How can I be more confident at job interviews?

How can I improve my job interviews ?

  • I have a big problem. In the past month I've been on about 15 different job interviews and I've gotten no calls for 2nd interviews or offers of employment despite being told ...show more

  • Answer:

    These are competitive times, and you need to stand out in the crowd in a limited amount of time. From what you have said, I would suggest: Take your time in answering your questions. Don't be rushed. Know in advance what you want to say on the standard interview questions. When the interviewer asks what you did on your previous job, they aren't asking about those little routine duties. That should be obvious on your resume/application. They are looking for those contributions that made a difference to the project or company. Did you do anything that saved the company time or money? Did you get special recognition for your work? Did you create new business for the company? What were those positive thigns you did. That's what you want to concentrate on and you want to know what you want to tell them about this aspect of the job before you walk into the interview. Dress appropriately, neatly. Sit up straight, but don't be ridgid. Smile. Look attentive and engaged in the conversation. Look like you are interested and want the job. Ask questions. It's good to have these in mind before the interview. For example, "What do you feel is the most important skill/experience that the person in this job needs to have?" When they answer, this is your opportunity to explain how your background meets those needs. Ask about the vacancy. Why is it there? Is it a new position? If not, why is the last person leaving? Was he promoted to a new position within the company? (Good sign.) Is he leaving the position for another company? How long was he there? (A sign of job satisfaction or lack of.) How long has the position been open? (The longer it's been open, the harder it has been to find a qualified applicant or a sign of how desparate they might be to fill it. Could also be a sign that they are not paying an appropriate salary.) Always thank them for their time and express your interest in the position. Give a solid, confident handshake (but don't break their hand in the process.) If you don't get the job, give them a call and ask if there was anything in your interview that stood out as a deciding factor. This can give you insight on future interviews. Good luck. I know it's a lousy time to be looking for a job.

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Make a list of all the questions you've been asked. Now, write your answers - your script - and learn it. Rehearse - give the list to a friend and have them "interview" you. Act like it is the real thing. If you have a video camera - aim it at you so you can observe your reactions and manner -- i.e., do you say "uh" too much? Say too much/too little? Do you sit up straight? Play with your hair or exhibit any other nervous behavior? Also, are you researching the company? You will impress them if you are able to ask some appropriate questions that show you know about the business. The only way you will come across as confident and competent is to be prepared. Good luck!

Lady M

You're allowed to show some personality. If you get nervous and stutter, thinking ahead or writing down answers to questions you know will be asked can help you get the words out more smoothly when you're in the interview, and can give you a better chance to think about additional stuff you want to say when you're there. For questions like "What did you do at your previous job?", it's fine to say "I was the head of the tech department" but it's better to add to it - "I worked on several projects including a total reorganization of server utilization which opened up the company to better server uptime and improved our customer service" (that is, give them a good example of a successful project or task you performed while you were there, and list two or three things that the project/task did for the company). That will make it sound like you were productive and fulfilled your role well at your last job, and make you look more useful to the new company. Also, being able to put a "positive spin" on your answers without sounding cocky or egotistical is important. You can say "I have weaknesses" because everyone does, but try to make it sound like you are working on your faults or at least recognize them and know how to work with/around them. Finally, sound interested in the company if at all possible. I realize some jobs (like McDonald's) are pretty tough to get excited about but try to read up on the company's policies and their goals beforehand, and when you go in take note of any announcements, signs, etc that can tell you about the company's attitude. Mention it in your interview at some point (they will sometimes ask why you want to work for the company or what you can bring to them). By tying in your previous experience or job skills to the company's goals and policies you may help the employer imagine you as a dedicated employee instead of just a desperate job seeker. Finally, keep in touch! Call no more than 2-3 days after the interview, and ask politely if the company is still considering for the position, if they need any further information from you, and remind the secretary of your name and contact information (sometimes they will "lose" it) and when you are available. Don Asher has lots to say about successful interviewing, I learned a lot from him. His website (www.donaldasher.com) can help you land a job faster and with less stress :)

N O

Believe me, I have been there. Job interviews, when you get them, can be nerve-wracking. But it's great that you notice a pattern in your interviewing behavior. I recommend interviewing with a friend for practice. Start to compile a list of questions that a lot of employers ask (what is/was your previous job? What are your strengths? What are your weakness? What do you want to work for us?) Whenever you have a job interview coming up start rehearsing. But remember, you don't want to get too rehearsed. Have your friend shake it up a bit, with different personalities, because you aren't always going to have friendly interviewers. I think practicing a bit might help you get more comfortable during the process, and your friend can watch you and critique what might be going wrong. Sometimes all it takes is for someone else to point out what you don't see. Believe me, becoming less stiff will happen the more job interviews you go on. Also, when you find yourself tensing up during the interview, I recommend squeezing your shoulder muscles (or whatever muscles feel really stiff) really tight and then releasing. They do this for deep relaxation exercises and it should un-tense your body. It's a nice release of stress without the interviewer noticing. Also it seems that you don't feel you get to answer enough about your previous job. If you feel that you are unable to show how much your contributed to you last job in person, put it on your resume. If you helped your job add 100 additional clients, or helped them raise $5,000 at a benefit put that on your resume. There are a ton of online resume formats to use so find one that shows off your accomplishments. The website below will give you a rough idea of what your resume could look like. So if you feel you don't get to share your accomplishment with the interviewer, at least you know that they will read all about it on your resume. Even putting this information on your resume will make it stand out. You never know, I have had a lot of interviewers ask me questions based on my accomplishments. They may even start striking up conversations based on certain achievements you have listed. Good luck with the interview process. It can be tiring and stressful. If you have any questions for me please email me. I went through this process for about 5 months before I got a job. It can be stressful, but don't give up hope. It seems you have what it takes because you do keep getting interviews.

sandrews1129

Interviews are tough. Alot of people tend to get nervous, like you explain and end up blowing the interview. Here are some tips: 1.) Dress to Impress. Wear a nice shirt, maybe a tie depending on the job. Don't go in wearing jeans and a T-Shirt. 2.) Sit still but be loose. Don't sit like a board, but don't be to relaxed either. Find a groove where you look confident but not cocky. 3.) Answer the questions they have straight forward and don't be afraid to asks questions back. Confidence in an interview takes you a long way. Show them you are the right man for the job, not the next guy. 4.) Don't twiddle thumbs, tap leg, etc. Try to keep this nervous ticks to a minimum, practice in front of a mirror perhaps. 5.) Bring a resume. Alot of companies like when you bring a hard copy of your resume to the interview as well. Shows you are prepared and organized. 6.) Wait a few days, 2-3, then call the company back for a follow up on your interview. Be agressive and make them aware you want the job. 7.) Shake the hand of the person interviewing you before hand, and afterwards. Don't use a weak grip but a nice firm one. Goes a long way with a lot of people. 8.) Be yourself. Don't put up a complete fake persona but act professional. Don't joke around however. Hope that helps a little bit! Good luck on the job search!

Phoenix Kitty?

Depends on the experience and also the confidance, & confidance comes from the experience and also on the basis of your previous job performance. so in short if you are doing your current job geat than you wouldn't be nervous in the interviews.

anupam

Get a friend to practice doing job interviews with you. I assume you are familiar with the standard questions. As an employer i'm looking for people who are able to incorporate details in routine answers. For example, when you are talking about previous experience you can say "I used to work for corporation X doing clerical work however I also had lots of opportunities to work as a computer programmer there and I enjoy new challenges. Get over the nerves, it is hard to do but its necessary. I would just be yourself. Good Luck!

Erika S

Regarding being too short on time when asked what you did before: Ponder your previous duties, and make a list of all the adjectives (descriptive words) involved. If you incorporate these into your part of the conversation, you'll be able to say more with fewer words. Balance the "Job I'vw. Ettiquette" with your gut feelings, and your personality can shine. Best wishes and Congratulations on your anticipated success.

Zeera

more experience

Cody

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