Interviewing with Confidence - for New Grads!

Feeling confident and projecting that confidence during an interview makes a more positive and memorable first impression. Confidence draws people in and engages them. But stress and self-doubt can shake our resolve. Am I qualified? Would someone else be better at this? What if they want someone with more years of experience? What if they don't like me?

Well, let's start off by getting this fact out of the way: Once you make it to an interview, it means that you have the necessary skills, background, and experience to be a solid candidate! This is especially true of a second interview. They've seen your application. They've read your resume and cover letter. They have CHOSEN you in order to learn more about you. That's huge! What's left? For you to elaborate on your qualifications and show that you would be a good fit for the role (and that the role/environment/people would be a good fit for YOU). So, let's get you walking into that room feeling great and projecting it!

My top three mini confidence boosters:

1. A solid handshake and eye contact

Listen, I'm not going to tell you that a bad handshake can cost you a job. I'm here to tell you that if you can walk into that room knowing you've got a great handshake, you'll feel more confident - and they'll feel it! It also makes a good first impression. So what makes a solid handshake? Appropriate pressure and full hand contact.

How do you know if you're getting it right? Practice, practice, practice. Ask a friend or a family member. If they've helped you along the way with interview prep and advice, they'll help you practice this!

2. Prep some small talk

In addition to all the practice and prep that goes into interviewing, it'll make you feel more at ease if you've thought about some small talk topics in advance. There may be some down time in-between meetings (if you're meeting with multiple people). You may be asked to lunch or even dinner as part of the process. Think about your contributions to the conversations and make sure they're appropriate.

3. Find your talisman and bring/wear it

Think about your wardrobe - what's something that makes you feel good? Is it the gorgeous pumps you bought for the interview? Is it a favorite piece of jewelry gifted to you by a loved one? Is it the portfolio given to you by your college mentor? Do you feel loved and comforted when you wear it? Do you feel powerful? Do you feel supported? Find that object and let those memories and feelings fuel you. If it makes you feel great, you'll project greatness.

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Finally, Get excited! A company is interested enough in you to want to meet you in person. And in return, you have the opportunity to learn more about the position. Try to actively change the way that you think about the upcoming interview. You're not nervous - you're psyched!

So, I'm here to tell you that you've got this. Sounds cliche, I know. But repeat that as often as you need to - because it's true.