During the job interview process, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, anxious or even insecure about an upcoming job interview. This is especially true if you are transitioning into a new industry, applying for a higher position at your current company or entering the workforce for the very first time. However, Automation Personnel Services, one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S., offers insight in order to ease some of job seekers most common concerns and come off sounding as confident as possible.

Be Prepared

Being fully prepared for the interview at hand can go a long way in boosting one’s confidence right from the start. A candidate who is prepared for the job interview is far more likely to leave a positive first impression than one who is late or unorganized. Being prepared for a job interview includes having a clear understanding or the job expectations at hand, knowing the industry and the details about the company you are applying with, as well as being familiar with the names and positions of those who are conducting the interview.

With that in mind, you should always bring a recent copy of your resume to the job interview. Though the interviewer will probably already have their own copy, documents are sometimes misplaced, deleted or simply lost. If an interviewer does have a copy of your resume, you can use the one you’ve brought with you in order to cross-reference any facts or draw attention to certain accomplishments.

Assert Yourself

When applicants talk softly, quietly or without being assertive, they tend to come off as nervous or lacking in confidence. Although this may or may not be the case, hiring managers and interviewers simply have nothing else to fall back on when trying to determine your overall level of self-confidence, enthusiasm and optimism.

As such, it’s important that you are assertive when responding to questions. This is especially easy to do when you are talking about a subject that you are passionate about, but it may take some time to get used to speaking in such a manner. This is exactly why some job seekers find it useful to run through a practice interview, either with a friend or in front of mirror.

Correct Your Body Posture

Body posture and language can go a long way in showing off your enthusiasm, self-motivation and confidence. Conversely, incorrect body language or posture can wreak havoc on the first impression you’re making with the interviewer.

First, make sure to make eye contact with your interviewer. This should be done while extending your arm for a firm handshake. Once you’ve taken a seat, make sure to sit up straight at all times. Those who are slouching may come across as overly shy, anti-social or generally unconfident in their own abilities. You may even want to extend this train of thought to the waiting room, which will likely be your very first contact with an interviewer or hiring manager.

Monitor Your Breathing

In the practice of yoga, one of the most critical strategies in achieving proper balance and peace of mind lies in monitoring and controlling your breathing. This same principle can be used when entering the interview process as a means of bolstering your own self-esteem and confidence which, as a result, will leave a much better first impression with your potential new employer.

Automation Is a Leader in Light Industrial Staffing

Automation Personnel Services helps light industrial and technical job candidates find great employment opportunities throughout its 32 markets in which we operate. As one of the largest and fastest-growing staffing firms in the U.S., you can work with a top staffing agency that cares about its employees. Join Automation Personnel Services’ Talent Network to get started with your job search today!