Self-Confidence

When I was a young adult, I experienced something that almost broke my self-esteem. There was an ad in the newspaper for a job that I felt was perfect for me. Without hesitation, I called in hopes of getting an interview. When I went to the interview, the hiring manager leaned back in his chair, looked me directly in my eyes, and told me that I was TOO confident. As you could imagine, I was very confused. I mean, isn’t that what employers are looking for? Somebody who’s confident in themselves and their capabilities? Somebody who’s self-motivated, dedicated, dependable, positive, and a team player.

I learned a lot that day. I learned that some people are intimated by greatness in others. I learned that some people aren’t confident in themselves, so they don’t want to bring on anybody that they feel would be any kind of competition. I also learned that some people abuse their position as a manager or supervisor. It’s reality! Many people who are in these positions battle with their own insecurities.

I’ll leave you with this: Don’t ever let somebody else make you feel less than. Know who you are as a person. Do NOT downplay your capabilities. If you go to a job interview, and they don’t hire you, don’t sweat it. You want to be with a company that values you anyways. You want to work for a company that sees your capabilities, and are willing to allow you to grow with the company, allowing you to utilize your talents for the good of the company. You don’t want to work for a company that’s going to hold you back. Trust me! You have some companies out there that operate as such.

Don’t you dare hold your head down and think that you aren’t good enough. Stay ambitious no matter what! Hold your head up. The perfect opportunity will open up for you. Keep a positive attitude, stay focused, and don’t lose your drive. Your time will come. And when it does, don’t hold back. Stay true to yourself.

- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)