Make a Great First Impression

10 Ways to Exude Confidence

How many times has this been you? You’re headed to a job interview, and you’re feeling a little nervous. You’ve thought about this day – this moment – since the company called you to set up the interview appointment. You’ve played out the scenario a few times in your head of how everything will go. You’ve thought about what to wear and what to say.

But, the big day has finally arrived and you’re still not feeling 100% ready for the interview. You pull into the company’s parking lot for your interview, and panic begins to grip you. Your heart beats faster, your palms feel sweaty, and your nerves start getting the best of you. You try to tell yourself to settle down, that everything’s going to be OK. Then, you start thinking, will everything be OK?

Take a deep breath. Almost everyone has been in this situation before. It’s the interview jitters. With so much riding on this meeting, who wouldn’t get a little nervous? You’re about to meet the person who may or may not offer you a job. The jitters are like your body’s way of preparing for battle. However, you can feel nervous and still come across completely confident in your interview. The interviewer never has to know you’re worried about meeting them. Just remember, think confident, be confident.

So, what are some ways to come across as calm, cool, and collected?

Take charge of the room. When you walk into the room, know you belong there. Stand up straight, smile, put a spring in your step, and communicate that you’re excited to be there. Make eye contact, and be the first to offer your hand to shake. Say hello, and ask the other person how they’re doing. By taking the first initiative to break the ice, you’re showing the interviewer you’re confident in meeting people for the first time.

Embrace your “role.” It’s important to be yourself and let your personality shine through during an interview. But, remember you only get one chance to make a good first impression, so be on your best behavior and put your best foot forward. Don’t think of yourself as the job seeker, but rather a problem solver. As a problem solver, you know why you’re interviewing and you can tell the interviewer how your skills to add value to their company. When you’re able to tell them how you can help them, you are communicating you have confidence in your abilities.

Dress the part. Always look your best when you go to an interview. Make sure you look professional and that your hair is combed and clean. When you look good, you feel good, and dressing the part will help you feel secure and more confident. It’s OK to wear your favorite cologne or perfume, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reason.

Research the company. Don’t forget to do your homework about the company. Be able to compliment the interviewer on what the company has achieved. Let them know you’ve done your homework. This shows initiative – because taking the time to do the research show how much you want to work there. Make sure to communicate your knowledge enthusiastically. When you can showcase your knowledge about the company, you instantly appear confident in the eyes of the interviewer.

Be prepared to talk. Think about what questions you might be asked
and prepare your answers in advance. This will prevent you from stumbling over your words or from rambling on and on. Your confidence shines when you’re able to clearly express yourself. Some typical questions may include: why are you interviewing here, what can you bring to our company, and why should we hire you? Know what you’re going to say, but don’t sound rehearsed. Keep your replies conversational in nature.

Talk about you. Don’t be afraid to tell an interviewer about yourself. Some people get nervous when they have to “brag” about themselves. However, a confident person can talk about their accomplishments because they are proud of what they’ve achieved. If you did great work at a previous job or if you won an award for an outstanding project, this is your chance to tell them. A company wants to know why you’re amazing. Just be careful not to come across as arrogant or you could lose points.

Ask questions. Show that you want to know more about the prospective employer and what the business does. Before the interview, think of a few sharp questions to ask about the job you’re applying for. This allows you to make sure the company is a right fit for you and it shows that you have a strong interest. This showcases confidence because you don’t shy away from learning more about the company – you want to know all about what it does.

Keep your nonverbals in check. Too much smiling and too much fidgeting during an interview are clear signs you’re nervous. Do smile, but let it come naturally – don’t force it or feel that you have to sit with a smile plastered on your face for the entire interview. It’s OK to use your hands when you talk, but keep excessive movement to a minimum. Make sure your nonverbal communication sends the right message. Being able to sit still during an interview communicates confidence because you’re showing the interviewer you can handle pressure well.

Embrace silence. Know that you don’t have to fill the silence when you and the interviewer aren’t talking. Chatting to fill the silence is another clear sign you’re uncomfortable. Instead, use this as an opportunity to show you can be calm and poised. Sit patiently while they make notes, and wait for them to ask their next question. Knowing when to stop talking is a sign of a cool, confident professional.

Be cool. Remember that this is just an interview and your prospective employer is just a person. At the end of your interview, life will still go on. Just think of an interview as a great experience and a chance to get to know someone and for someone to get to know you. A sure sign of confidence is your ability to remain calm and collected during an interview.

Interviews can be intimidating when you don’t know what to expect. So, take time before the interview to consider these points. After all, you are the ultimate expert on you! Look forward to the opportunity to share information about yourself, and choose a confident mindset to help put yourself at ease. Embrace that moment and make the most of it. Practice these tips before your next interview and see the difference exuding confidence can make!

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