Confidence

Confidence, a photo by gerriet on Flickr.

Interview With Confidence

Screening candidates, the most interesting part of my recruiting job, reveals an infinite spectrum of personalities and skill sets. When I ask these folks about their accomplishments, I’m amazed at how many job candidates are reluctant to confidently tout their success stories. They’ll often preface their responses with statements like “I hope you don’t think I’m bragging when I say…”

There’s a fine line between modesty and cockiness in a job interview. Of course, your messaging needs to be humble. A good interviewer will not mind if you’re a bit nervous because it shows your respect for him and the job you’re trying to land.

But confidence in your expectation to perform well on the job and solve the Hiring Manager’s problem needs to become apparent very quickly. The thing about confidence is that it’s like a muscle that has to be strengthened, long before the interview takes place.

Confidence comes from preparation.  Along with the due diligence of researching the organization, the interviewer and the job description, rehearse your interview with someone you trust. Be sure your body language and the timbre of your speech exudes confidence. Make sure your handshake is firm but not overpowering. Consider your eye contact and how often you smile. Get comfortable with moments of silence between listening to the question and responding to it. Know when to shorten your statements. Stay on message, no matter how far the interviewer strays from professional conversation.

Avoid your Achilles heel.  Worried that the interviewer will point out your inability to create spreadsheets from scratch and overlook your great sales skills? Even the interviewer knows you can’t be good at everything. Be honest if you’re not skilled at something; then confidently demonstrate what skills you are great at, that relate to the job.

Concerned there might be too little salary or too much travel in the new job? Don’t turn your thoughts to questions like this. Yes, it comes down to exercising your mental power. Assume that you will get the offer and you can worry about logistics later. If you’ve done a good job of showing your value, you may be able to negotiate the salary or travel details later. For now, put your uncertainty about these details or other distractions that will zap your confidence.

Act as if you’re already on the job.  You can’t create a positive outcome unless you genuinely believe you’re valuable and worthy of the job. Make sure you understand the Hiring Manager’s biggest challenge, and offer a sample of how you’d approach it. Tie in things you’ve already done successfully. Prepare yourself with two to three examples of your most significant job accomplishments. Rehearse how you’ll demonstrate the way you tackled the previous role and the results you achieved. Give them a chance to picture you in the seat, achieving the same results on his team as you’ve done in the past.

We often receive what we expect—and if you are convinced you are the right person for the job, you will exude confidence during the interview.