how can i come across more confident?

Question

i have been out of work for over a year.

im not usually a nervous person but when it comes to interviews i just cant do them.

it never used to bother me i used to get the job if i got an interview, but now i really cant be myself at them i get so nervous.

i just dunno what to do and i really want to work.
people who know me dont believe it happens as im really quite a confident person.

how can i stop this happening.

Answer 1

Act like you're in a movie. All the time.
Walk like your favourite movie star, sit like them and talk confidently like them.
Just don't blow them away and say "I'll be back!"

Answer 2

Be yourself! Pretend that you are talking to a family member or friend. Remember that interviews are necessary, or else how is any business supposed to find the right person for the job? I am a manager at a retail store, and when I interview, I look for honest, friendly answers. Make eye contact even if it makes you nervous! And please, smile smile smile! Sit straight but not stiff, don't fidgett or play with your nails, hair, pencil, etc... Dress nice (no flip flops!) And don't wear too much makeup, jewlery, accessories, perfume, etc. Even if you don't have much experience, or you've been out of work for a long time, show in your answers that you are enthusiastic and eager to learn! Tell your interviewers that you really are looking forward to returning to work, and that their company seems very interesting/fun/awesome/ whatever you want to say. Always thank them for their time and say you look forward to hearing from them!
Last but not least, you need to apply and interview A LOT!! Practice makes perfect. I used to go to interviews for jobs that I didn't want at all, but just for the experience. It makes you way more relaxed if you do it quite a few times before your "real" interviews.
Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Hiya - its really amazing how anxiety can change your'e conficence.

My advice would be to go to the library and look in the self help section.

There are loads of books on just this subject and picking one out and readin through it may give you some new insights in to what is really making you anxious.

I used to run a very large company before i retired and I to used to dread interviews.

I will give you the tip i used to help myself and I know you will find it amusing however I promise you it works.

Firstly imagine your interviewer in the same way as you imagine yourself. They have the same problems, they have to eat, wash, dress, live and face the same everyday ups and downs as you do. Do not see them as different or superior, because they aren't. They are exactly like you underneath and therefor you are equal to them, (whatever their title).

Next prepare some interesting questions that are very short and will get you out of a hole if you can' think of a good answer. In other words answer their questions with a question, if you can't think of a good answer, phrases like this.

Interesting question - whats the relevance of the question in relation to the position?

Have you other related questions to ask me so that I can consider how best to answer that?

I wonder if you could expand that question so that I can consider it more fully before I answer?

What particular aspects would you like my answer to focus on?


You get the idea here - buy yourself time, it will help you relax, but you do need 4 or 5 of these questions word perfect in your mind so practice them daily leading up to an interview.

Next learn Kiplings 6 Journeymen they are:

Where, when, why, what, how and who.

Put any of these words at the front of a question and the other person cannot answer them yes or no they have to give a full answer.

Example

How are you?

Whats your thought on x?

How do you think we should approach this?

What do you feel about? (this or that)

Where are we on this?


These open questions are secrets of the interviewer, designed to get you talking. If you know this though, make sure when you ask questions that you ask open ones too!!

This will make the conversation extremely balanced between the two of you and in so doing will eliminate a high percentage of your anxiety as you will get more and more absorbed into conversing as opposed to worrying about what you are saying and how you are coming across.

Try it - I used these techniques throughout my career and can honestly say that they really helped in many event and occasions where I felt somewhat anxious.

Answer 4

Try the following tips:
1. When shaking your potential bosses' hand, make sure your grip is firm and not limp.
2. Try to keep eye contact during the interview.
3. Copy his/her body language-such as legs crossed or hands on knees.
4. Dress appropriately of course. For example-if you want to come across as bold, wear something red. Usually neutral colors such as tans and browns work pretty well.
5. Two don'ts are: no gum chewing or drinking anything during interview.
6. Remember you are selling yourself during this time, so be sure the employer knows your strengths. A good way to practice this is to do it while looking at yourself in a mirror.

Answer 5

Take a few slow deep breaths before you go in
Look them in the eyes but don't stare. If there are more than one, look at them in turn.
Think about your answers before you give them. When you've said enough, just shut up. Don't fear silences.
Remember, they all had interviews and they are probably nervous too, believe it or not.
Sit still with hands together on your lap.
Have good questions to ask at the end.
Good luck mate.

Answer 6

Open your mouth wider, makes your words more clear...think positive...walk like you own the place, wear a comfy genuine smile...Make your body language seem pretty relaxed (NOT standing like a stick) Maybe cross your feet, scratch your head or hand lightly...laugh like you mean it...When talking dont make eye contact the whole time (smile and look into the distance occasionally)
This is coming from myseff (an actress)...believe me!!

Answer 7

When you go into the interview, imagine the naked, or taking a cr@p. Then you will see them as humans, like wer'e all made of the same stuff. Don't be scared, you might be doing the hiring one day.

Answer 8

just breath and when you walk in there to do the intervew pretend that your talking to yourself in the mirror if you find a way to calm your self then it will be all good just remember if you walk into a room like you own it everyone will beleve you do.( even if your scared shitless)

Answer 9

jest ask GOD. to give it to you he will give you all the confident that you need. and more because people will not give it to you they will only take it away form you.

Answer 10

This should build your confidence!