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If you can act with real or 'fake confidence ' for an hour, you will be well on the way to interview success. Being asked to attend an interview, implies that on paper you have the skills and experience to do the job. Walking into the job interview with real or 'fake' confidence' will give you the edge. Competition for jobs is fierce. The reality is, that whether real or 'fake confidence' can make a significant difference between getting the job and coming second. Having  experience is important but what makes the big difference when 2 or 3 candidates fit the job requirements? It is the real or 'fake confidence' you demonstrate at interview For the employer the interview is to find out:

  • Do you have the skill set they need?
  • Do you look and sound the part?
  • Do you know about the company?
  • Do you fit into the culture of the organisation?

The prospective employer will assess all these at interview and if you tick all boxes for them, you will be a serious contender for the job. However, the final decision will also be based on how confidently you present. This is very important to the prospective employer for a number of reasons. Confidence implies:

  • You will be proactive in settling into the role
  • Ask questions and admit to mistakes,
  • Learn quickly the information required to do the job effectively and most importantly
  • Build relationships and contribute to the team/organisations goals.

If you present as confident, the prospective employer will be more confident with their decision to employ you.. Tips for confident job interview presentation

  • Body language - is one of the dead giveaways on your level of confidence. How you shake hands, smile, facial expressions, sit and what you do with your hands will quickly demonstrate to the interviewer if what you have said is supported by your body language. When you practice your interview answers look in the mirror or if possible use a video. You will then see what the interview panel will see.
  • Dress the part - wear an outfit that you would wear to the job. This makes it easier for the prospective employer to visualise you in the role.
  • Use formal language and speak clearly - use language commonly used in the industry.  If you tend to speak quickly slow down and if you speak quietly raise your voice slightly.  Make it easy for the interviewer to understand your answers,
  • One last tip - do not use jargon.

Remember real or fake confidence is important to interview success. If you would like to share your experience or ask any questions please make a comment or email deborah@impressiveinterviews.com.au phone (02) 9331 1853, mobile 0412 007 682  


About Deborah Barit

Deborah Barit is a Sydney based author, trainer, consultant and Director of Impressive Interviews who specialises in training individuals and groups for job interviews. She has successfully placed clients from professions as diverse as health, law, IT, senior management and the arts in positions of their choice. For the last 15 years she has specialised in training doctors for medical specialty selection interviews and more recently consultants for senior roles.

Prior to this, her career has included selection and recruitment both in Australia and overseas, labour market research, evaluation of government-funded programs and working with disability employment services.  She holds a Bachelor of Economics Degree from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations form UTS.

Deborah is a member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development,