How to Build Confidence Before Interviews

The thought of a job interview is daunting for most people. After all, you are being put in the limelight while employers assess whether you are the right candidate for the role. Many job seekers experience interview anxiety, which can negatively impact confidence and overall performance. Feeling nervous before an interview is common, but you can build interview confidence by taking some small actions.

Understand the Job Specification

The recruiter is interviewing you based on the job you applied for, and therefore, your primary job interview preparation and research should focus on the job spec and how your experience relates. The recruiter wants to know that you are capable of carrying out the job, so even if you don’t have the exact experience, you should be prepared to show how your skills and experience are transferable. You will build interview confidence if you understand how you would fit into the role.

Don’t Overanalyse the Interview

Most people will go into an interview and start analysing every action from the interviewer. Why did they stop smiling? Why did the interview only last 15 minutes? You can get yourself tied up in knots by interview overthinking. Instead, go into your interview with a mindset that you will just do your thing, without focusing on what the interviewer is doing. All you can do is your best, and no matter how indepth your job interview preparation is, you cannot control how the recruiter views you, so there is no point in trying to do so.

Research the Company

The recruiter is not expecting you to know the financial accounts of the company but they expect you to research the company before an interview, and have some general knowledge. Try to put yourself in the position of the recruiter and consider how you would feel if it was your business. What would your impression be if you interviewed someone for your business and they knew nothing about it? It would not fill you with confidence. Some of the key things to understand as part of your interview preparation tips include:

• What service or product they offer
• What location(s) they service
• Their culture/values

You can get this information from their website and in some cases, you might find this on their social media. Again, there is no need to spend hours pouring over this information, as information overload might make you suffer even more interview nerves. Instead, just understand the basics of the company so you are prepared for any questions.

View the Interview as a Conversation

When you think about it, an interview is only a conversation. The interviewer is just trying to get to know a bit more about you and to find out if you are the right fit for the role. When you start viewing the interview more as a conversation than an interrogation, you will feel more relaxed. As part of your job interview mindset, you should try to think less about being in the spotlight, and more about just trying to converse successfully with the interviewers. 

An Interview is a Two Way Street

While it can feel like all eyes are on you during a job interview, it’s important to remember that the process is a two-way street. A job interview is not just about impressing the recruiter; it’s also an opportunity for you to evaluate whether the company, role, and culture are the right fit for you. Keeping this perspective in mind can help reduce interview anxiety. You will feel more comfortable in an interview if you consider that the interviewers are also feeling the heat!

At Inspired CVs, we specialise in creating both traditional and graphic professional CVs to help you advance your career. Our services are designed to showcase your skills and experience effectively, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. In addition, we offer one-to-one career consultations to help you prepare for interviews, boost your confidence, and maximize your chances of success. Whether you need a standout CV or personalised interview coaching, our expert team is here to support your career growth. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step in your professional journey.