The way you present yourself in the interview with your body language directly affects your own confidence as well as the chances of you walking away with the job offer.
Check out these 3 tips to project (and feel) confidence in any job interview:
1. Expect a positive outcome from this conversation.
Before you think about arm-crossing or eye contact ratio, picture yourself having a positive outcome to this interview. Visualization is a proven technique for success. If you approach your job interview with a positive perspective, your breathing will be more natural, you’ll smile, your eye contact will be totally appropriate, and you’ll appear relaxed, confident, and enthusiastic. These things will all contribute toward a positive outcome.
2. Practice relaxing breathing.
Before you go into the interview, take a few slow, deep breaths. Keep your breathing even during the interview. Calm means confidence.
3. Now think about your arms, hands, and legs.
Once you do the first two things, the positive body language you need to project will be easier.
- When you meet the interviewer, smile and give a firm handshake.
- When you smile, imagine that your interviewer is a friend (this is part of your positive visualization).
- During the interview, be calm, cool, and collected: don’t fold your arms in front of you, fidget, or touch your face. These all reveal nervousness that translates to “I don’t think I can do this job.”
- Sit up straight in your chair and lean forward slightly to project confidence and trustworthiness (this also helps you to breathe naturally and calmly). Sitting back will make you appear less interested or even arrogant. Slouching will make you seem less competent.
- Maintain natural eye contact.
You should approach your interview relaxed but alert, positive and confident. They called you in because they’re interested in you. They want this to work out so they can hire you and get on with things. So relax and show the hiring manager why they need you for the job.
** (Create a 30-60-90-Day Plan for your interview. You’ll feel supremely confident and make a great impression.)