Five Ways to Beat Your Nerves and Be Confident in an Interview

There’s no doubting that job interviews can be daunting. If you want the top tips on how to beat your nerves and create an incredible first impression with a potential employer, then look no further.

The basics

  • Never be late. You know the exact time and the place of the interview, so there’s no excuse not to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to prepare yourself before you walk in the door.
  • Dress appropriately. You want the person who is interviewing you to have a great first impression of you.
  • Do your homework. Google the business and mention specific attributes about the company that you like or that enticed you to apply for a job with their company.

Aim to connect with interviewers, not impress them

  • Make eye contact.
  • Body Language is critical – Handshake when you first meet your interviewer.
  • Smile!
  • Remember your interviewer’s name and use it (“Good morning Rachel, thank you for meeting with me this morning.”)
  • Being a good listener is one of the best ways to establish connections. Listen carefully to what your interviewer says and repeat or confirm points if appropriate.

Be present

The key to confidence when interviewing is arriving prepared and remaining present, connected and fully engaged. Remember what you need to convey about yourself. Connect with your interviewer by providing helpful answers to questions and being actively interested in what they have to say.

Just be your most authentic professional self!

Have prepared responses

The interview is going to include the question “why do you want this job” or “why do you want to work here?” Think of this as the interviewer asking  “what interests you about this position and our company?”. Your answer should be about why this employer is unique and special in your mind and how your skills are a match for their needs.

Alternatively, instead of focusing on your reasons, ask yourself “how can I answer this question in a way that further convinces the hiring manager that I am the best person for this job?”

Some possible answers:

“This job would allow me to use my proven skills to bring great value to this company” – followed by a specific example of how your skills bring value.

“I want to be in a job where I can have an impact. In this position, my impact will be …” – include an example of an impact you’ve made in the past and relate it to the position you are interviewing for.

“I want to work for a company where I believe in the product (or service). That passion will drive me to great results” – again, don’t forget to include an example from past.

Be prepared with your own questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the job. Yes, your interviewer is there to decide whether you are suitable for the position, but you are also there to find out more information.

You need to make sure this is a company you want to be working for, what the role entails and advise the interviewer on your goals and what you want to aim for – this will also make you seem a lot more focused and interested.

Check out the positions available at a certified Great Place To Work to put these tips to the test!

Naomi Loader