Beyond Nerves: How to Achieve Interview Confidence (Interview Best Practices)

By Julianne Hill, Marketing Manager, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

Let’s face it: job interviews can be a massive source of anxiety. I’ve experienced this first-hand and have coached many individuals in overcoming this anxiety.

There is pressure to present ourselves in the best light while still remaining authentic and relaxed. Fear not! This blog post will guide you through how to transform those nerves into confidence so you can nail your next interview.

Understanding Interview Anxiety

Nerves are normal. Anxiety can show up both before and during an interview. It stems from several factors, including the fear of the unknown, the desire to make a good impression and the pressure to perform, among other things. The first steps towards managing these fears are recognizing how you feel and creating a plan to conquer them.

For more information, see Indeed Career Guide’s article on conquering interview anxiety.

Preparation: The Key to Interview Confidence

According to Benjamin Franklin, by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. This sentiment highlights the importance of preparation in achieving success. Failing to complete interview preparations can have undesired consequences.

The more you know about the company, the role and even the industry, the more confident you will feel. Here are a few best practices when it comes to interview preparation:

• Research: Look at the company’s website, recent news and social media profiles. Be sure to understand the mission, culture and products, if applicable.
• Anticipate Questions: There are plenty of lists of common interview questions. Research these and prepare your responses to these questions. Some examples include “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this job?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• Mock Interviews: Remember the common saying that practice makes perfect. Ask a friend or mentor to conduct a mock interview with you. This practice will help you feel more comfortable and will be an opportunity to receive feedback. You may also want to record yourself during this mock interview so you can review your responses.

For more information on how to prepare for an interview, check out Indeed’s Career Guide.

First Impressions Matter in Interviews

The hiring manager’s first impression of you may set the tone for the rest of the interview. Here are some best practices for making a positive first impression:

• Be on time: Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Arriving early will give you time to relax and prepare mentally. Note: Arriving earlier than this is a common mistake to avoid.
• Wear the right clothes: Be sure to dress professionally. If possible, research and match the company’s dress code.
• Positive Introduction: Greet your interviewer with a firm (not too hard) handshake. Give them a warm smile and maintain eye contact. This will display confidence and respect.
• Follow-up: If there is an opportunity, ask for the interviewer(s)’s business card (we will talk more about why later).

For more information on making great impressions, see Indeed’s Career Guide.

Non-Verbal Communication in Interviews

Project your confidence using body language. Best practices include maintaining good posture, avoiding fidgeting and maintaining eye contact when speaking and listening. These things can help project engagement and confidence.

For more information on non-verbal communication, see Indeed’s Career Guide.

Answering with Confidence in Interviews

What you say is important, but how you say it is just as important. Here are some tips:

• Be a STAR: You may be asked behavioral questions. A common behavioral question is, “Can you describe a time when you had to handle a conflict on your team? How did you resolve it?” Structure your response using STAR: Situation (set the scene), Task (describe the challenge), Action (explain what you did) and Result (share the outcome).
• Tricky Questions: Remember that it is okay to take a moment to think after being asked a hard question. If you don’t know the answer, be honest but willing to learn.
• Focused Answers: Avoid rambling and stay on topic. Responses should be relevant and concise as well as showcase experiences and skills.

For more on behavioral interview questions (and answers), see Indeed’s Career Guide.

Ask Questions

I often stressed the importance of this during my time as an Employment Specialist. Have questions prepared. Be engaged. Interviews can often be a conversation.

I have always said that the interview goes both ways. Not only is the employer interviewing you for the role, but you are also interviewing the employer to see if they are a good fit for you. The right fit is of utmost importance.

Having questions shows your interest in the role and the company. You may ask about expectations, company culture or opportunities for growth and advancement.

Be sure to prepare several questions just in case some questions get answered during the interview. When they ask if you have any questions, you don’t want to respond no.

For example questions, see Indeed’s Career Guide.

After the Interview

A thank you email is appropriate and appreciated after the interview. This can make you stand out from the other candidates, which is why I suggested asking for the business cards of any interviewers at the start of the blog. Check out this article on the Indeed Career Guide on how to write an interview thank you email.

Job interviews cause natural anxiety. You may not completely overcome this, but remembering the 3 P(s) can transform those nerves into confidence:

• Proper Preparation
• Positive Mindset
• Practice

Here’s a reminder: a job interview is a two-way street. It is as much about you assessing the company as it is about them assessing you. So, go forth and conquer your next job interview with confidence! Best of luck to you!

Avoid common interview mistakes by checking out this Indeed Career Guide article.