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 working with women to overcome public speaking anxiety, I’ve seen how the right mindset can transform how we approach high-pressure situations like interviews. So, in my opinion, interview prep is not just about rehearsing answers to common questions; it’s about managing your internal dialogue, setting clear goals, and believing in your ability to succeed. And what if success isn’t just about whether you get the job or not?
Preparing to Succeed Beyond the Job Offer
It’s also helpful to set goals that go beyond simply getting the job. Statistically, most people’s experience with interviews is one of rejection, so why not make your goal something you can achieve no matter the outcome? For example, aim to manage your nerves, communicate more clearly, enjoy the experience or showcase your strengths in a way that feels authentic. If you managed any (or all) of those things, that would be a success, right?
The Role of Mindset in Tackling Interview Anxiety
When it comes to interviews, anxiety is a common experience. Research shows that a staggering 92% of adults experience interview anxiety during job interviews. Concerns range from making a bad impression to struggling with unexpected questions.
The good news? A few mindset shifts can significantly change how you experience these moments—and not necessarily in the way you might think.
The Role of Self-Talk and Language
In previous blogs, I’ve talked about the importance of mindset and the language we use to and about ourselves. It’s something we often overlook, but it has a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves and how we approach things like interviews. I’ve seen firsthand, especially when working with women dealing with public speaking anxiety, how the way we talk to ourselves can either lift us up or hold us back.
Before an interview, it’s easy to slip into a negative mindset. If previous interviews didn’t go as planned, your subconscious mind might be feeding you thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “What if I mess up?” 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 those I work with, is reframing those thoughts. Rather than thinking, “I have to get this job,” I’ve learned to shift my mindset to, “This is an opportunity to practice sharing my skills and experiences.” That small shift in language reduces the pressure and refocuses my attention on what I can control. This isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about changing how we perceive ourselves in the moment. When we start using language that aligns with our strengths, it’s much easier to walk into an interview feeling confident, capable, and ready to showcase what we bring to the table.
Believing in Your Ability to Improve
Another mindset shift that’s been incredibly helpful for me is focusing 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’s a lot of interviews where the answer was “no.”
But here’s the thing—every interview is an opportunity to learn and improve. And if you go in with a mindset of “How can I get better at this?” rather than “I need to be perfect,” you’ll find that the experience becomes 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, and interviewing is no different. So, even if it doesn’t lead to a job offer right away, every interview can be seen as valuable practice.
My Own Experience with Mindset Shifts
I remember a time when I was prepping for an interview I really wanted. My anxiety was through the roof, but I realised that my nerves were more about a fear of failure than about my actual ability to do the job. So, I shifted my focus. Instead of obsessing over whether I’d get the job, I told myself: This is just a conversation where I get to share who I am and learn about them too.
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.
Tips to Strengthen Your Interview Mindset
Focus on your strengths: Before your interview, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re proud of in your career. This can help you shift into a positive mindset.
Practice gratitude: It might sound cliché, but being grateful for the opportunity, even if it feels intimidating, can change your mindset. Instead of dreading the interview, try to see it as a chance to grow.
Visualise your success: Take a moment to imagine yourself walking out of the interview feeling proud of how you handled it. Visualisation is a powerful tool that can help calm your nerves.
At the end of the day, interviews are just one part of your journey, and managing interview anxiety is a skill you can refine over time. Reflecting on how you felt, what went well, and what you can improve will help you approach future interviews with greater confidence and clarity. It’s easy to beat yourself up if things don’t go perfectly, but that mindset won’t help you in the long run. Instead, approach every interview with curiosity and self-compassion, and aim to grow, learn, and refine how you present yourself.
Even if you don’t walk away with the job, you’ll still have gained experience, built resilience, and taken one step closer to where you’re meant to be. And that, in itself, is a win.
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