More than 50 per cent of workers fail to make a good impression on prospective employers at interviews because they lack confidence, a new report suggests.
A new report by self-help group Direct Approach reveals that just 56% of candidates felt self-assured when faced with questions about their aptitude for a job. Half also admitted finding it hard to make an impression once they got a job.
The UK’s skills gap is one possible candidate for the lack of confidence. Many employers admit having to keep vacancies open for months on end in the hope that eventually an interviewee will fit the bill.
Female employees were found to be particularly lacking assurance. A quarter of women said they found it hard to make a good impression or make an impact on colleagues compared with only 15 per cent of men.
A large proportion of employees cite office politics, management conflict and poor managerial support as reasons for their lack of confidence, with 49 per cent having a blowout with a colleague and 17 per cent succumbing to bouts of anxiety.
The survey also uncovered a north/south divide in confidence, as 54 per cent of respondents from Greater London felt assured about their interview techniques compared to only 42 per cent of those living in the North West.
But the tables are turned when it comes to making a good impression.
Fifty five per cent of respondents from the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside found it easy to build up good working relationships from the outset compared to just 46 per cent of those from Greater London.
“Confidence in the workplace is essential to success – it breeds efficiency, career development and improves communication skills,” said Shirley Darby, master practitioner in neuro-linguistic programming.
“Because self-confidence is a state of mind, it can easily be affected by other people’s reactions to you and, quite often, with a detrimental result.”
