Hi guys! Thanks so much for doing this. A feedback on my last interview was that I wasn’t very confident in what I was saying. I keep trying to work on this and when I record myself I sound confident but obviously it’s a different story when I’m actually in an interview! Honestly it’s not even the fact I’m nervous, I guess I don’t want to come across cocky so much I am just completely underestimating my abilities.
Do you have any tips on overcoming this? I feel like I’m a chatty person who’s not actually introverted at all but I am intimidated by these interviews terribly!
Hi
@M1999
This was the feedback I received from my first interview! I would also describe myself as a chatty individual, but I know all too well how nerve-racking interviews can be. It's especially frustrating when you know that you know the answer, but your nerves and anxiety cloud your performance.
When trying to improve my own confidence in interviews and in general during the application and assessment process, I think that my improvements were a result of both mental and practical preparation.
Mental Preparation
I personally believe that self-confidence is crucial. You need to believe that you can do it! I know this may seem easier said than done, but it's all about altering your mindset. Getting to the interview stage in itself, means that your application when screened against hundreds of others, if not thousands, was strong and stood out.
The recruiters believe that you are a strong and capable candidate, and so you must believe that also. I think there is a fine line between being
cocky vs being confident. Being proud of your achievements and selling yourself in an interview is far from the former and judging by your question, you are clearly very self-aware which is an amazing and valuable trait to possess.
For your next interview, prepare as you would, then proceed to the interview with the belief that you are indeed a strong and capable candidate.
Remember, a rejection may simply mean the firm wasn’t the right one for you.
Practical Preparation
Whilst developing self-confidence is crucial, of course practice is also key! Recording yourself answering questions is a great idea!
This allows you to gauge any mannerisms you do unconsciously e.g. touching your hair too often or using your hands excessively. If you can, practicing with another person is also great, as this way the feedback is live as it would be in a real interview. Now that most interviews are virtual, this can be done by organising a zoom call with a friend or even with a family member in the next room.
Some more practical tips include:
1. Slow down. Before you answer any question, repeat, or reword the question again either aloud or in your head before beginning your response.
This gives you a few seconds to centre your thoughts and to remember the answer that you have more than likely prepared. This will also help you come across in control and measured in your responses.
Example:
Q: Why do you want to pursue a career in commercial law?
A: I am drawn to a career in commercial law for a number of reasons. The first is ....
2. Logical Reasoning. It is inevitable in an interview that you may be asked a question that you are unsure about, meaning you may have to make an educated guess. To do so, don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to clarify a point or to give some more context. Using this technique, you can then frame your answers as such;
" with regard to X circumstances, I think the best solution would be X because....".
Doing this helps show that you possess a logical chain of reason. This is often what your interviewers will be looking for rather than necessarily a "right answer”, as it shows the ability to think on your feet and reach a conclusion using the facts given to you.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck for your next interview & keep us updated!