You’ve landed an interview for a job you’re really interested in — but you’re afraid you’re not completely qualified for it. This is causing you to second-guess your abilities and have major anxiety about the interview.
It’s time to start believing in yourself because you can do anything you put your mind to. If you’re confident you can excel at the job — despite not meeting all the qualifications — it will be much easier to convince the hiring manager to give you a chance.
Here’s some advice to help you fake it ‘til you make it.
4 Tips to Fake Confidence in an Interview
Highlight Transferrable Skills
You might not possess every skill listed in the job description, but you have a lot to bring to the table. Focus on the transferrable skills you do have and how your past experience has prepared you to shine in the role. Many hiring managers are often more flexible with mandatory skills listed in a job description than you might imagine, so focusing on unique attributes you have to offer that can give you a competitive edge.
Emphasize Your Desire to Learn
Right now, you don’t have every skill listed in the job description, but you’re more than capable of obtaining them. Don’t spend a lot of time focusing on necessary skills you don’t have, but do highlight one or two of the most obvious. Briefly let the hiring manager know you’re not quite up to speed with these abilities but are excited to change that. Mention any steps you’ve already taken to begin acquiring them.
Do Your Homework
You can’t control the fact that you don’t have the right experience for the job, but you can control your level of preparation for the interview. Ease your anxiety by learning as much as possible about the company and the job itself, practicing responses to common interview questions, and coming up with a list of your own questions for the hiring manager. This will allow you to walk into the interview knowing you’ve done everything possible to succeed, which will increase your confidence.
Be Cognizant of Your Body Language
What you don’t say during the interview actually speaks volumes about your confidence level. Maintain steady eye contact with the interviewer, retain good posture, and avoid fidgeting. You’ll also want to smile regularly to showcase your friendly personality and make it clear you’re engaged in the discussion.
Ready to start the next chapter of your career? Management Registry, Inc. is here to guide your search. Contact us today to get started!