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Sonya Buck
November 25, 2015
Newsletter Article
We’ve all met them, as our parents and grandparents would say, people who parade like ‘show ponies’.
Too much self-confidence can appear as arrogance, but just the right amount can assist you in the workplace, during a job interview and in life.
For some people job interviews are a walk in the park, but for some it’s the equivalent of a visit to the Dentist or worse.
If you feel you are lacking in self-confidence, when attending interview there are many aspects that you can address which may improve the perception of you and your confidence by the interviewer.
Dress Sense
Ensure you dress for the role and pay attention to grooming. You know how good you feel when you look your best and naturally confidence will flow from this.
Breathing
Take some nice deep breaths while you are waiting for your interview, quietly of course. This will assist to ensure you are stay calm. It actually does work!
Positivity
Go in to the interview with positive self-talk. Tell yourself you are the best person for the role and how you ‘will’ secure this job.
Body Language
Old, but good advice. A firm handshake and look into the interviewer’s eyes at the same time. Not too firm, I’ve nearly had to be hospitalised in the past!
Ensure you sit up straight (even lean forward a little), smile, listen and don’t fidget. If nervousness gets the better of you, put your hands under the table or by your side.
Voice
Not too loud and not too soft and try and control your pitch. Use business speak and not what you would with your friends.
Preparation
You’ll be so much more confident if you research the company which is now so easy to carry out on the internet.
Not only access the organisations’ web site, search out recent news about them. Knowing about their upcoming expansion or merger could make its way into the conversation. In our industry even rainfall or weather may be discussed.
Refresh your memory with the position description and advertisement either the night before or just prior to the interview.
Think about the potential questions which may be asked and how you would answer them. Rehearse your answers.
Pause
When asked a question, briefly pause to compose your thoughts and make sure you don’t ramble on.
Show up
Be present and engaged in the interview this will take your focus off your nervousness or lack of confidence.
Sell yourself
Don’t be afraid to put forward your positive attributes and why you are the best person to hire. Show the interviewer you have confidence in your abilities to carry out the role.
Fountain of all knowledge
Ensure you are not tempted to correct the interviewer or offer so much information on a topic you are perceived as a “know all”, as this is won’t sit well with the person across the table.
Finally, if you are quite a confident person already, ask your family and friends how they think you will be perceived. You may need to tone done your confidence just a tad!
Remember most interviewers make assessments (good or bad) of you in the first 4 minutes of the interview. That’s the best time to let your confidence shine!
