Hiring managers are looking for confidence in potential new hires. You have shown your qualifications and skills on paper, now it’s time to show your confidence during an interview. Here are some tips to keep in mind in your next interview to help exhibit confidence and prepare for anything.
Know what you’re looking for
Before you even get to the interview, you need to know what your goals are for your career. Interviewers almost always want to know why you applied or what attracted you to the opportunity. The best way to approach this is to show that you know what you want, how you can get it, and why you know you are best choice for the position. The most confident answers are communicated in a clear and concise manner.
Eye contact
Be natural and remember to maintain good eye contact without having to stare as this can give the interviewer a lot of information about you. You want to show that you are actively engaged in the conversation and are comfortable being there. An example of poor eye contact is looking down while speaking, as it can indicate a lack of confidence or that you may be hiding something. You can practice at home by answering questions in front of a mirror or have a friend / family member pretend to be the interviewer. Practicing for an interview can help you be more relaxed and confident in your response.
Body positioning
After you have mastered the art of eye contact, you need to be aware of how position yourself in an interview. You want to appear open and honest and avoid indicators of nervousness and making yourself look smaller. The moment you first meet with the hiring manager, you should stand up straight with an open position, arms by your side and not crossed. While sitting, you should sit up straight and slightly leaned forward to show that you are engaged in the conversation. Slouching and leaning back away from the interviewer are signs of disinterest. Avoid fidgeting with your hands, hair, or anything as it is a telltale sign that you are nervous or uncomfortable. Start noticing what you do when are nervous in everyday moments and identify your behaviour during these times. By doing so, you can practice not to do those things when you are nervous during interview.
Listen attentively
It is important that you remember to listen as much as you can and not miss a moment where you can bond with the interviewer. If you are constantly overthinking and figuring out what the best thing to say next, you may miss something said out of an informal moment and could come off as overly tense or even awkward. Listening to what is being said is just as important as what you have to say.
Interview them
Remember that you are also interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. As the interview goes on, this is where listening attentively can help you ask questions during the meeting. By asking the right questions, it shows your interest in the company and that you are selective on where you want to be next in your career. Top job seekers use this approach to show that they are not just looking for the first place that will hire them, but they are looking for weighing their options and finding the right fit for them.
Remember, companies are no longer just looking for the right skills as they want to make sure that you are someone that the team is confident in working with. Exude confidence during your next interview by remembering the tips above and it will help you to make a better first impression to prove beyond your resume that you are the ideal candidate they are looking for!
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