Want that dream job? Boost your confidence first

Confidence when interviewing can be a challenge, especially if you are nervous or unsure of yourself, but with the right preparation and mindset, anyone can ace an interview, says Donal Whelan, Managing Director of Lincoln Recruitment

Are you in the middle of a job search, preparing for an interview or going for a promotion? Can you identify a common factor that applies to all three? 

The presence of confidence 

As recruiters, we meet a variety of candidates every day, and while the majority of them have serious potential, something that is not as common among them is the presence of confidence. 

Confidence, believe it or not, is a mindset, and something that we can hone in preparation for our job search.

Below are some simple ways to communicate confidence during your search, which may make all the difference in you securing that dream role.

Fake it until you make it

This is an oldie but a goodie! 

Very few people wake up each and every day feeling ready to take on the world, but everyone has the ability to act like they are to some degree. 

Think about somebody in your office who you would consider as confident. How do they act and carry themselves? 

Take note of their behaviours and mannerisms, and try to emulate them while in interviews, the first day of work and while networking.

You also have the added bonus of feeling more confident because you are acting confident. That confidence will rub off on the people around you. 

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

Unsurprisingly, if you are unprepared for an interview, you will come across as nervous – that’s a given. There is nothing worse than fumbling over your words and being at a loss for basic information because your nerves have gotten to you. 

Virtual interviews, the most common type of interview these days, makes it much easier for you to have access to your notes and interview prep docs. 

Keep a list of your skills, achievements, projects, software used, courses completed, etc. at your disposal for reference during the interview, and make sure your notes are targeted to the role and interview at hand.

Dress the part

You want to be taken seriously in your job search and sometimes that means dressing in more corporate attire. Likewise, sometimes that isn’t necessary at all! It depends on the organisation to which you are applying. 

Take into account the role and the type of company you’re looking to get into and dress how you think fits the company culture and dress code. 

If you feel comfortable in your appearance, this will shine through during the interview.

Take constructive criticism kindly

Whether it’s a recruiter or a hiring manager you’re dealing with during your job search, chances are they’ll say something about you or your CV that you may not agree with. 

If you take constructive criticism as a personal insult rather than well-meaning advice, it will result in a dip in confidence. 

However, if you take constructive feedback as a learning opportunity and avoid becoming disheartened, you will feel better equipped for future interview processes. 

The more knowledge you have about what appeals to employers, the more confident you will feel going into your interviews, and the better chance you have of snagging your dream job.