Arrogance versus Confidence. 5 Arrogant Behaviors to Avoid.

In previous a previous blog post I extolled the importance of confidence in the job search process. However, today I want to explore the difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence for a job seeker demonstrates competence and professionalism and has the ability to inspire a hiring manager to add you to their team. Arrogance, on the other hand, is off-putting, makes people uncomfortable, and often motivates the hiring manager to show you the door.

Many people fail to see the difference between the two characteristics. However, the best way I can think of to explain the distinction is that confident people see themselves as one of the smart and talented people in the room, where arrogant people see themselves as the ONLY smart and talented person in the room. Confident people believe in themselves, while arrogant people believe that they are better than others.

Here are some behaviors to avoid if you don’t want to be considered arrogant:

* An arrogant job seeker sells themselves in an interview as the one and only solution to an employer’s problems. They speak as though the employer’s company will not survive unless it makes the choice to hire the arrogant job seeker immediately. Alternatively, the confident job seeker takes the time to research the company’s needs and problems and presents their skills and accomplishments in terms of how they could potentially benefit the employer.

* Arrogant people think that they are the only ones who have something important to say. Arrogant people often interrupt others and are not considered to be good listeners. Confident people listen to others with an open mind. When arrogant people do listen, it is often so that they can tell you why you are wrong.

* Arrogant people have the answer to every question, even when they really don’t know the answer. Confident people are willing to say “I don’t have an answer, but I will find out and get back to you.” Arrogant people often position themselves as the expert in every subject. No matter what is being discussed, they have read an article, know someone, or have something to add – even if it is not relevant to the conversation.

* Arrogant people do not admit mistakes. When something goes wrong, an arrogant person will place the blame on someone else. A confident person can admit when they make a mistake, apologize for any oversights, learn from their mistakes, and move on.

* Arrogant people have no respect for other people’s time and think nothing of being late to an interview or meeting. When a confident person is late, they are quick to apologize for making others wait at their expense.