A Trick to Feel More Confident: 'Fake It Until You Become it!'

Posted: October, 29, 2012 | Categories: Job Tips | Interviewing Tips


We ran across a very interesting video recently, and wanted to share it with you. In her discussion, Harvard Business School social psychologist Amy Cuddy, talks about how to become confident. We will include a link to the 20-minute video presentation below so that you can how they studied this and came to the conclusions they did on your own, but here are some tips we took away from it.


Posture is important, not just for our overall health, but for our confidence as well.

Cuddy observes that confident people make themselves bigger. They raise their arms. They take up space. They widen their stances. Conversely, timid people make themselves smaller. They cross their legs or ankles. They hug themselves. The tuck in their arms.

She then wondered what would happen if people just changed their posture from one of timidity to one of confidence and power. Could someone 'fake it until they make it'?? The answer is YES! In as little as two minutes after striking a confident pose, the subjects' body chemistry began to change. Testosterone levels rose, while cortisol (the hormone associated with stress) decreased.

We know that hiring managers tend to hire confident people over timid people. So how can you apply this information to be more successful in interview situations?

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Just like any actor on stage, rehearsal is key. With time, the actor practically becomes the character he or she portrays. Some professional actors admit needing time to 'leave the character on set.'? This can work for you,too! Any time you get the opportunity to interview, do it! The more you do it, the more confident you'll become. Soon, you'll be a natural. You will have acted your way to a new reality '“ one in which you exude confidence.

Get BIG!

Do your best to arrive a few minutes early so you can strike a 'power pose'? in an outdoor area or even a bathroom stall. Remember it only takes two minutes for your body to get the message that it's time to turn on the confidence.

Sit Tall!

While waiting for your appointment, resist the urge to curl up to check your messages or fold up in a chair. Sit tall and confidently in the waiting area.

If you start acting confident, your body will physically play along and eventually, your brain will follow. Soon, you will have become confident and a more desirable employment prospect.

SOURCE: Amy Cuddy Ted Talk

By JoAnne Williams
Founder, President and CEO

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