Here at Network Open, we speak to many candidates who shine like stars on paper, consistently getting through to interview stage, and then falling at this important hurdle. The reason? Lack of confidence.
So here are our top tips for finding your confidence when it really matters...
Fake it until you make it
While on the inside you might feel like a quivering ball of nerves, pretending that you feel confident will not only portray the right persona during your interview, it will actually help you subconsciously too. To do this, stand up straight and tall with your shoulders back, lift your head up to greet your interviewer eye to eye, and smile! Try it now, the power of great body language like this will make you feel a million dollars.
Give yourself a pep talk
Instead of worrying about all of the things you think are negative points about yourself, run through all of the positives just before your interview. Saying out loud attributes like 'I am ambitious. I am hard working. I am good at my job' and any other complimentary phrases you can think of, rather than talking yourself down, will instil a confident mindset before you go in.
Imagine how success feels
Visualise a successful interview, picture yourself speaking confidently, smiling and laughing with the interviewer, looking relaxed and happy. Then envisage the phone call where you receive the news that you got the job. Project yourself into this future moment and think about how it feels and what this means to your life. Placing yourself in these positive scenarios can help to boost your own confidence before your interview.
Take a deep breath
Before you answer a question take a deep breath to give yourself a moment to pause and think about the best answer. This will prevent you from speaking too quickly and give you the time to take back some control. Never underestimate the power of a deep breath!
If you have any confidence boosting tips that have helped you, we'd love to hear them! Why not put them to the test by searching and applying for your perfect new role? Network Open may be able to help, give us a call on 0121 456 8111 today.