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How To Avoid Appearing Overconfident During Interviews

Job candidate knows how to avoid appearing overconfident in an interview
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When you're really nervous for a job interview, it can work against you. You might not realize it, but your nervousness can actually make you overcompensate and appear arrogant, which can hurt your first impression.


Instead of risking looking overconfident during interviews, apply these tips:

Talk About Your Mentors

If you're worried you'll sound like you're bragging during an interview, take some of the focus off you by talking about your mentors. Show them that you're open to new perspectives and respect the expertise of others. This will take some of the pressure off you and highlight that you're willing to learn from others (aka you're probably not a know-it-all).

Ask Great Questions

Job candidate talks and doesn't appear overconfident in an interview

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One sign of looking arrogant is talking too much about yourself. Yes, you're expected to talk about yourself during interviews, but the best interviews are two-way conversations between the interviewee and the interviewer. When you do this, you appear more interested and genuinely excited about what they have to say. So, pepper in some insightful questions about the role, company, or interviewer.

Find Your Self-Confidence

Hiring manager shakes hands with a job candidate that didn't appear overconfident in a job interview

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The truth is, if you're overcompensating, you're trying to make up for that lack of self-confidence. And that lack of confidence contributes to that overwhelming nervousness and anxiety you're feeling. So, find ways to increase your self-confidence. Whether it's showcasing your strengths or passion for the industry, find a way to boost your self-confidence.

Don't let "accidental arrogance" kill an opportunity. Use the tips above to nail that first impression and avoid appearing overconfident in your next job interview!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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