How to show confidence in a job interview: 7 tips

You can be the most qualified and experienced candidate in a job interview and still not get the job. And do you know why this happens? Because there are several factors capable of determining whether the recruiter will consider you the ideal professional. One of them is your self-confidence during the conversation, but do you know how to convey confidence in a job interview?

Making that positive impression can come naturally to some people, while others need to take more active action to demonstrate confidence. However, the good news is that you can apply simple and easy techniques and methods to achieve this goal, without the need for magical or outlandish recipes. Some of these techniques and tips are listed below, in a guide we've put together to help you stand out in the selection process. Check out the list now and guarantee a good impression in your next interview!

7 tips on how to be confident in a job interview

Having your entire CV at your fingertips confidence is based on a number of pillars, the main one being knowledge. When you have all the information you need, any process becomes simpler and more natural. It's exactly what happens in an interview when you're prepared. Considering that job interviews are conversations, for the company to get to know you and vice versa, it is essential that you memorize your resume. Go over the document a few times, fix details that are older and ensure that all content is fresh in your memory. That way, you won't hesitate or get nervous when asked questions about your education and career path. All data will be at your disposal, and responding firmly gives you the security you need at that moment.

1. Practice possible answers before the interview 

To further ensure that you can speak confidently, practice before the big day. Using a friend or even a mirror, practicing asking key interview questions, and use your career path to get the answers you need. That way, you can get used to the answers and still evaluate your performance when chatting. If you're nervous, using confusing words, or stuttering, with sentences ripping over each other, you'll have enough time to figure out what's going on and fix the problem. That way, on interview day, you'll be ready to step into the spotlight.

2. Search for the employee and memorize job description keywords.

A prepared candidate is one who has researched a lot about the company where he wants to work. In addition to impressing recruiters, knowing important information about the organization makes you feel ready to start conversations about it, ask more specific questions, and be able to have an in-depth interaction with Human Resources professionals. This all brings confidence and does not leave you with unnecessary doubts and uncertainties, which compromise your performance during the interview.

3. Do not be late and wear appropriate clothes.

Another fundamental point for not undermining self-confidence is to feel good on the day of the conversation. To do this, make sure you arrive at the right time, so you leave no doubt about that great first impression and feel like you've already started off on the right foot. A tip that will also help you is the use of suitable clothes. In addition to making it clear that you know how to dress appropriately, clothes that match the occasion make you comfortable, without worrying about what the pieces are communicating. So, bet on neutral clothes, with few prints, without necklines and with adequate length. They will help you feel good and confident, focusing on what really matters: your professional capacity. 

4. Avoid slang and colloquialisms, but it does not have to be 100% formal.

Assuming a professional posture is one of the most effective ways to convey confidence in the selection process. For this, do not forget to pay attention to the language and vocabulary used in the chat. Avoid slang and colloquialisms, which can demonstrate unpreparedness and lack of adherence to the situation, but keep in mind that it is not necessary to be completely formal. In general, interviews are serious conversations, but they allow for a certain informality in speech. To understand what fits the situation, pay attention to the interviewer's tone and vocabulary and follow the line he has established. 

5. Pay attention to your body posture.

We often believe that the basis of communication is in speech and words, don't we? However, in reality, non-verbal communication plays a very important role in all social interactions. Your posture, for example, conveys messages about how you are feeling, so be sure to be aware of how your body presents itself in interviews. Some tips for building confidence are keeping your hands above the table, making eye contact with everyone present, smiling naturally, and sitting up straight. This ensures a confident posture, which still helps with voice projection and helps build a leadership image. 

6. Beware of exaggeration in self-criticism.

Being aware of your weaknesses and areas for improvement is part of the professional growth process. You need to know what can be improved in order to create an action plan and put it into practice, however, awareness of these topics cannot undermine your qualities. All candidates for job vacancies have strengths and weaknesses, and during the selection process, you need to focus and believe in your abilities and skills. They will bring the necessary confidence to pass on to the interviewer, but if you let self-criticism about weaknesses outweigh strengths, the recruiter can sense and feel your insecurity.