Job-Hunt Intelligence - Build Confidence for Job Interviews - Having a Positive Mindset

Published: Tue, 11/15/16

By Gus Lawson

What will it take for you to feel more confident in your next interview? By developing the right mindset before your next interview, you can feel more confident walking in. This will help ease some of the jitters you may typically have.

Although people will respond differently, using a road map and taking positive steps will help you increase your confidence just as I was able to increase mine.

To strengthen my interview confidence, I developed the right mindset, prepared more thoroughly, adapted during interviews, and reflected about the interview. As a result, I felt more at ease walking into the interview.

For you, it could be one of a few steps that have helped others in these common situations. Yes – common. You’re not alone. Just as others have rebuilt their confidence, you can enhance yours.

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Build Confidence for Job Interviews by Being Well-Prepared

By Gus Lawson

In the past before an interview, I used to search online for common interview questions, read a few articles, tell myself that I knew the answers, had done the research on the company, reviewed my success stories, and was ready for the interview.

My confidence about my accomplishments and ability to build rapport allowed me to be somewhat dismissive toward interviews. In reflecting about the offers I did not receive, I realized I was "winging it" in job interviews. Not a good idea. So, I changed my approach, as described below, and succeeded.

Instead of doing what too many job seekers do, don't wing it in your job interview.

The roadmap for enhancing your interviewing confidence starts with having the right mindset for your job interview. Then, follow these steps to be well-prepared for your job interviews:

Really Prepare for Your Interview

Invest the time and effort necessary for success. The cost will be the time you invest. The result will be making a better impression in your interviews, feeling more confident and handling the whole situation better. 

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By Jeff Lipschultz

When coaching my candidates for an upcoming interview with one of my client companies, I always tell them to be confident in the interview—right to the edge of cockiness.

But don't cross that line.

Confidence vs. Cockiness

Cockiness is typically not a characteristic a hiring manager is looking for. For example, I once had a candidate tell my client that he was so good that he could teach them a thing or two.

Even if he was right, no one wants to be told they are inferior (especially when they are the ones already in the company doing great things).

The "Right" Amount of Confidence

So how does one show confidence without sounding cocky? I always tell my candidates:

Don't say you're great. Talk about great things you have done, and describe the great ways in which you got it done.

Anyone can say they are a great communicator. A great multi-tasker. A great mentor.

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Editor’s Choice
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