How to exude confidence in an interview – and get the job
Who is the person best suited to the role? Chances are it is you and first impressions count, so here’s how to help project your best in a job interview.
If the thought of answering “What are your strengths and weaknesses” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?” has you breaking out in a sweat, you’re in good company.
Research from the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey found only 54 per cent of young people felt confident in applying for a job – despite the same amount reporting that developing their respective careers was one of the top three things they were most looking forward to about their future.
Confidence coach and speaker Alison Shamir says conveying a sense of confidence – even if you’re not really feeling it – is essential.
“Hiring managers and/or recruiters are not just assessing your work experience, they’re looking for the right organisational and team fit, which includes your ability to communicate effectively,” Alison says.
“The interview is your first point of demonstrating confident communication, which also plays a vital role in creating a positive and lasting first impression.”
Alison, and fellow expert, Leah Lambert, a career and interview coach at Relaunch Me, offer these top five tips:
Do your research
Alison recommends spending some time researching the company before your interview – its values, leaders, salaries, media and even hiring managers.
“Be clear on why you want to work for this company, how you align with the company’s values, as well as the value you can bring to the role and the day-to-day team culture,” Alison says.
She adds that it is a good idea to Google yourself to understand what kind of impression your own digital footprint is giving others.
Prepare for likely questions
Give yourself a competitive edge by preparing answers for common questions such as “Why did you leave your last role?” and the classic “Can you tell me about are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“Prepare specific examples using the STAR format (situation, task, action, result) to back up experience and the skills required,” Leah recommends.
“Once you’ve prepared your examples, practise delivering them aloud.”
Find ways to calm your nerves
Both experts recommend practising some deep breathing techniques beforehand, while studies show adopting a power pose may also be beneficial before entering the interview room.
“I would also recommend avoiding caffeine two hours before an interview, ensuring you have water on hand in case your mouth gets dry, and keeping your self-talk positive,” Alison says.
Be ready to talk salary expectations
“You need to know your market worth before negotiating a salary,” Leah says.
“If salary is not mentioned at the interview and it is an important factor for you, feel free to ask what salary range they have in mind for the position.”
Alison says you are not required to divulge what you are currently on.
“Often they ask this question to use it as a negotiation tactic – for example, if you’re currently earning $100K and you divulge this but want and are deserving of $120K, once they know this information they may return with an offer of $105K.”
Demonstrate your worth by aiming for a higher salary range.
Consider round two
Leah recommends writing down the questions you were asked after the interview.
“This can be particularly helpful if you’re invited back for subsequent interviews,” she says.
Be sure also to write a note to thank the panel for their time, taking time to reinforce your interest and what you can bring to the role.
“If you are not successful, I would also recommend sending a follow-up note to thank them for their time and to wish them the best with the new hire,” Leah says.
You never know where displaying a little class could lead.
More on career advice:
- Will you become part of the ‘great resignation?’
- How to create healthy work-life boundaries
- 5 great jobs for optimal mental and physical health
Written by Dilvin Yasa.
