“How to Be More Confident in Interviews (Without Pretending You’re Someone You’re Not)”

Let’s not sugarcoat it: interviews can be awkward.

You’re trying to sound smart, appear humble, hide your nerves, and not accidentally say “I just really need this job” out loud.

But here’s the truth: confidence isn’t about pretending. It’s about preparation, presence, and not talking yourself out of opportunities you’re qualified for.

Let’s break down how to actually show up confident—no fake bravado required.

1. Know What You Bring to the Table (and Say It Like You Mean It)

This isn’t the time to downplay your achievements like you’re afraid of sounding cocky.

You didn’t “help a little” with that project—you managed timelines, wrangled stakeholders, and delivered results. Own it.

Confidence starts with knowing your value and saying it out loud without flinching.

2. Practice Talking About Yourself—Out Loud, Not Just in Your Head

Scripting your answers in your notes app won’t help if your voice disappears the second they ask, “So tell me about yourself.”

Say your answers out loud. Practice with a friend, a mirror, your plant—doesn’t matter. Just get used to hearing yourself sound prepared, not panicked.

3. Drop the “Just” and “Kind of” Language

“I just assisted…”

“I kind of helped…”

“I was lucky enough to…”

Cut. It. Out.

That language is humble to a fault—and it waters down your impact. Replace it with clear, direct statements like: “I led,” “I contributed,” “I delivered.”

Because you did.

4. Treat It Like a Conversation, Not a Pop Quiz

Interviews aren’t verbal obstacle courses. They’re just conversations to see if you’re a good fit.

So speak like a person, not like you’re trying to win an award for “Most Impressive Robot.” Ask questions. Laugh (appropriately). Be curious.

The more natural the energy, the more confident you’ll sound—because you are.

5. Control What You Can: Posture, Pace, and Presence

You can’t control the questions, but you can control:

• How you sit (upright, not slouched like it’s a Netflix binge)

• How fast you talk (slower = more confident)

• Eye contact (camera lens if it’s virtual, not the thumbnail of your stressed-out face)

Small shifts = big presence.

Final Word: Confidence Doesn’t Mean Perfection

Confidence is showing up as yourself, prepared and self-aware—not flawless.

You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to believe you’re capable of figuring things out.

If that still feels like a stretch, let’s fix that together.

Need help showing up like the best version of yourself—on purpose?

Book your interview coaching session

We’ll work on the nerves, the strategy, and the wording so you leave “I hope I said the right thing” behind.