In the first part of this series, I introduced ten key components that can significantly impact your success in job interviews. I also discussed the first component: your introduction.
Now, let’s take a look at the second major component—your confidence level.
Confidence is just as crucial as your skills and experience. In fact, without confidence, you may struggle to showcase your strengths effectively. Think of confidence as the foundation that supports all other elements of your interview. If it’s weak, everything else may feel shaky.
The following seven elements—which I refer to as confidence boosters—reveal your level of confidence:
1. The Way You Walk Into the Room
Walk with your shoulders raised and not hunched. Your strides should be measured—neither too fast nor too slow. Keep your head high but not stiff. Let your chest expand slightly.
Control your breathing, as your posture plays a crucial role in how you are perceived. Walk in a way that exudes strength, assurance, and confidence.
2. The Way You Sit
Do not sit carelessly. Sit up straight, keeping your thighs together. Avoid slouching in your seat. Never knock your knees together—it signals anxiety.
Lean slightly forward toward the interviewer. That position conveys an impression that you’re interested and engaged during the interview. Most importantly, ensure that you are comfortable in your sitting position.
Don’t cross your legs, as it may be misinterpreted as overconfidence. Likewise, avoid crossing your arms, as it can be perceived as boredom or hostility.
3. Maintain Eye Contact
Cicero (106–43 BC) once said, “Ut imago est animi voltus sic indices oculi.” This means, “The face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter.” A popular saying also states that the eyes are the window to the soul.
During an interview, always maintain eye contact. If it’s a panel interview, make eye contact with the interviewer who is asking a question. However, while responding, ensure you establish eye contact with all interviewers on the panel.
If you avoid eye contact, the interviewer may interpret it as being disinterested, hiding some information, or having some trust issues. However, be careful not to stare.
Eye contact can build trust—or break it. Learn how to use it effectively in job interviews to show confidence and sincerity. Share on X4. Your Body Language
You are probably familiar with the notion that only seven percent of any message is conveyed through words, while 93 percent is through nonverbal communication. While this is an inaccurate interpretation of the original research by Professor Albert Mehrabian in the 1960s, the fact remains that body language and other nonverbal cues play a significant role in communication.
Your body language can indicate whether you are excited or disinterested. Be mindful of habits such as nodding excessively, fidgeting, or making unnecessary gestures.
Also, avoid nervous behaviours like clearing your throat repeatedly, shaking your legs, snapping your fingers, touching your nose, or biting your nails and other similar actions. Engaging in the aforementioned can be perceived as showing anxiety.
If your hands feel clammy or you are sweating, don’t hesitate to use a handkerchief. It is better to discreetly wipe off sweat than to let it visibly drip from your brows.
5. Your Facial Expression
While facial expressions are part of non-verbal communication, they deserve special attention due to their impact on interview success.
No matter how demanding the interview may be, you should maintain a smile throughout. Smiling is a way to diffuse the tension and maintain a connection between you and the interviewer. Nothing disarms easily like a smile given at the right time.
Avoid frowning or rolling your eyes. These expressions convey negative messages to the interviewers.
6. The Way You Answer Questions
Be mindful of your tone, pitch, speed, and volume when speaking. Ensure that you are audible enough for everyone in the room to hear you, but don’t shout. Always avoid a situation where the interviewer has to ask you to speak up.
The tone of your voice must be friendly and not harsh or hostile. If you’re answering a question and you have to narrate a story or an incident, modulate your pitch frequently so you can bring some excitement into your narration and prevent your speech from being monotonous.
Don’t rush when you’re talking. Let your speech be measured so it can be taken in by the interviewers. Speak clearly and precisely. Avoid using long, winding statements. Be direct in your response to questions.
7. Your Energy Level
If the job requires enthusiasm or an outgoing personality, your energy level is an area to pay attention to.
While all the aforementioned confidence boosters have an impact on the energy level, you must be deliberate in showing up as a high-energy individual. Two major things drive energy: passion and your level of preparation.
Preparation fuels confidence. The more you prepare, the more naturally poised you’ll be. Share on XPassion fuels enthusiasm, making you naturally more engaging, while thorough preparation gives you the assurance needed to project confidence. The more prepared you are, the more in control you will feel—and that sense of control translates into a strong, positive presence that interviewers will notice.
Confidence Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Confidence is essential, but it’s only one part of what makes a successful interview. To truly stand out and land the job you want, you need a well-rounded strategy.
That’s exactly what my book, How to Stand Out and Get Hired, is designed to help you with. It not only covers all ten key components of a successful interview but is also packed with practical insights and proven techniques to give you a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Pre-order your copy today and get all three editions—hardcover, audiobook, and ebook—for the price of one!