C is for...Confidence

“Experience tells you what to do; confidence allows you to do it”

Truly confident people can brighten a room just by walking into it. But confidence that isn’t based on something real can easily slip into empty posturing – which is toxic for interviewers.

It’s only natural to feel nervous when attending interviews but on the other hand people will lose confidence in you if you are over confident. Take a look at the following 5 techniques that will keep you focused and ensure you come across with the natural, easy confidence of a strong candidate whether you are looking to move internally with your existing employer or external with a new company:

1. Confidence = Preparation – You can’t prepare too much for an interview, do your homework and find out everything you can about the company / department and the people you will be meeting. Practice your interview answers by writing them down or even record yourself until you feel confident with the answer you hear.

2. Eye Contact and Smile – First impressions count so smile genuinely and maintain eye contact when saying “hello” to everyone you meet including the receptionist on arrival, the security guard on the door and your interviewer and his/her PA. Build an instant rapport, show people that you’re truly confident

3. Strong Handshake – Extending your hand should be part of an introduction, not a replacement for using your voice. When shaking hands avoid a limp handshake but on the reverse do not grip too hard. Practice with a friend until you feel confident with your handshake

4. Be Yourself – Don’t try and portray yourself as someone who you think your interviewer might want you to be. Whilst you still have to remain professional during an interview if you can’t be yourself then the company / department isn’t for you. Imagine starting a new job and having to be someone else all day, how will this affect your confidence?

5. Exit the Interview with Confidence – Accept that your not going to get every job you interview for however do not ask if you can contact the interviewer for feedback in the event that you’re unsuccessful. Leave the interview feeling positive and confident that you will be offered the job

Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global http://www.chillipepperglobal.com/advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.