How To Be Confident In An Interview In 16 Easy Steps

Updated 5 March 2023

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Interviews can give you an opportunity to impress employers with your knowledge and personality. You may increase your chances of getting the job by making a great first impression and showcasing your qualities during the interview. By preparing well, you may feel confident during your interview. In this article, we discuss 16 easy steps that show you how to be confident in an interview.

How to be confident in an interview

Here are the 16 steps that show you how to be confident in an interview:

1. Consider your eligibility for the position

It is important for you to consider your own experience and qualifications that are relevant to the job. You may ask yourself why you are applying for the job position and why the employers may want to hire you. You may also get better clarity on your reasons to apply for the job if you assess how the position may help you achieve your career goals.

2. Review the job description

Reading the job description thoroughly may help you in understanding the way the employer has described the available position and the kind of candidates they are looking to hire. It is important to carefully review the key phrases which the employer has used in the job description to describe their expectations. The more you can match your qualifications and skills with the job description, the better your chances are of impressing the employer, and the more confident you may feel about the interview.

3. Learn about the company

It may be helpful to understand the company's culture and what they do before the interview. Having this information may help you be more confident during the interview. You can study the website of the company, their social media posts and their recent press releases to get an understanding of their goals and then determine how the skills and experience you possess may make you the appropriate fit. It may be helpful to search for the mission statement and the overall objectives of the company so that you may speak about them during the interview.

4. Prepare a list of expected interview questions

Put some effort into listing down a few common interview questions. It might be helpful to read the job description thoroughly to get an idea about what the interviewer may ask you during your interview. Once you prepare a list of the likely questions the interviewer may ask you, spend some time preparing answers for them. It is important that your answers are relevant. Here are some commonly asked interview questions:

Explain a challenge and how you overcame it.
What are your greatest strengths?
How do you think your previous supervisor may describe you?
What are your greatest weaknesses?
What made you leave your previous job?
Why may we hire you?

5. Have smart questions for the interviewers

Some employers may prefer to select applicants who come with questions. They are interested in finding out about your seriousness in working with their company. Following are some questions you may ask your interviewers:

What challenges are you currently facing in this role?
What qualities do you think might help someone to be successful in this role?
Can I know some of the daily responsibilities of this position?
What departments does your team interact with regularly?
How do you measure performance for this position? How often?
How does this process work?
What do these departments use to collaborate?

6. Practise your technical skills

If you are appearing for an interview for a technical role, it is important to revise your technical skills. You may use various online resources available to review the technical terms and phrases from your industry. Being knowledgeable about the technical skills can help you be confident during your interview.

7. Prepare an introduction

An introduction is the first thing an interviewer may ask you. This gives them a great opportunity to get to know you and you get an opportunity to showcase your strong points. It may be beneficial for you to prepare your introduction before the interview and practise it well. You can keep the introduction between 30 seconds to two minutes. Include a small overview of your experience, skills and what makes you a suitable choice for the position.

8. Prepare your work examples

During an interview, the interviewers may ask you about the specifics of any work you may have done that relates to the job position for which you are applying. Read through the job description and try to think of any similar work that you may have done in any of your previous job roles, clubs or volunteer positions that showcases your success and expertise. You can also take a portfolio of work examples to your interview.

9. Practise mock interviews

Mock interviews can be a great way to help you familiarise yourself with the interview process. They may help you create an actual interview-like environment and that may help improve your confidence. You can take help from your family or friends to conduct mock interviews for you.

10. Organise your documents

It is important that you bring all the required documents for your interview. You may keep copies of your CV and other important documents with you as per the requirements. If you do not know which documents to take, you may ask the HR manager for this information via email or phone. You can also carry documents like your certificates, mark sheets, photographs and ID proofs.

11. Make travel arrangements

Make sure you are confident about finding and reaching the interview location the company may have sent you. It is always a good idea to plan your departure time and mode of transport a day in advance. It is also important that you have the contact information of someone from the HR department with you so that you can contact them in case you need any help in reaching the interview location.

12. Update your social media profiles

If you are on some social media platforms, update your profiles before the interview. Employers may check your social media accounts to get some idea about your background and personality. You can search your name online to see how your profile looks. If you see something that can invite questions, make sure you delete those or prepare your answers for any questions about your profile that interviewers might ask.

13. Decide on your dress for the interview

If you have the opportunity to speak with the HR manager before your interview, you may ask them about the dress code for the interview and dress accordingly. If you are not able to get this information and are unsure about what to wear, you can research what the employees of that company generally wear. As a safe option, you may choose to wear a business formal dress in case you are not able to find any info about the appropriate dress code.

14. Reach the location early

Punctuality is a virtue that interviewers appreciate in candidates. Determine how much time it may take for you to reach the place and plan to leave early. Reach at least 15 minutes early so that you can settle down and be comfortable before the interview starts. You may use the extra time to drink some water, use the restroom or be prepared. Reaching before time may also help you mentally prepare for the interview.

15. Be aware of your body language

It is important that you appear confident while speaking with the interviewer. Having appropriate body language can also be important to make a good first impression. You may start showcasing your positive body language from the time you enter the company premises. Be aware of your body language when you interact with the receptionist or HR. It can help to smile when you greet them.

16. Pay attention to the interviewer

It is important that you actively listen to the interviewer throughout your interview. Make sure you do not interrupt the interviewer during the interview and that you understand all their questions properly. Also, look for any non-verbal cues from your interviewer and maintain eye contact with the interviewer during the interview process.