How to Show Humility in an Interview

by Kate McFarlin
Teams should meet consistently to monitor progress.

Teams should meet consistently to monitor progress.

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During an interview, whether it is for a job or a client, it is important to maintain a balance between confidence in your own abilities and humility. This can be a difficult task. You want to paint a picture in the other person's mind that you are both capable and humble. Practice is necessary to learn how to use the right key phrases and the right body language during an interview.

1. Avoid overusing "I" during an interview. When someone consistently says "I" over and over, it will naturally make her seem egotistical and it may be off-putting to the listener. While it is only natural to want to laud your own achievements, there is no "I" in team. Use "we" instead whenever it is applicable.

2. Discuss other team members during an interview. If you are in a job interview, talk about how you worked with a team to achieve company goals. If you are interviewing with a client, discuss how your team works together and how each unique personality contributes to the whole.

3. Let your resume or your proposal do the talking. It is fine to cite achievements on paper; your interviewer can read this and be impressed by what is in front of him. He will be even more impressed if you slightly downplay the achievements when asked in person. Again, revert to "we" instead of "I."

4. Discuss your own faults. This is a common section during an interview. The interviewer asks what faults you may have. The default response is usually "none" or to downplay them; that is only human nature. Rise above this natural tendency and be frank about any faults you may have. Interviewers will see this as refreshing.

5. Remember your body language. Leaning back or crossing your arms over your chest gives the impression that you are overly confident or imperious. Instead, open your body language up, leave your arms at your side and lean forward slightly to let the interviewer know you are engaged in the conversation, open to what he has to say and humble in your bearing.

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