On the flip side you don’t want to leave the interviewer with any doubts about your ability to do the job by appearing ill prepared, insecure or unsure of yourself. It's important that you understand how to strike the right balance. Here are my tips for how to be confident in an interview.
How to be confident in an interview: Be prepared
There’s nothing worse than a job seeker who obviously hasn’t done their research and then tries to bluff. Don’t be one of those candidates. Do your research thoroughly so you’re familiar with the company, their current position and their competitors.
How to be confident in an interview: Believe in yourself
If you sound doubtful about your abilities then don’t expect to convince the interviewer that you can do the job. If you haven’t experience of doing something, tell the interviewer how you would do it. Interviewers are not always looking for the exact same experience – they often look for potential.
How to be confident in an interview: Demonstrate your experience
You should have already thought through before the interview how you will demonstrate your experience. Interviewers are most interested in your achievements and impact. So if you want to show that you have experience of putting a new system in place you must say what difference it made. Employers are also interested in candidates who can show that they have been proactive in developing new ideas. You need to sell your strengths and unique selling points in a way that makes you stand out and differentiates you from the other candidates. Talk about the value you would bring and how you would fit with the company.
How to be confident in an interview: Ask questions
You will always be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of an interview. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to also ask a follow-up question at any suitable time in the interview. It’s a good tactic to ask questions from the perspective of someone who is already in the job. For example “If I was leading this project I would like to use ... tracking system for improving delivery dates. Has the team used this system or something similar?”. In asking this type of question you demonstrate that you’ve thought through the role and how you would be a fit.
How to be confident in an interview: Be an expert not a know all
Clearly you want to demonstrate your experience and show that you’re knowledgeable about current trends in your industry or sector, but don’t make the mistake of sounding superior to the people who are interviewing you. Doing so could sound a death knell to your chances of being considered for the job.
How to be confident in an interview: Control your nerves
Just as you should refrain from sounding superior if you’re to project the right level of confidence at an interview, you must control your nerves. Use visualisation techniques in the run-up to the interview to imagine appearing confident and capable and impressing the interviewer with your knowledge and experience.
During the interview, make sure that you keep hydrated , don’t speak too quickly, maintain eye contact, smile and don’t fidget. Listen carefully to the questions and ask the interview to repeat a question if you need clarification. Your verbal and non verbal communication skills will be a key part of your success.
Summary
Learning how to be demonstrate the right level of confidence in a job interview will play a key part in your success. It’s important that you strike the right balance and show how you would be a good fit and valuable asset to a company, without appearing either superior and arrogant or diffident and unsure of your abilities. Practising visualisation techniques in the run up to the interview and being well prepared will ensure that your attitude and demeanour will not let you down.
How do you demonstrate confidence in an interview?
Author: BIS Coach
Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/interviews/top-tips-how-to-be-confident-in-an-interview
