Guest blog with great ideas for how to be confident in a job interview and calm those interview nerves!
– Coach Wolfgang

After sending countless CVs, you finally got a call – the company of your dreams finds that you may be the next person to join their team. However, now comes the hardest part: the notorious interview!

Most people claim that this is the most nerve-wracking part of the whole process, from searching for a job to working. The reason for that is that they don’t prepare themselves enough for what is to come.

All you need is to believe in yourself and appear confident, because if you don’t look like you think, this is the job for you, how could they? The following tips can help you to master the art of being confident, shaking off those interview nerves and finally sealing the deal.

Have a Strong Handshake

The first thing you’ll do when you come in is to shake the hands of the interviewers. This is the first impression they’ll have of you and it needs to be a good one.

A limp handshake can instantly reveal all your insecurities.

Try to be the first to extend your hand for a firm handshake, it will show you have initiative. While you shake the interviewers’ hand, smile and look them in the eyes. Smiling is not just a way to make you look more friendly, it will also help you to feel more relaxed.

Make Eye Contact

There is nothing that says “I have confidence” more, than not being afraid to make eye contact.

Eye contact can represent so many things, and it can show that you are present, a patient listener, and most importantly, that you have confidence.

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes; would you hire a person who is even scared to look somebody directly in the eyes? Interview nerves go away when you look them in the eye!

Inform Yourself & Say Bye to Interview Nerves

Prior to standing before the interviewer and trying to convince them that you are the right person for that job, you should collect enough information so that nothing can surprise you. It can help you feel calmer and shake those interview nerves when the time of the interview actually comes.

The insecurity usually comes from the fact that you are scared that they will ask questions to which you won’t have an answer, but if you check your facts, there is nothing to feel scared about.

The most important information you need before you head to the interview are:

1. The story behind the company – You will work there and you need to know everything that you can find about them. If you show that you are truly passionate about the work they do it will certainly provide you with some extra points.
2. What do you have to offer? – The question almost everybody asks is why are you the right person for this job? Prepare an answer that truly represents your strengths and what you can contribute to the company. A good interview preparation can take you a long way.

Speak with Conviction

It is not only about what you say, but how you say that is what will help your potential employers to form an opinion about you.

You need the right combination of strong voice and a friendly tone.

Also, don’t rush it. If you speak too fast it will only make them lose their focus and it is an instant sign of stage fright.

Speak slowly and clearly so that everyone can understand you. Don’t forget to look them in the eyes while doing so. If it helps, you can always practice the talk at home.

Be aware of your body language

Body language is the easiest tool you can use to showcase your confidence.

That is why you should sit upright and try to lean slightly forward. Nodding when appropriate is also a good way to show that you are paying attention and it gives them a sense of the agreement on your side.

Try to look relaxed and at ease.

Be the One Who Asks Questions

Step forward and ask the interviewers some meaningful questions.

This doesn’t mean that you should be arrogant and interrupt them, you just need to show that you have more to offer than just to listen and nod your head.

Some of the questions you can use in order to show interest and preparedness are:

• What would be my main priority in this role?
• What avenues are available within the company after this position?
• How will my training look like?
• What tasks will define success in this position?
• What will the typical day look like?
• Is there something I should do differently than the previous people who have held this job?
• How does your company view creativity and individuality?

Some final thoughts

Feeling nervous about the interview is the most natural thing.

Simple tricks such as these can seem trivial, but they are of great importance in order for you to represent yourself as a competent person for the job.

The interview is the determining moment for every career and that is why it should be your time to shine and show your employers how well you perform under pressure.

Author’s bio
Daniela McVicker is a freelance writer and editor for Top Writers Review. She graduated from Durham University and has an MA in Psychological Science. Her fields of expertise are creative writing, fiction writing, and academic research.