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By Shea Ki

Overconfidence becomes a menace in job interviews more than many realize. It can strike you without realizing it before it is too late. Being a victim to overconfidence can leave you feeling drained by confusion and without any call backs from employers. 

You might be overconfident if you:

• Assume that since you meet all the job qualifications that you got this in the bag and you underprepare
• Do not ask questions to confirm it is a good fit for both sides

The difference between enough and too much: When you look up the definition, you find most often that confidence is "a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities" or "a firm trust". A successful job interview candidate will exude likeable confidence. Instead, what I hear from employers is they often see qualified candidates walk in showing signs of an attitude that the job is beneath them.

​Many of those interviewing for a job have fallen under the spell of overconfidence without even realizing it.

At a job interview, confidence is your superpower. But too much of it will zap away your chances of getting the job.

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Here is a quick check list to help you make sure you are coming across to the interviewer as the best person for the job without going over the top:

• Calm your nerves: Anxiety can trigger an overconfident tone or guarded body language for many 
• Practice and prepare your message of what value you will bring to the company and show it in a likable way
• Build up your genuine inner confidence (creating a "Because I'm Worth It Map" is a great start if you suspect your overconfidence is actually insecurity) 
• Pursue each job description as a quest to uncover what you do not know 
• Stay OPEN to taking constructive feedback

Lacking confidence leaves you doubting yourself and slowing down your bright future, but too much can also block success. Being overly confident may work for some situations, but in the job interview it will poison your chances of getting a call back.

Your turn: What works for you to feel confident but stay humble under pressure?

Leave your comment or helpful tip below. 
Most importantly, believe in you.

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