“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller
Confidence in yourself can be one of the most important ingredients to your job search success. Arrogance is almost assuredly a recipe for disaster. However, there is a very fine line between the two. It is important to know the differences between the two in order to avoid job search failure. The following areas outline some of the ways in which you can present yourself with confidence while avoiding arrogance.
Body Language
Confidence shows respect while arrogance tries to intimidate and show dominance.
To present yourself with confidence, walk into an interview with your head held high. Give a firm hand shake and look the person in the eye when you introduce yourself as well as throughout the interview. Avoid strutting, pointing fingers, or lounging in your seat, as all such behaviors can be interpretted as arrogant.
Verbal Communication
Confidence relies on inner strengths while arrogance tries to portray false strength by either relying on or belittling others.
For example, to present yourself with confidence, accurately explain your past successes without needlessly name dropping or putting other people down. A person who drops names out of context or who belittles others shows true arrogance.
Respect for Others
Confidence is respectful of others, while arrogance has an “all about me” attitude.
To show respect to your interviewer, be on time, allow the interviewer to finish speaking before beginning and be courteous.
Confidence is inspiring. Arrogance is repulsing. When attending an interview, the last thing you want your interviewer to feel towards you is disgust. By presenting yourself with confidence rather than arrogance, you are able to show the interviewer your value as a potential employee.