Projecting confidence without being overbearing is not about downplaying your skills or accomplishments. It's about presenting them in a manner that is assertive yet respectful..

The job interview can be a make-or-break opportunity. It is your chance to make a strong impression and demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and temperament are the right fit for the organisation. A key element that can influence the outcome of your interview is confidence. Yet, it's a delicate balancing act. You need to be assertive without coming off as overbearing, exuding self-assuredness without seeming cocky. How exactly can you strike this balance? Let's delve into some strategies. 

1. Prepare Diligently 

There's no substitute for thorough preparation. A deep understanding of the company, role, and industry will give you a solid base from which to operate. This helps you articulate thoughtful, insightful answers, which naturally projects confidence. Preparation also helps you stay calm under pressure, which can prevent you from overcompensating and coming across as overbearing. 

2. Practice Active Listening 

Confident people don't just talk; they listen. Active listening signals that you value the other person's perspective and insights, which helps build a rapport. It also enables you to respond more thoughtfully to their questions or comments. Be present, make eye contact, and nod to indicate understanding. Avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation. 

3. Showcase Humility 

Contrary to popular belief, humility and confidence can coexist. A confident person knows their strengths and isn’t afraid to acknowledge areas where they need to grow. In the interview, show your willingness to learn, adapt, and take feedback. This helps project a healthy level of confidence without coming off as arrogant. 

4. Non-verbal Cues Matter 

Your body language speaks volumes about your confidence. Good posture, a warm smile, and maintaining eye contact can convey confidence. However, avoid dominating gestures like overly expansive postures, constant fidgeting, or being excessively loud. These might project overconfidence or nervous energy rather than self-assuredness. 

5. Speak with Conviction but Stay Open-minded 

When discussing your experiences and views, do so with conviction. This demonstrates self-assuredness in your abilities and ideas. However, stay open to other perspectives. Displaying a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints shows you as a confident, yet flexible and collaborative individual. 

6. Mind Your Tone 

The tone of your voice can impact the perceived level of your confidence. Aim for a balanced, steady, and clear voice. Talking too fast may imply nervousness, while too slow or too low can suggest a lack of confidence. An excessively loud or dominating voice might come off as overbearing. 

7. Provide Balanced Answers 

While it’s essential to highlight your achievements and capabilities, it's equally important to give credit where it’s due. For example, if you led a successful project, discuss your role but also acknowledge the team's contributions. This approach shows you as a confident leader who values collaboration, rather than an overbearing individual claiming all the credit. 

Remember, projecting confidence without being overbearing is not about downplaying your skills or accomplishments. It's about presenting them in a manner that is assertive yet respectful, self-assured yet humble. Strike this balance, and you'll be well on your way to making a positive impression in your next interview.