Being told I'm not confident enough

Mrs Garth Brooks

I moved to the UK at beginning of the week. I have very little experience since finishing my course two years ago. Its a catch 22, how to get experience if they don't give you a job.

I had three interviews this week and another two next week. So far the two places i got feedback from are saying that they feel I'm not confident enough and i'm waiting to hear back from another.

I feel absolutely sh!t about it cause its something I've always wanted to do and I can do it.

So, what do I do here. How long do I give here, wait it out, hold out for a job to come up next week, the week after or October...if any comes up, if I'm being told I'm not confident enough (two out of three).

I'll see how next week goes. But what do people think here. Am I doomed? Is it job bridge time for me if I go home...at this stage I will do it.

Stheno

Why don't you work on your confidence and address the fundamental issue here?

SCOOP 64

Your showing your lack of confidence by wanting to go home after a couple of knock backs, the more confidence you will have if you stick with it.

RomanGod

Don't go a step further and get too confident OP, they will pick you up on that as well

I think demonstrating assurance in your abilities with previous examples is key

Eye contact, a strong coherent voice (some people's voices break when they are shy which sounds very bad)

Smile upon greeting and a firm handshake.

I like to know the names of the interviewers when I'm going in so I can address them accordingly. Normal practice is to send the names via email prior to the interview but if it isn't ask the receptionist who you are meeting. It will look good when you are the only candidate that knows their names and you can be more comfortable when you're on first name terms

Tom Dunne

I used to suffer terribly with my low confidence and low self esteem.

While I believe a little self doubt is actually a good thing, don't let it consume you.

Believe in yourself, believe that these people called you to an interview because you have something they want. Speak clearly, coherently and articulately, making eye contact always.

Not every interview is going to be successful - that's life, chalk them down to experience and go into each new interview with a sense of purpose.

Silverfish

I also had a similar problem - to the point where it was affecting my work and securing a new job.

A recruitment agent sent me a Ted talk video, and I thought 'Yeah yeah, a video is going to help for sure :rolleyes:' but it did. I'm still not 100%, but one thing that was never even discussed in my new job was my lack of confidence - in fact when I mentioned I could be unsure or shy they all laughed assuming I was joking!

The most important piece of knowledge I've ever acquired is that everybody is winging it, all the time. Everyone has doubts, everyone, and they're no different to you.

Anyway, here's the video, give it a go

http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are

Mr. Loverman

That TED talk was good. She seems like a very nice woman.

Mrs OBumble

OP- I just read this again - you've been there for a week, and you're already thinking about giving up and coming home, based on feedback from only two interviews.

Ahh, I don't want to sound mean, but seriously ... take a hold of yourself, put your chin up and give it a decent shot. You should try for a month at least, ideally two.

You CAN do whatever it is - you just need to start showing it.