How to Feel More Confident For Your Next Job Interview
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Job interviews can be anxiety inducing, especially if you haven’t done many in the past. Although some employers are intimidating, most aren't. Most employers want to get to know you on a professional and personal level. They want to know who you are as a person, so they try to come off as friendly. Knowing this, let's talk about some ways for you to feel more confident for your next job interview.
Change Your Perspective
A very common reason for feeling unconfident at a job interview could be your mindset. If you view the interview as a scary interrogation, you're not going to feel as confident. Instead, try changing your perspective of interviews to an opportunity for you to talk about yourself.
Think of it this way: job interviews are a casual (but still professional) conversation with another human being about your life, where you went to school, your work experience, etc. When you think of it as a conversation rather than an interrogation, you'll feel more confident immediately.
Practice Interview Questions Without Memorizing
You should always practice answering generic and then more specific or advanced interview questions before the actual interview. You can do this with another person or by yourself. Start with basic questions like:
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you think you're a good fit for the company?
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want this job?
What are your salary expectations?
Do you have any relevant work experience?
Do you have any questions for me?
Then, move on to the more specific or advanced questions like:
What does your ideal work environment look like?
What can you bring to the table that other candidates can't?
What do you know about our company?
What made you want to apply?
What did you like least about your last job?
Can you tell me about a time you got into a conflict at work and the resolution?
If you can't figure out the answer to a problem, what would you do?
You can find a wide array of example questions online. Try practicing everything from behavioral questions, career development questions, and technical questions.
But remember, you should avoid memorizing your answers as it won't help you build confidence. It's always better to understand and know yourself to the core rather than memorizing everything word-for-word. When you memorize your answers, they may sound robotic and unnatural. Also, if you can't remember a specific fact you were about to say, it can throw you off completely and leave you feeling even more unconfident.
Make Yourself Comfortable
A great way to feel more confident at a job interview is by making yourself comfortable. This starts with how you're dressed. If you're wearing a tie and it feels like it's choking you, loosen it up! Make sure you're wearing comfortable and appropriate attire. You shouldn't be worrying about your hair or how your outfit looks during the interview. Your attention needs to be on the actual interview.
So, make yourself as comfortable as possible without coming off as impolite or unprofessional. If you're thirsty, don't be afraid to ask for water. Or if you brought your own, take a couple of sips. Trust me, your interviewer won't mind.
Most importantly, if you have to go to the restroom, ask if you can be excused for a couple of minutes. Your interviewer would much rather you be comfortable than hold in your bladder for the next thirty minutes, assuming you don't take too long in the restroom. When you're comfortable, you'll feel a lot more confident speaking. Speaking of being comfortable, this leads us to the next one.
Be Yourself & Let Your Personality Shine
Many people believe that you have to portray yourself as the ideal candidate during an interview. Although this is true to some extent, you shouldn't pretend to be someone you're not.
For example, let's say you're applying for a graphic design job, don't be afraid to express your other relevant interests as well. This can make you memorable and help you to connect with the interviewer.
If it seems appropriate in the conversation, connect around topics regarding what you like to read or watch or other things that you do in your freetime. When you don't feel like you need to lie or pretend to be the ideal candidate, you will feel much more relaxed and comfortable at the interview.
Eye Contact and Body Language
Use as much natural eye contact as possible when you're speaking to your interviewer. This doesn't mean staring into their eyes for minutes straight. You can look down occasionally at your resume and look around at objects in the room. Just don't wander your eyes around too much as it can make you feel and look restless and unconfident. Using eye contact makes you more engaged in conversation, which can make you feel more confident.
The same applies to your body language, and this includes posture. Make sure you're sitting upright with your head up, while still comfortable. Present yourself as if you genuinely want to be there because you should! Smile, laugh, and consider making a joke once in a while.