Job interviews?

Question

I really need advice on how I can strike that confident yet modest approach in a job interview, I'm normally a confident person but in an interview it all goes to pot and I end up talking myself down as opposed to promoting myself because I don't want to portray myself as arrogant and over-confident.

I have spoken to friends and family but I wanted some more opinions.

Helpful answers will be appreciated.

Answer 1

I am currently drawing unemployment and had to attend a 3 hour seminar yesterday on interviewing. Our instructor made it quite clear YOU HAVE TO BE confident. I was thinking the same as you. What if I come across as arrogant? But according to the instructor, you won't. He also suggested you find out all you can about the place you are applying to. Then at the end of the interview when you are asked if YOU have any questions, you'll have more knowledge about what to ask. NEVER leave without asking something. Some suggestions are - Could you describe a typical workday? What opportunities for advancement exist? How would I be supervised? Also the instructor advised us of the most common questions the person interviewing you may ask. What are your career goals? Why do you want this job? How would you describe yourself? How can you contribute to this company? Hope this helps you. I sure hope it helps me! lol That unemployment won't last forever. Yikes

Answer 2

You have to be prepared to go on interview, by doing this you should have the right confidence level. You have to know all your answers to every question they're going to ask you before you go in. Employers generally ask the exact same questions so search online or look in the self-help books. Keep in mind when preparing, they want to know how you will benefit their company. There is NOTHING wrong with being confident, just don't misinterrupt confident as cocky. And everyone needs a few "practice interviews" to work out all those nerves.

Answer 3

Firstly find out as much company information as possible, when they phone to invite you to an interview check you ask for a web address. When you get to an interview and they ask why you want to work for the company etc you will be able to quote the parts of the website that were interesting. (Do the same with the job description as well). Also asking for the website etc will make you sound organised and interested.
An interview is the one time you can really blow your own trumpet and get away with it;. It is you time to boast about your achievements.
It is best to appear confident about your life goals too, and adament that you are going to achieve them.
Ask about what opportunities there are to progress within the company and try to make them fit into your life goals - they will view this well as they think you are planning on staying with them for a while.
Check you do the usual things like maintaining eye contact, firm handshake, smiling and appear interested in all of their questions.
Try to remain still as well, a shaking leg or slightly swinging in your chair can make our appear over-nervous.
Check at the end of the interview that you ask them questions such as 'what is your decision making process?'' And 'subject to me being suitable when would I start?'
You cannot be too confident in an interview.
Good luck :)

Answer 4

There's a great book out there called "101 Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions" written by a man named Frye that you ought to read carefully and pracice. It's practically a map of the minefield.

Back in the 1950's, a man named Whyte wrote a book called "The Organization Man." Appendix A to that book is called "How to Cheat on Personality Tests" and is a good read for getting through interviews -- generally, the personality questions aren't given as a test anymore --but-- it's still there as interviewers' questions.

You need to be quick and slick and well-prepared these days for interviews.

Answer 5

Here's the advice I was given by a very wise person who interviews people all the time: if you actually listen to the interviewer's questions, take time to consider your reply, and reply honestly, your nerves will disappear and you will give a good interview. Dead simple, but it works! You kind of forget it's an interview, and it ends up as more of a conversation. Good luck. I'm just off to eat some more chocolate...:-)

Answer 6

Do practice interviews with your friends so you can develope a repertoire of answers. Interviews generally ask the same type of questions- what do you have to offer, what are your strengths, etc. If you have a list of answers memorized, you'll be less likely to blurt out bad responses.

Answer 7

If you can't help talking yourself down...put a spin on it and turn it around like .... if they ask whats your worst work habit? Just say well my worst habit would be that I'm a perfectionist. I take my time doing this or that and want it done properly. You get the idea.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

A good FIRM handshake and maintain eye contact throughout. Realise that an interview is not just for them to find out about you, and whether they like you.....its also your chance to find out ALL about them.....and more importantly, will you enjoy working for them........so do some homework about the Company and its Service/Products...find out about the market for their Service/Product.....practice your questions in front of a mirror.... above all MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT AT ALL TIMES. Good luck.

Answer 9

i've been on the dole now for 25yrs, and when they send me for a job interview i turn up in the nude, works ever time, not got a job yet

Answer 10

What is the worst that can happen? "you don't get the job"! So go on..................feed them what they want, be confident and assertive, you need to display a touch of arrogance, you need to let them feel like "if you let me go, it is your loss"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!