Even if you’re applying for an internal promotion at your current workplace, preparing for an interview can be an overwhelming and nerve-wracking experience. You may even feel more pressure to excel as you’re more confident that you will thrive in the job role. In these cases, it can feel like there’s nothing worse that can happen than freezing with nerves and struggling to answer the questions.
Not to worry, we’ve worked with Mindset Pro coach, Ross McWilliams, to collate a few of our top tips on how to feel more confident and handle your nerves during a job interview.
Preparing for an interview
You can read more in-depth tips and advice in our article on how to prepare for an interview. However, there are two big points of advice that we’d suggest before going into any interview…
1. Know the basics
The process can feel like it begins the moment you are offered an interview. It may seem like an obvious point, but be sure that you know exactly when and where it is, and what style of interview to expect.
You’ll be surprised at how easy it can be to get wrapped up in the preparation for an interview if you forget the basic logistical details. For example, a 2024 survey conducted by StandOut CV suggests that 7% of UK candidates miss interviews due to commuting issues, like getting lost, delays, or misunderstanding directions.
If you’re applying for an internal promotion, it’s very unlikely that you’ll struggle with the logistics of your interview. But in any case, ensure that you know where you’re going and who you’ll be meeting. There’s nothing worse than being late for an interview.
2. Mock interviews and practice
It’s always a good idea to go into an interview knowing what you’ll be talking about. Of course, there will be interview questions that you may not expect but try to practise any answers and examples that you may need to provide during the process.
If you are confident that you have examples, then this will help you to avoid freezing during the interview process. You can do this by researching questions, researching the role and business, and practising with a family member or friend.
Another tip that Ross shares is to research other people’s answers and assess their body language and facial features. There are many different ways we can interpret what someone is saying, so ensure that your body language and facial expressions are helping to communicate your examples.
Your mind is blank during an interview, what do you do?
It happens very often but it can still feel like the worst thing in the world when you’re mid-interview and your nerves get the best of you. However, it is possible to overcome these hurdles.
The hiring manager may ask you a question and your nerves or stress can overpower your response. This can lead to you struggling to articulate your answer, your mind can go blank, or you can lose your trail of thought mid-sentence. Here are a few ways that can help you get past it.
1. Be honest
Rule number one: if you don’t have an example to share, do not make one up. An interviewer will likely be able to see if you’re lying. If your mind is truly blank, just be honest. You can show your vulnerability by saying that you’re not sure whether you can think of a direct example or answer, but provide an example that you can think of.
Even if your example isn’t entirely relevant, your honesty shows that you’re just human and that you’ve not over-prepared - which can sound too robotic.
2. Buy more time
If you need a moment to think, you can ask questions or make statements that will give you a little extra time to gather your thoughts. For example, you can ask the hiring manager if they will repeat the question, allowing you to think more about your response.
If you’ve received an interview question that you weren’t expecting, you can also buy more time by just asking for a moment to think through your answer. Other techniques like taking your time while taking, giving yourself a moment to think, and starting your response with phrases like, “That’s a really good question.” It’s not a bad thing to show that you’re considering your answers before answering them. If anything, the answer you provide may appear more impressive as it’s clear you didn’t have it prepared.
3. Breathing techniques
You wouldn’t necessarily conduct breathing techniques during your conversation, but a good way to control your interview nerves is to practise deep breaths before it begins. This is a simple yet effective way to ensure that you’re relaxed at the start of the interview. The calmer you are at the beginning, the calmer you’ll be throughout.
Something as simple as your breathing can be the difference between you becoming overwhelmed and flustered during the interview or not. Remaining relaxed will allow you to remember examples of previous experiences and instances that have happened that you can relate to the role.
4. Extending the interview
Although this isn’t always possible or necessary, it might be worth extending the interview by following up with examples in writing, especially if you are planning to send a follow-up/thank you email after the process.
Emailing the interviewer with more answers can be risky, so only do this if you feel like it was natural or if they suggested it to you first. This could potentially lead to you appearing less confident or overcompensating so that you get the role, which is the last thing you want.
However, if you are struggling to answer a question, you could suggest that the question requires some measured thinking and that you’ll have more of a think about it and get back to them after.
Closing the interview
No matter what, always aim to ask a question at the end of your interview. This will show that you are genuinely interested in the role or the workplace, and it allows them to share any more information that they may have missed.
Your question can be as direct as the salary, or it can be related to the work culture or conditions, but it’s important to try and have a question ready. If you don’t ask a question, it can feel like a missed opportunity to let your personality shine more.
Final thoughts
Remember that an interview shouldn’t be considered a threat, but an opportunity to show your abilities and skills. Stay calm, and don’t be afraid to be honest and vulnerable if you’re struggling to articulate or think of a perfect answer.
Watch the full conversation between our Director of Apprenticeship Development and Diversity, Jenny Pelling, and Mindset Pro coach and MHFA national trainer, Ross McWilliam.
Good luck!
With hard work and dedication, you’re on the right track to achieving a successful career in your chosen field.
If you’re interested in progressing your career further with an apprenticeship, browse our current vacancies. If you’re still uncertain of what industry is best suited for you, have a look at our apprenticeship programmes.
It’s also possible to progress your career at your current workplace with our apprenticeship programmes. Read more about how to talk to your existing employer about starting an apprenticeship.