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Most people get nervous before or during job interviews, whether it's the first or 25th! They may ask themselves how they can impress the interviewer enough to land the job. If they do not get the job, they might feel that they have failed in some way. Below, I set out some tips for overcoming job interview nerves and giving yourself the best chance over the competition.
The most important thing is to show confidence during the interview. Employers want to hire people who are not only able to do the job, but believe they can do it. Confident employees are trainable, resourceful, agreeable and can usually show initiative and leadership skills. These qualities will be of great benefit to the company in the future. Confidence promises productivity and high performance.
However, many people confuse confidence with arrogance. In fact, the exaggerated claims and boasting of an arrogant presentation actually shows lack of confidence. True confidence has no need for this kind of attitude, so you need to be sure that your confidence is genuine when you go for your job interview.
There are some simple things you can do before your interview which will enhance your confidence. If you follow these simple steps you will find that you will feel more confident once you are in front of the interviewer.
1. Carry out some research about the company.
Find out as much as you can about the company. Ask yourself whether your particular skills and knowledge will be useful for them? Will you fit in? Of what value would you be to this company?
Once you know the company well, you will understand their needs and be able to present yourself as someone who can fulfil those needs. The interviewer will also be impressed by your interest in the company. You will be off to a good start by showing how you can be of service. Your initiative will go down well with any interviewer.
2. Dress appropriately and professionally.
The clothes that you wear not only affect other people, but also have a psychological effect on you. Sloppy, careless dressing will only make you feel and act sloppy and careless. Dress smart and you will feel smart. Look good and you will feel good.
Also, make sure that you have a good posture when facing the interviewer. You don't have to feel you have a rod up your back, but by sitting up straight, you will not only be able to breathe easily (which will make you relaxed), you will feel more confident. With good posture, answers will then come out more freely and easily.
3. Make eye contact with the interviewer
Always bear in mind that the interviewer is just another person, like you. You are equal as human beings. Do not be afraid to look straight into the interviewer's eyes during the interview.
One benefit of this is that you will be able to gauge the interviewer's feelings. You will be able to tell if he is getting bored, or whether he is interested in what you are saying.
Of course, you do not want to stare, or have eye contact for 100% of the interview. This might come across as confrontational and scary! However, if you avoid eye contact completely it could look as though you are hiding something. When you look into someone's eyes as you give your answers they will be reassured that what you are saying is the truth.
4. Make direct answers to questions.
First of all, LISTEN to the question to be sure that you are answering exactly what the interviewer has asked, and then respond with straight and honest answers. Being long winded or waffling only shows that you are not sure of yourself. Limit your answers to less than one minute, so as not to bore your interviewer. This will also make sure that you will not lose your focus and concentration. If you don't understand the question, don't try to answer what you think he might have said; ask for clarification.
5. Ask questions.
Show your interest in the company by asking questions. However, it is not a good idea to ask about things that only concern you, such as what is the starting salary, or what fringe benefits the company gives. Ask questions about how you can be of service to the company, perhaps how a particular skill of yours might be of use. This way, both of you will know whether you are right for the job. It would be costly to the company to hire you and then find out a few months later that you do not want to be there.
If you follow these four steps you will see your confidence increase. The most important thing of all, however, is to believe that you are capable for the job. Without this self belief you will not appear confident to your interviewer, whatever you do.
Remember that interviews are not just about the company knowing whether or not to hire you. You are also there to find out whether you want to be there. You are offering your services in return for a salary. There is a mutual need. If you remember this, you will see yourself as an equal, not just a humble applicant, and you will be more confident.
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