Let’s be honest—interviews can feel nerve-wracking, can’t they? You walk into a room—or these days, log into a Zoom call—and suddenly, all eyes are on you. Interview anxiety kicks in, making the experience feel even more intense. It’s like being under a spotlight. That pressure can leave even the most confident among us feeling vulnerable.
But what if I told you that one of the most powerful tools you have in these moments isn’t just your preparation or your CV—it’s your mindset?
From my experience coaching women who struggle with public speaking anxiety, I’ve seen how much of a difference mindset makes in high-pressure situations like interviews. For me, interview prep is not just about rehearsing answers to common questions; it’s about managing your inner voice, setting clear goals, and building belief in your ability to succeed. And what if success isn’t just about whether you get the job?
Preparing to Succeed Beyond the Job Offer
Most of us approach interviews with one mail goal: to get the job. That’s understandable, but if that’s the only outcome you’re focused on, it can be tough to bounce back if things don’t go your way.
Statistically, rejection is more common than success. So why not set goals that go beyond simply getting the job. What if you walked into your next interview aiming to manage your nerves, to communicate more clearly, to enjoy the experience or to show up as your authentic self? These are goals you can influence, regardless of the outcome. And achieving them can boost your confidence for the next opportunity too. That’s a win in my book.
The Role of Mindset in Tackling Interview Anxiety
When it comes to interviews, anxiety is incredibly common. Research shows that around 92% of adults experience some level of anxiety during job interviews. The reasons vary – worrying about making a bad impression, feeling underprepared, or freezing up in response to unexpected questions.
The good news? A few mindset shifts can make a big difference—and not always in the way you might expect.
What You Tell Yourself Matters
In previous blogs, I’ve talked about how the way we talk to ourselves shapes our confidence. It’s easy to underestimate the impact of our inner dialogue. But it’s often that quiet voice in our head that determines how we show up.
Before an interview, especially if you’ve had negative experiences in the past, your mind might start spiralling:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I always mess these up.”
“They won’t be interested in what I have to say.”
These negative thoughts aren’t just a sign of nervousness—they can also start to define how we see ourselves, affecting our self-esteem. When these thoughts dominate, they create more pressure, often causing us to doubt our own abilities.
What’s helped me, and the women I coach, is changing the script. Rather than thinking, “I have to get this job,” try:
“This is an opportunity to practice sharing my skills and experiences.”
That shift in language helps reduce the pressure and reminds you of what you can control. This isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about changing how we perceive ourselves in the moment. When you start using language that aligns with your strengths, it’s much easier to walk into an interview feeling confident, capable, and ready to showcase what you bring to the table.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Another mindset shift I’ve found helpful is to focus on growth rather than perfection. Interviews can often feel like a make-or-break scenario, but the truth is, many people don’t get the job on their first try. In fact, according to LinkedIn research, it often takes three to four failed attempts before securing a promotion. That means you’re going to hear “no” sometimes—and that’s OK.
If you go in with a mindset of, “How can I get better at this?” rather than “I need to nail it,” the experience becomes far less intimidating.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know I’m a fan of Josh Kaufman’s 20-Hour Rule. It takes about 20 hours of focused practice to improve any skill. That applies to interviewing too. So each time you do it, whether or not you get the job, you’re building confidence and getting better at articulating your strengths.
My Own Experience with Mindset Shifts
I remember preparing for an interview I really wanted. My anxiety was through the roof – not because I wasn’t ready, but because I was terrified of failing. I’d pinned so much hope onto that one opportunity.
So, I stepped back and asked myself: What can I control here? I reminded myself that my worth isn’t tied to the outcome of this one conversation. I started seeing the interview as a two-way discussion, not a test.
I told myself: This is just a conversation. I get to share my story—and learn more about them too.
That shift helped me feel grounded. I still wanted the job. But I no longer felt like my self-worth was on the line. And yes, I went into that interview with more ease—and walked out feeling proud of how I’d shown up.
I took a deep breath, reminded myself that I was prepared, and trusted that if this job was meant for me, it would work out. That shift made all the difference, and I went in feeling calm and confident.
Practical Mindset Tips Before Your Next Interview
If you’re preparing for an interview and nerves are creeping in, here are a few simple things that might help:
- Remind yourself of your strengths: Write down three achievements you’re proud of. They don’t have to be huge—just moments that reflect your value.
- Practice gratitude: It might sound cliché, but reminding yourself that this is an opportunity (even if it’s uncomfortable) can help reduce dread and create space for growth.
- Visualise a successful experience: Picture yourself walking out of the interview feeling proud of how you handled it. This can help reduce anxiety and strengthen your focus.
Progress Over Perfection – Always
Interviewing is a skill you can improve. With every experience, you build more resilience, clarity and confidence in how you present yourself. It’s easy to dwell on the parts that didn’t go well, but that doesn’t help you grow.
Instead, try to reflect with curiosity: What went well? What felt hard? What might I do differently next time? This kind of reflection builds self-awareness and helps you refine how you approach future interviews.
Even if you don’t get the job, you’ve still gained something valuable. And that brings you one step closer to where you’re meant to be.
Want to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills?
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