In job interviews you, the candidate obviously have a very short time to impress a number of people, who are naturally in a position of higher power and the candidate is in a weaker power position since we need something from them, sometimes very desperately. Hence even if we usually are a confident person, we may not be fully confident during the interview.
But a very important thing to keep in mind is that we're not the only ones who need something from the interviewers, they also need a suitable candidate, that's why they are spending so much time, effort and financial resources in advertising, shortlisting, interviewing the candidate. They want you to succeed and to be good. But you have to sell your skills and show your best side to them. To do so, off course natural confidence and being calm is very important. Here are a few basic tips to get you more confident and calm during this process:
1.Get 8 hours sleep the night before
Sleeping decreases stress, helps improve memory and not getting enough sleep can not only cause more stress during the interview but also you may forget certain important answers during the interview. Not to mention, you will not look fresh!
2.A healthy and balanced meal
Did you know that your brain consumer up to 20% of your energy. So to keep in functioning well, you need energy. That's why it is important to have a healthy yet balanced breakfast/lunch before the interview. Plan your time well, and don't skip your meal.
3.Good personal hygiene & a decent hair style
Have a shower, brushing your teeth, not wearing too much perfume. You don't want to smell or look odd. Also have a decent hairstyle. You don't want to appear immature.
4.Always wear a suit with tie & polished shoes
Since you are presenting your best self to the interviewers, that's why it is important that you dress as best as possible. That's why regardless of the season it is recommended to wear a suit and a tie for the interview, with polished shoes off course. Jeans, t shirts, cuffs folded up, not wearing joggers, shiny color watches etc is off course a big NO!
5.Arrive 15 minutes before time
Running towards your interview can definitely increase your stress and anxiety levels. That's why you need to come in at least 15 minutes early, and take some time to settle down, familiarize yourself with the environment and calm yourself. Traffic may be a factor, that's why plan to arrive 30 minutes before the interview time so you can reach 15-30 minutes before even if there is unusual traffic on the roads.
6.While waiting, sit/stand in high Power Postures
Research tells us that effect and powerful leaders have high levels of testosterone i.e. the dominance hormone and low levels of cortisone i.e. the stress hormone. By just sitting or standing in power positions for 2 minutes, one can increase and decrease the levels of these hormones up to 20%, which will make us relaxed an confident. Power postures are those in which you are expanding your body rather than squeezing it. Like after winning a race all atheletes have their hands up in the air, their body stretched widely, on the other hand when we are ashamed or something or hiding from someone we squeeze our body, fold our arms etc, which is a pose of less power and it further increases cortisone levels in the body. To know more about power postures and body language, view the TED talk by Amy Cuddy.
7.During the interview imitate the posture of the interviewer
During the interview, instead of being confused on how to sit, you can simply imitate the sitting posture of the interviewer. This will remove confusion and increase your confidence.
8.Smile! It decreases stress, you’ll look more competent
Research states, one smile can cause the same level of stimulation in the brain as 24,000 bars of Chocolate, or receiving 16,500 GB Pounds in cash. Unbelieveable isn't it? But it is true. Smiling, even if forcefully, decreases cortisone levels in your body and makes you relaxed and thus more confident.
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| Smile + Power Pose |
Research has also shown the people who smile seem more competent to others. So if you want to look more competent in your interview, and feel relaxed, SMILE before and during the interview.
Try out the above tips for your next interview, and share your thoughts with us.
