Confidence in Interviews: What No One Tells You About Managing Nerves
By Becky Gosky, Founder – Jobity
We have all been there. You log into Zoom or walk into an office, hands slightly damp, heart racing, trying to remember how to answer "Tell me about yourself" without sounding robotic or rambling. Interviews have a way of turning even the most qualified professionals into a bundle of nerves.
But what if I told you nerves are not the problem? The real issue is not knowing how to work with them instead of against them.
The Job Interview Society recently shared some great insights on overcoming interview nerves. Let’s build on that and talk about why nervousness happens, why confidence is not about eliminating fear, and how to shift your mindset so that nerves do not control the conversation…literally.
Why We Get Nervous in Interviews
It is easy to think nerves are just about fear of rejection, but it runs deeper than that. Interviews are high-stakes, performance-based situations where you feel judged, and that triggers a fight-or-flight response. Your brain releases adrenaline, your breathing shortens, and suddenly you are struggling to remember your own work history.
The American Psychological Association found that when anxiety spikes, cognitive performance drops. That means your ability to recall key details, articulate thoughts clearly, and project confidence all take a hit when your body thinks you are in danger.
You are not in danger, of course. But your brain does not know that.
So, instead of fighting nerves, the goal is to reframe how you approach them. Here is how.
1) Preparation is Your Confidence Engine
Confidence does not come from magically "feeling ready." It comes from knowing you have put in the work.
A Glassdoor survey found that 88% of hiring managers say candidates who research the company perform better in interviews. That is not a coincidence. When you know the company’s mission, its challenges, and how your skills align, you are not just answering questions. You are leading the conversation.
Try This:
Research the company beyond its website. Find industry news, CEO interviews, and current projects.
Practice common interview questions, but do not memorize them word for word. Instead, structure your responses around key stories and impact-driven examples.
Record yourself answering questions. Play it back and analyze your tone, pacing, and clarity.
When you focus on preparation, confidence becomes a byproduct.
2) Breathe Like a Performer, not a Job Seeker
Ever noticed how singers, actors, and speakers project confidence even when they are nervous? That is because they control their breathing.
When you are anxious, your breathing gets shallow. That sends a message to your brain that something is wrong, making your body tense up even more.
Try This:
Before the interview, do a simple breathing exercise: Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts. Repeat this for two minutes.
Not only does this calm your nervous system, but it also helps slow your speech, so you sound more deliberate and confident.
3) Change Your Mindset From "Please Like Me" to "Let’s See If This Fits"
One of the biggest shifts you can make is changing your goal for the interview.
Most candidates walk in thinking, "I hope they like me. I hope I do not mess this up."
I am sure guilty of this one!
But what if, instead, you thought: "I am here to see if this job is the right fit for me, too."
This changes everything. You stop performing for approval and start having a real conversation.
When you view an interview as a two-way street, you become more relaxed, more engaged, and—ironically—more likable to the hiring manager.
4) Use a Pre-Interview Power Ritual
Athletes have pre-game routines. Performers have warm-ups. What is your pre-interview ritual?
Harvard researcher Amy Cuddy found that body language can actually change how we feel about ourselves. Holding "power poses" (standing tall with hands on hips or stretching arms upward) for just two minutes increases testosterone (confidence) and decreases cortisol (stress).
Try This:
Right before your interview, do a quick physical movement—stand tall, stretch, or even go for a short walk.
Listen to a song that puts you in a strong, confident mindset.
Recite a short affirmation like, "I am prepared. I bring value. I belong in this room."
It sounds goofy, but small rituals create psychological momentum.
5) Have a Strategy for Brain Freezes
Let’s be real. Sometimes you will blank on an answer. It happens to the best of us. The trick is knowing how to recover.
Try This:
Buy time: Instead of panicking, take a sip of water or say, "That is a great question. Let me think for a second."
Reframe the question: If you get stuck, pivot slightly. Example: If asked about a skill you do not have, talk about how you quickly learn new skills in similar areas.
Own the moment: No one expects perfection. If you stumble, move on. Most hiring managers will not even remember minor slip-ups if the overall conversation is strong.
6) Know Your Worth. Because If You Do Not, They Won’t, Either
Imposter syndrome is real. Many people struggle to believe they deserve the job they are interviewing for.
But remember: If you were not qualified, you would not have been invited to the interview in the first place.
Try This:
Make a list of five past accomplishments that show your impact.
Read that list before the interview to remind yourself why you are valuable.
When you walk into that room, hold yourself like someone who belongs there—because you do.
Wrap Up:
Nerves Are Not the Problem. Not Knowing How to Handle Them Is.
You do not need to be fearless in interviews. You just need to be prepared, present, and willing to shift your mindset from "I hope they like me" to "I am here because I bring value."
Nerves are a sign that you care. And interviewers know you can’t train people to care.
Confidence is built, not born.
Next time you walk into an interview, take a breath, remember your worth, and step into the conversation like the professional you already are.
Do you have any questions about this article or how to overcome nerves in interviews in general?
Sincerely,
Becky Gosky, Founder – Jobity