportunity to see if the position and organization are a good match for you, instead of the reverse, can allow your confident self to shine through.
- You are a qualified individual who was chosen to receive this interview. Your resume shows you are qualified and the interviewer knows that as well.
- The interviewer wants to determine is your specific skill fit as well as a personality fit for the position. A great was to prepare yourself is to go over some frequently asked questions before your interview to sharpen your focus.
The second step is to dress for success.
- Proper attire is always best for interviews, but it doesn’t have to completely eliminate your personal style. Wearing something uncomfortable or that doesn’t make you feel your best will hinder your confidence.
- Finding the right outfit for an interview will further accentuate your professional demeanor.
The third step is to practice sounding confident.
- When going over typical interview questions, try not to memorize your answers. Let the conversation flow, and your answers will be confident and sincere.
- Take time to think about your response and speak slowly with intention. This will eliminate filter words (um, like, and, well, etc.) and allow you enough time to communicate your answer effectively.
- Breath and think about your posture and body language. We say a lot more with our posture then with our mouths!
Using these steps can boost your self confidence which will make you stand out in a group of candidates. Practicing ways to conduct yourself with confidence will help you expand your horizons professionally and personally long after the interview is over.
