Building Interviewing Confidence

As we stay indoors, we are finding many different ways to pass the time. My 7 month old demands constant entertaining, so between learning how to make DIY toys and new silly faces that I never want to be filmed, I've hardly got the time to be bored. But for many job seekers out there, why not add building your interviewing confidence to your to-do list, along side spring cleaning, cooking and tik tok?

Interviewing is key to selling the story of you as the right candidate. Resumes and networking can reveal opportunity, but a successful interview can secure it. The problem for all of us mostly lies in the high pressure scenario to be calm, poised and engaging in front of strangers who can decide our fate. Just thinking about my own interview blunders from the past is making my palms sweat as I type! Over time, I've learned a few tips to building confidence in these high pressure albeit important scenarios. I will be releasing one tip at a time, so be sure to check every post in my interviewing series.

Interviewing with confidence doesn't mean that you will never feel any anxiety. Instead it's being able to speak and act in a manner that inspires the confidence that you are who your resume claims you to be- and likable too. It's more than just faking it until you make it. It's the ability to take control of narrative and your audience. I believe that with practice, ANYONE can become a better interviewer!

Tip #1: The eyes have it

Non verbal behavior can say a lot in the interview. One of your behaviors that will sell you as the reliable and skilled candidate is your ability maintain eye contact while speaking. Looking into an interviewer's eyes (or anyone else's) can be very awkward, but you don't need to look directly non stop, because that would be unsettling and creepy right?

Practice instead looking at a part of your recipient's face that close enough to the eyes, like the bridge of their nose, that you can mix in with some direct eye contact. Brief pauses in eye contact will also make the conversation seem natural. So you can take in the room around you, and if you are being interviewed by more than one person, be sure to look towards each participant. How brief can these pauses be? I recommend 3 seconds. Finally, don't forget to pair engaging eye contact with an easy going smile.

My practicing tip? Just talk to your family and friends about anything, whether in person or perhaps by video chat. Make the effort to engage with your eyes. If you're alone, practice with yourself in the mirror with a list of interview questions online.

Is maintaining eye contact a struggle for you in an interview setting? Or are you a pro? I want to know:) Happy reading- and stay healthy and safe!