5 Ways to Be Confident During an Interview

After an undoubtedly long process of research and applications for new positions, you have just landed an interview for what will be, you hope, your next job.

You are qualified, you have the necessary experience and you have a well-targeted CV. You are almost ready for the upcoming interview. But you still have one major test to pass to be selected: make a good impression in person.

So, before your next interview, take the following basic preparation steps:

1. Research and practice. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the function and make sure you know your CV inside out. There's no need to "rehearse too much," but some questions almost always come up, so might as well be prepared for those classics: "Why should we hire you?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" . During the interview, attempt to show how your past experience qualifies you for the role.

2. Master your body language and dress impeccably. The first interview is your only opportunity to impress your recruiter. Make sure you know who will be interviewing you so you can tailor your speech accordingly. Be on time, have a warm handshake and don't forget to regularly look your interviewer in the eye – without staring.

3. Put your skills to the test. Expect questions to assess your skills. List a few key projects in which you played a significant role and the steps you took to achieve your goals. Try to identify the issues your hiring manager is facing by conducting preliminary industry research, and outline what you would do to address those issues.

4. Look confident and believable. Try to inspire confidence during the interview. It is important to establish your credibility during the interview, and not to reveal a lack of conviction by your words.

5. Be courteous and maintain eye contact. With everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the maintenance person, but don't be afraid to say what you think if asked.

At the end of the interview, make sure you know the rest of the process. It is important to show enthusiasm and sympathy, even after the most difficult of interviews.