10 Ways to Exude Confidence in an Interview in a Power Rankings Format

As Labor Day has come and gone, we turn the page on a quick summer and move into fall. I hope you had an enjoyable summer and took advantage of as it much as you possibly could. Now that fall is here, football has started and we’ve let the games begin. As with most sports, there are power rankings at both collegiate and pro level football. Similarly, there are power rankings — the top considerations — when it comes to interviewing for a new position. Here are the top ten power rankings that will help you exude confidence in an interview. Without further ado, let’s get to the power poll:

10.  Be on Time

This holds true for both telephone/video interviews as well as face-to-face interviews. Please make sure you give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed. Giving yourself extra time also ensures you’re completely ready for your interview, call, video chat, etc. If you are traveling in a metro area, definitely give yourself extra time for unexpected delays, like traffic or construction.

9.  Have a Firm Shake

If you’re at an in-person interview, give a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eyes during your initial meeting. Like the old adage says, “you only get one chance for a first impression.“

8.  Dress Professionally

Always make sure you have a cleaned and pressed shirt/pants/skirt. When you look good you feel good! It’s as simple as that.

7.  Understand the Job Description

Have a clear understanding of the job description. This will allow you to develop talking points in preparation for the interview. Doing this shows the interviewer(s) that you are taking this position seriously and are ready to engage in a “give and take” conversation about your background. Also, if you’re interviewing for a programming or technical position, make sure you are able to provide full and complete answers on the technology the company is utilizing and how your past experiences and challenges can help mold future success.

6.  Be an Attentive Listener

Listen to the questions you are being asked fully and don’t start forming your answers or cut off the interviewer mid-question. Your listening skills are extremely important and can make or break an interview.

5.  Current Resume/Portfolio/Cover letter

Always have a clean version of your current resume with you and know it from top to bottom. Expect questions regarding your last positions and both the challenges and success you have had at those positions. If this is a phone or video interview, make sure you have reviewed the same resume that was presented to the client so you are prepared for questions asked about your background.

4. Company Research

Research the company you are interviewing with and the people you are going to meet with. Understand as much as you can about the corporate culture, the direction they are headed and how you can help them meet company objectives. Make sure you have reviewed the company’s website and the products or services they offer.

3. Posture/Body Language

Always sit up straight and look attentively at the interviewers. You want to engage the interview and turn the meeting into a conversation of attributes that you can bring to the company.

2.  Communicate Clearly

Always give clear and concise answers. You don’t want to ramble or stumble around when you are talking to an interviewer. You want to clearly state how you can help achieve or solve problems for a particular organization. To do this, practice answering some common interview questions before your interview.

1. Be Prepared

Preparation is the key to success in any facet of life, and this definitely holds true when you are getting ready for an interview. The more information you have gathered about the organization, position and yourself, the more you will shine during your interview. Interviewers want to hire people that they believe will help them move the company forward and achieve the company’s goals. If you have done your research and are ready for any question asked, this will help you radiate self-confidence in your interview.

Overall, there are many different ways to exude confidence in an interview, but the ten listed here are among the most important. These power rankings will help you ace your next interview whether it is face-to-face, on the phone or through video conferencing. With these power rankings I wish you good luck in all your future endeavors and hope your fantasy/NFL/college football team performs as well as you do in your interview. And if you need any help, as always, feel free to contact us.