Feeling nervous* before an interview? You’re not alone! The good news is that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s something you can build. Lindsay Taylor, Founder and Director at Your Excellency Limited discusses how these simple but powerful techniques can help boost your confidence before an interview, so you can feel self-assured and ready to impress…
Power Pose
You’ve probably heard the phrase “fake it till you make it.” Well, there’s science behind it! A power pose is a stance that makes you feel strong—think of standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips (like Wonder Woman or Superman). Research shows that adopting this posture for just two minutes can help reduce stress hormones and boost confidence.
–> Watch this powerful TED Talk from Amy Cuddy
Step Into It – The NLP Anchoring Technique
Ever noticed how hearing a certain song or smelling a familiar scent can instantly transport you to a specific feeling? That’s because our brains anchor emotions to sensory experiences. You can use this same technique to anchor confidence before your interview:
- Close your eyes and recall a moment when you felt incredibly confident.
- As you relive that feeling, clench your fist, press your thumb and finger together, or touch your wrist—any small physical action will do.
- Repeat this process several times, strengthening the link between the action and the feeling of confidence.
- Just before your interview, use that physical action to “step into” confidence mode!
Mind Your Language
The words we use shape how we think and feel. Swap out negative, limiting language for positive, empowering phrases:
- Instead of “I hope I don’t mess up,” say “I’m ready to showcase what I can do!”
- Replace “I have to do this interview” with “It’s great that I get to do this interview.”
- Instead of focusing on “problems” and “pitfalls,” think about “opportunities” and “challenges.”
- Change your emotional label that you’re “nervous” to a label that you’re “excited”!
Breathe and Pace Yourself
A steady, relaxed voice conveys confidence. Before the interview:
- Take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system.
- Speak with a steady, even pace—this will ensure your responses are measured and steady.
- Use pauses strategically; they make you sound more confident and give you time to think.
Eye Contact and Body Language
Your body speaks before you say a word. To exude confidence:
- Maintain gentle but direct eye contact
- Sit or stand upright and balanced, with open, relaxed gestures.
- Smile naturally—it makes you appear friendly and self-assured.
Think About Feedback
A great way to prepare is to reflect on past experiences:
- Identify three things you did well in previous interviews or presentations.
- Think of two things you could improve.
- Choose one key area to focus on for this interview.
Fuel Your Confidence with Mood-Boosting Foods
What you eat affects how you feel. Check out this guide on the top five foods to boost your mood and make sure you’re fueling your brain before your interview.
Final Thought: If You Believe You Can, You Will!
As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Go into your interview with the belief that you are capable and deserving of success. You’ve prepared, you’ve got the skills, and now, you’ve got the confidence.
Wishing you all the best from me & the team at Your Excellency Limited. You’ve got this!
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