Confidence in an interviewI have been to countless interviews. I keep getting back the same feedback. I was not hired because I lack confidence. I have tried a few things such as more research on company, changes to physical appearance, and even some relaxation techniques. Any ideas of how to project confidence in an interview? One word. PRACTICE. Option 1. Find real life friends of friends (people with a little social distance to you) who have actually hired folks and ask them give you a practice interview in an office setting. You would be surprised how many people would be willing to give you an hour of their time to help you practice. That person could critique how you did (or if you set up a video cam discreetly in the corner of the room you could self critique). Option 2. Contact your local One Stop unemployment center (hint they are listed in the white pages under state government). These centers often have interviewing workshops with role playing and some centers offer mock interviews and/or 1-1 coaching. You could also contact your local community college or if you are an alumni the local university career services. Option 3. Join an employment networking group or consider toastmasters as an alternative. I once had a colleague who swore by toastmasters. Option 4. I think this one is a toilet flush of money but you might find a local career coach to work with you. --However BEFORE you do this, read Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream, which you can check out of your local library. As I mention in my book on interviewing, confidence is extremely important to success! Now confidence doesn't necessarily mean having all the right answers, but rather having the right attitude and faith that you'll do a good job. So my suggestion is to keep saying to yourself "I know I can do a good job if they'd only give me the chance!" Then walk in with this attitude and maintain it at all times. Also speak-up and speak proud! This sends the message that you believe in what you're saying. And if you believe it, then I'm more likely to do so too. An interviewer will match-up your words with your appearance and knowledge. So you must look and act the part throughout the entire interview! | |
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Career Tips
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