Interviews: Why Confidence Is Key

You thought it would be easy, that you would start your career in the perfect company, with unlimited potential for growth in the direction you’ve imagined. Then reality kicked in and your life up to this moment might have been marked with long days of unemployment, or many relentless hours in a corporate office waiting for change to happen. Finally, when you were at the verge of giving up hope, the recruitment company phoned you to confirm an interview. You practiced in the mirror, changed your outfit a few times, researched, rehearsed and mustered the courage to sit through a list of questions while the butterflies were doing gymnastics in your stomach.

Taking on an interview isn’t just big, it’s overwhelming. Sometimes so much so that you are tempted to shy away from the pressure while other more confident candidates pass you by.

It’s not always easy to be confident when up to this point, you might have felt job–“LESS”; purpose-“LESS”; confidence–“LESS”

So how do you prepare yourself mentally to turn your confidence from “less” to “more” during an interview?

1). Be kind to yourself

Your mind can play tricks on you, reminding you of your failures. Your self-belief will many times be revealed under the pressure of an interview, so be kind to yourself. Life has dealt many cards, some good, some bad, but before you disqualify yourself because of your past maybe you should focus on what the future may bring. You survived your current situation long enough; you’ve waited it out and created another opportunity for your life to take a turn for the better. Seize the opportunity with all the mental capacity you have. While you’re at it, do “feel-good” things before an interview that will help you be relaxed and positive. Play music, drink a coffee or take a drive through the countryside – whatever it takes to put you in the right state of mind for the interview.

2). Aim to connect, not impress interviewers

Do you want to discover the secret to confidence when being interviewed?

Don’t focus on impressing your interviewers, but focus on connecting with them. Many neglect to think about the needs and wants of the hiring staff, and instead become so self-conscious that the nerves rob them of their spontaneity.

Don’t be afraid to show your true colours - your warmth, personality and sense of humor. These characteristics are often the competitive advantage that companies look for. During an interview, it’s important to come across as likeable. Your energy should be focused on building a rapport with your interviewer rather than impressing him or her. By putting people at ease with who you are, you will exude confidence.

3). Harness the power of imagination

Who says this interview can’t be your lucky break? Imagine yourself succeeding. If you have a strong belief that you are the best person for the job, why should others disagree? Your thoughts and ideas are launched from your beliefs. By letting the interview play off in your mind beforehand, you might be able to identify certain mental blocks, or wrong beliefs about yourself or the job. The key is to imagine the interview going as planned. This will help you rehearse for the moment better and make you more relaxed when the interview finally arrives.

Julia St. Clair is the owner of Insight Connection Recruitment Solutions. She operates a successful boutique consultancy that provides effective, specialist recruitment solutions bespoke to a company's needs. Insight Connection offers permanent, contract and temporary staffing solutions to all their clients.

Website: https://insightconnection.co.za