Optimistic people fare better in interviews all other things being equal. That is the simple truth. Most people like people who have optimism, so long as it isn’t exaggerated and overblown simply for effect.
Optimism and smiles tend to go together. So there is a double-whammy in the package of a person interviewing for a position who is both optimistic and who has a ready smile; those people usually will have a better experience sometimes because they expected to have a better experience. If we are self-confident without being overbearing, and we couple that with optimism and a sense of humor, the odds are in our favor if we have the work-related qualification the employer seeks. This might seem too simple to really have an impact, but it does have an impact. This combination is sort of the ‘holy grail’ for prospective employers, or the trifecta that simply doesn’t present itself too often.
If you are one of these people, you have probably been quite successful and you might not even understand why, or you may never have given it a thought because life has always been good.
So, what about the person who hasn’t experienced this before? Is all lost for that person? Certainly not, but you have to become aware of those things that can help you with optimism in the interview.
You need to have self-confidence; that is hard to fake.
You have very solid attributes. You need to take inventory of those and be sure you make use of them. A ready smile is valuable. A good self-image is important. If you need to buy a new outfit for the interview, maybe that is a good investment if it helps you feel better about yourself.
You need to have a positive view of yourself, without being egotistical, and about the world around you, and recognize and convey that you are a good person, and would be a valuable employee, if this proves to be the right setting. You need to have your ‘elevator speech’ prepared. What in the world is an elevator speech? It is that 45 to 60 second talk that tells who you are and why you think you can be a value to this employer. You may review your education and experience in short, succinct bites. And don’t forget about your personality and values. It needs to feel natural and to be ready to be provided every time you encounter a new person or new situation. Maybe it is better thought of as the response to the interviewer’s request: “Tell me a little about yourself ”.
Self-confidence and optimism about who you are will go a long way toward a favorable interview experience and for your future.
