Everyone gets nervous for an interview. It’s only natural.
However, it goes without saying that employers are attracted to those who show confidence and enthusiasm in their interview. You need ensure what’s on your CV translates to the interview room.
But how do employers judge this?
We have put together five tips that will help ignite your self-confidence in an interview.
Prepare
If confidence doesn’t come naturally to you, the best way to be confident is to prepare. The better prepared you are, the easier the process. A good way to prepare for an interview is to have a pre prepared answer or example to common interview questions (especially competency-based questions!).
It is impossible to know exactly what questions you will be asked, however the majority of interviewers follow the same formula, starting with ‘open-ended self descriptive question’ followed by questions about ‘your career to date’, questions to identify ‘how you work’ and ending with any questions you have.
A good starting point is to prepare an answer for common interview questions. Instances of your teamwork, communication, suitability, leadership, organisation, time management and a difficult situation, can go a long way in answer a number of different interview questions in a number of interviews. For example…
- Tell us about a time you when you demonstrated teamwork?
- Tell us about a time you have dealt with a difficult situation and how you overcame it?
- What experience has most influenced your career choice
- How do you go about organising your time and assessing your priorities?
- Describe a situation where you acted on your own initiative.
to mention a few…
Preparing for a number of interview scenarios will go a long way in calming your nerves and confidently answering the questions.
Research
If you haven’t done the appropriate research, it is going to be hard to confidently portray an interest in the prospective firm. If you thoroughly research the company, its culture and values it will help ease your nerves. Here at Thornton Legal we make sure our candidates are equipped with valuable information about the employer that other attendees may not have access to.
Positive thinking
Positive thinking helps you feel and act confident. Don’t doubt or think negative, instead think of all the skills you have to offer. And think how this can be applied to the role you’re interviewing for. Show these transferable skills with examples of work you have done and how the same strategy can be applied to this role.
Ask Questions
A great way to show you are confident and engaged is to ask questions (read our blog about the questions you can ask at the end of your interview). Remember, you are also interviewing them. You should want to find out everything about the company that is not obvious from the website.
Body Language
Body language is considered the most important aspect of communication as it sends signals to how we are truly feeling. In summary, maintaining strong eye contact, a firm handshake and a relaxed posture, will visibly show that you are confident, comfortable and interested in the role.
Whatever you do, do not fidget! It’s distracting and is a sign that you’re nervous. Do not look at the floor, it suggests that you are disinterested.
Do keep your arms open and not crossed and dominate the space around you. It visibly shows that you are at ease. And remember to smile when appropriate!
Interviews can be a daunting experience and doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If you follow the above five pointers, it will be sure to put you at ease and help your self-confidence.
At Thornton Legal we will guide you through the entire recruitment process, including supporting and advising you through the interview stage. If you are ready to kick-start your job search, get in touch.
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Thornton Legal is a leading legal recruitment company, recruiting for legal jobs in across the North West, West Yorkshire and West Midlands. We are passionate about providing a professional, innovative and reliable legal recruitment service that is focused on quality and ensures our clients are matched with the strongest legal talent available. Contact one of our legal recruitment consultants today on 0151 307 5757 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see what we can do for your law firm or legal career.