10 Proven Tips to Boost Your Confidence in an Interview

Stepping into an interview can be like stepping into a lion's den, especially when nerves are calling the shots! Interestingly enough, 93% of people report experiencing some level of interview anxiety, and most interestingly, a recent survey found that 67% of employers admit that confidence is their number one quality when wanting to hire a candidate. However, we all have heard the expression "fake it till you make it." Can we appear calm and collected when we are nothing but?

In this guide, we will explore practical, science-backed tips for projecting confidence in your next interview. Let's make "interview confidence" your new secret superpower!

Why is it Important to be Confident in an Interview?

Being confident in an interview is very important since it defines how you're perceived and can easily determine how the interview goes. That's why confidence is so pivotal:

First Impressions Matter: According to research, 33% of hiring managers know within 90 seconds if they will hire a candidate. Confidence works its way into the first few seconds and can help make you a positive and lasting impression from the word go.

Portrays Competence and Readiness: A confident person proves that he or she knows what's on the table. Therefore, when you are collected and confident, interviewers will likely view you as capable, resourceful, and ready to take on the role.

Clear Communication Builds Stronger Connections: Confidence is what makes your speech more clear, and on-topic, and answers questions without getting wordy. This would then be more persuasive and easier for the interviewer to understand and see how you fit for that position.

Improves ability to solve problems: While nerves can bring a racing mind and forgetfulness, confidence allows you to keep in your mind and think on the spur of the moment; when an inconvenient question is directed to you, you could very well give a very thoughtful and composed response.

Differentiates you from other candidates: This will make you different from others in the competition. People understand that technical skills can be taught, but the attitude of a winner cannot be made easy.

Top 10 Ways to Look Confident in an Interview 

Following are the 10 best ways to present yourself as confident in an interview.

Dress the Part

First impressions are important because research discovered that it takes only seven seconds for a person to formulate their opinion about you; thus, dressing up for an interview is of great importance. An appropriate clothing set not only depicts good confidence but also professionalism and respect.

Studies show that dressing professionally seems competent. For example, a journal study, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, reported that people in formal clothes were regarded as more authoritative. The correct fitting is also important; as fashion designer Tom Ford said, "Dressing well is a kind of good manners."

Wear appropriate attire to exude confidence throughout the interview. Ask yourself these questions: What do you deduce from what I wear? Do you think of any pieces that lift me or drag me down?

Master Your Body Language

Nonverbal body language may actually say much in the realm of interviews—may be much more than words do. As some studies suggest, an enormous 93% of the communication is done nonverbally, implying a huge part of your nonverbal appearance is vital for how interviewers feel towards you.

Good posture not only makes one look more confident but also affects how one feels. One looks alert and engaged while sitting up straight. Amy Cuddy writes, "Our bodies change our minds, and our minds can change our behavior." Feeling empowered and in control is enabled by an open and upright posture. Eye contact matters too. Making eye contact conveys confidence and interest, showing that you’re engaged in the conversation. However, balance is essential, too little eye contact can make you seem shy, while too much can appear confrontational.  The best benchmark has been pegged at about 60-70% level, which seems to fall quite naturally into place. Try not to fold your arms; that's a way of appearing defensive. Keep your hands open and gesture with them so you can illustrate what you are saying. This will let your warmth shine through and people find you approachable. Facial expressions are also important; a good smile can brighten the room, and it's a trust-builder by making you look nice.

Prepare and Practice Your Responses

Preparing is the foundation of an interview, and practicing your responses can give you a real boost of confidence. First of all, familiarize yourself with your resume; being sure of your experiences lets you comfortably discuss your qualifications. As Brian Tracy puts it, "Success is not an accident. It is a result of your preparation."

Anticipate usual interview questions like "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and get set with clear, crisp replies focusing on relevant skills. A Glassdoor survey reflects that 76% said practice answers greatly improved confidence.

Mock interviews with a friend or mentor can also simulate the experience. Polish your answers and body language in such mock-ups. An interview is a two-way street, and you should prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company or team dynamics. So, before your next interview, reflect: Have I done everything I can to prepare for success?

Control Your Breathing to Stay Calm

One of the easiest and most effective techniques to boost your confidence during an interview is controlling your breathing. When we are anxious, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid, which can increase feelings of panic and make it harder to think clearly. Practicing deep, controlled breathing will help you calm your nerves and center your thoughts.

A study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that slow, deep breathing can reduce anxiety and even improve mood. This is because deep breathing activates the body's relaxation response, lowers heart rates, and diminishes feelings of tension.

Breathing Techniques to Try: The 4-7-8 Technique: Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for seven counts, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for eight counts. This method helps regulate your breathing and promotes relaxation. Box Breathing: Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. Repeat this cycle several times to regain focus and calm your mind.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

It would be good to ask relevant, thoughtful questions during the interview process, which should be indicative of your genuine interest in the position or opportunity and help you judge if this is the place for you. This ensures that you are having an even more interactive conversation with the other party. There are important things to keep in mind here:

• Demonstrate Research: Demonstrate that you have done your homework.

Example: "I read about your recent expansion into [specific market]. How has that affected your team's goals?"

• Explore Company Culture: Determine if you fit with the organization.

Questions such as: "Can you describe the team dynamics?" or "What values are most important here?"

• Clarify Role Expectations:  Clarify what success looks like.

Ask: "What's a typical day like around here?" or "What should I expect in challenging situations?"

• Ask for Growth Opportunities: Show interest in professional development opportunities.

Example: "How is this role a pathway for advancement?"

6. Practice Active Listening

Active listening in the interview process reflects respect, attention, and true interest. It positions you as a great candidate while allowing you to fully understand the requirements and articulations of the role and give thoughtful responses.

• Present Yourself to Listen: Do not create your next response while the interviewer is speaking. Nod and show subtle affirmations to engage in the conversation.
• Explain and Reflect: Paraphrase or repeat back ideas to get clarification. For instance, "Let me just make sure I got what you said. You are saying teamwork is key in this role?"
• Ask Follow-up Questions: Sometimes with active listening, comes real insightful questions. If he or she talks about some new project, "What is the major issue that your team would encounter with this implementation?".
• Avoid Interrupting: Allow the interviewer to finish speaking fully, showing patience and respect.

Active listening will therefore allow for a mutual conversation in which you answer better as well as create a lasting, positive impression for you to have. Preparing will thus help think of one question: how can you be fully engaged and stay present in that conversation?

7. Stay Calm with Pauses

Using pauses during an interview helps give you that calm to even gather thoughts and to speak confidently; a good pause, whether it occurs as a preventive measure not to rush makes a difference in a response because then the statements sound better to the other person.

• Take a Breath Before Answering: Upon a question, take some time to breathe before answering. According to Aristotle, "Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."  Beginning with a calm breath demonstrates that you are reflecting before responding.
• Pause when needed: You will sound less flustered and more composed by taking this little time out to collect your breath rather than drifting off on what you say. Question yourself and think of a suitable response: How am I best to respond? In all probability, you will answer clearer because you take time to collect your breath and think again.
• Use Pauses for Emphasis: Brief pauses draw attention to the most important words, giving the interviewer a moment to digest what you are saying. According to Mark Twain, "The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.".
• Cut Filler Words: Pauses eliminate "um" or "uh," and your answers won't sound so filler-ish. What am I trying to say with my words? Pauses allow you to speak precisely and purposefully.

Accepting pauses not only keeps you composed but also gives an impression of composure and control. Before your next interview, ask: How can I use pauses to build my confidence and clarity?

8. Use Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk gives one confidence and can even relax the nervousness before sitting for an interview. It is just a gentle reminder of strengths, skills, and preparations. You could use something as simple as "I am capable and prepared." As Henry Ford once famously said, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." It takes a moment to clear your thoughts with positive self-talk and set the tone for a confident and successful interview. Ask yourself, "What strengths am I bringing into this conversation?

9. Smile Genuinely to Create a Relaxed Atmosphere

A genuine smile on your face can be an added advantage in that it makes both the interviewer and the interviewee relaxed.  When you smile, you produce hormones known as endorphins, such hormones have a natural way of making you relaxed. Studies also show that this makes you look more confident, friendly, and approachable, thus making the right tone for the discussion. Therefore, before appearing for the interview, try to appear as confident and pleasant as possible, you can begin by smiling naturally.

10. Visualize Your Success

Visualization is an effective mental training that prepares a person for an interview and brings order to his actions. The way you’d like to see yourself, are you answering questions well, relating with the interviewer, and making a good impression. Research confirms that visualization can decrease stress and improve performance since as you visualize success, you are preparing your mind for it. According to Napoleon Hill, “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Because of this, if you want yourself to excel then spend a few minutes before an interview and envision yourself succeeding, this mental preparation can help you walk in with greater confidence and focus.

Build Your Interview Confidence with Offerlanded’s AI Mock Interview Practice

If you are nervous about your next interview, then enhance your responses and confidence by practicing your pre-interview session with our best AI mock interview practice and get an instant analysis report of responses with our real-time mock interview analysis. Continuous practice and feedback ensure you present yourself effectively on the big day.