Know Your Qualifications

Do you feel nervous before or during interviews?

Overcoming this anxiety requires a mix of strategy, shift in mindset, and practice. Why?

Preparation, knowing your qualifications, and structuring conversations so your strengths and accomplishments are memorable, will build your confidence, calm your nerves so you feel in control, and elevate you to the next level.

Try the following approach, and evolve it over time.

(Visit the Store & Resources page to access more individualized tools.)

Prepare Thoroughly
٠Research the Company & Role – Understand their mission, culture, recent news and how your skills align.
٠Know Your Resume – Tie your experiences, competencies, accomplishments and career transitions to your values.
٠Use SOAR Responses – Answer questions with Situation, Task, Objective/Obstacle, Action, Result format.
٠Prepare Smart Questions – Show curiosity by asking about company challenges, goals and growth opportunities.
٠Practice Out Loud – Arrange recorded Mock Interviews to observe yourself, gain clarity and improve technique.

Manage Nervousness
٠Reframe Anxiety – Your body’s response to nerves and excitement is similar. Say, “I’m not nervous, I’m excited!”
٠Challenge Negative Thoughts – Instead of thinking, “What if I mess up?”, say, "This is a great learning opportunity."
٠Positive Visualization – Picture yourself answering questions confidently and having a meaningful conversation
٠Breathe & Slow Down – Practice breathing deeply (4-7-8 method) to calm nerves before your interview.

Set Yourself Up for Success
٠Plan Logistics – Get a good night’s sleep, arrive early and be distraction-free.
٠Bring Notes (If Allowed) – Having key bullets can be helpful, but avoid overuse and reading directly from them.
٠Dress the Part – Wear something that boosts confidence and aligns with the company culture.

During the Interview, REMEMBER
٠It’s Just a Conversation – Build rapport, show enthusiasm, listen actively and engage with a learner’s mindset.
٠Think Before You Speak – Use “the power of the pause” to gather your thoughts before answering.
٠Speak Clearly & Confidently – Even when nervous, speaking slowly and with intention makes a strong impression.

Post-Interview Follow-Up
٠Send a Thank-You Email – Express appreciation, reinforce your enthusiasm for the role, and reference key takeaways from the discussion.

Would you like more Interview and Networking tools? Visit the Store & Resources page to access to my eBook, “Articulating Your Accomplishments & Ambitions.” Take inventory of your talents and achievements, build personalized interview responses, and create your Career Story for networking and answering core questions like, “Why are you the right candidate for this job?”