HOW TO BE CONFIDENT IN AN INTERVIEW
Interviews can be nail-biting, or anxiety-inducing. But don’t let the nerves get the best of you. Close your eyes and visualize this for a moment: You walked into an interview with millions of questions in your mind. You’re thinking “What if I’m not good enough? or What if I say something wrong that backfires?” Just remember: Confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers to the asked questions but rather it’s about being thoroughly prepared and staying authentic throughout the whole process.
Further, let’s discuss 4 strategies for how to be confident in an interview –
1. DRESS LIKE YOU ARE ALREADY HIRED
What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” – Miuccia Prada. When you are proceeding for an interview, the first thing you should pay major attention to is the right outfit as it can be of great assistance in boosting your confidence and self-worth. Decide and lay out your outfit priorly to avoid being late on D-Day. After all, the First impression is the last. When you feel good, you perform well, and dressing the part does that.
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, what you wear can influence your cognitive abilities and emotional state. Researchers found that participants who wore formal attire performed better on cognitive tests because their clothing made them feel more powerful and focused. Make sure to wear shoes that make you feel more confident and powerful, especially the well-polished and comfortable ones. You can also add small accessories like a tie, watch, necklace, ring, or belt to elevate your style. Also, always make sure your clothes are well-pressed and wrinkle-free otherwise it may make you look disorganized and shabby. Enter the room with confidence and strong posture with a straight back and head up add an approaching smile on your face and greet everyone in the room while maintaining eye contact.
2. KNOW THE REASON WHY YOU WANT THE JOB
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
You should always be thoroughly aware of the questions “Why do you want this particular job?” and “Why should the interviewer hire you”. Before answering you should understand it yourself and then convey it properly with examples. Your answers should not be materialistic but rather something personal and authentic. Try to connect your why questions with the company’s motive as it could help you gain brownie points. It will show that you have done your research and are keenly interested in the company’s vision. During questions like “Why do you want to work here” show your research homework by mentioning that you were impressed by their initiatives or milestones.
Various studies by Harvard Business School show that people who express purpose and passion in interviews are identified as more capable and likable.
3. ASK QUESTIONS
“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” – Voltaire
To seem confident in any interview asking thoughtful questions indicates intelligence, genuine interest, and curiosity. According to a study from Harvard Business School, people who ask more follow-up questions during a conversation are seen as more likable and intelligent. It reflects that you’re engaging and contributing to the conversations. Turning the monologue to dialogues indicates your genuineness. But remember try not to ask very bold questions and if the interviewers seem to hesitate or glance towards each other, lifting an eyebrow because of the question then try to rephrase it and make it less bold. The number of questions should not be more but they should be meaningful. Quality over quantity. Don’t ask questions related to money or holidays.Keep up-to-date with the company’s news and ask questions regarding those it shows your attentiveness. Prepare all these beforehand and carry those notes with you, it will show your organized side. Ask for feedback on your interview or resume this will impress the interviewer and it presents your confidence, daring, and fearlessness. Asking these questions can surely gain you a nod of approval and you can later pat your back for being so confident and courageous.
4. STAYING CALM WHEN ASKED UNEXPECTED QUESTIONS
In situations where the interviewer asks you a difficult question remember to not lose your confidence. Take a deep breath, ask for a minute, think carefully about the question, and then confidently answer. The interviewer wants to know how and how much you can handle pressure. These types of questions reveal your problem-solving and ability to survive a change. There is no correct answer to these questions as they want to know your thoughts and how composed you are throughout the process. Being nervous and replying without thinking properly will surely lose your points. Question when they are asking about your weakness always reply honestly and mention that you’re working to improve, simultaneously mention your strength in the same sentence. Try avoiding giving harsh criticism about yourself, and the same copied answers – be innovative, and practice- witty, humourous, and authentic answers.
Additionally, do remember to take a moment in between when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and slay your interview. If you cultivate a champion mentality and be confident in the interview then you’re already a step closer to your achievement. You should also do the prior practice of the interviews with a friend or mentor or you could do it in front of the mirror that would help you to ace the interview. Keep these points in mind and then you will surely remember how to be confident in an interview.