Nailing the Interview: How to Boost Your Skills andConfidence
Job interviews. Just the phrase can make your stomach tighten a little. Whether you're a seasoned professional moving to the next step or a recent graduate breaking into your field, interviews can feel like a high-stakes test with unclear rules.
The good news? Interviews aren't about trick questions or catching you out. They're about conversation, connection, and showing how your skills line up with what the organisation needs. The even better news? Like any skill, you get better at interviewing with the right preparation and practice.
This newsletter offers practical guidance, top tips,and exercises you can try right now to build your confidence andimprove your performance at interview. It's written with both UK and US readers in mind, as while hiring cultures vary slightly, the fundamentals of great
interviewing are remarkably similar.
Why Interview Skills Matter More Than Ever
The world of work has shifted. Employers are looking notonly for technical expertise but also for adaptability, communication, and cultural fit. In both the UK and US job markets, interviews often go beyond checking your CV or résumé – they explore how you think, how you handle
pressure, and how you might contribute to the team dynamic.
Mastering interview skills isn't about creating a‘performance version of yourself. Its about learning to communicate your authentic strengths clearly, confidently, and in a way that resonates with the people across the table. 0r across the screen if its a virtual interview).
Five Top Tips for Interview Preparation (Before the BigDay)
Think of this stage as building your foundation. Preparation sets the stage for calmness and clarity once the interview starts.
1. Do Your Homework (But Make It Count)
Research the organisation: recent news, values, culture, and strategy.
- Check out their website, social media, and LinkedIn presence.
- Go further: look at industry trends or challenges they may face.
This knowledge allows you to tailor your examples and show genuine
interest.
Exercise: Write down three specific points about the company that excite you and could naturally link to your skills. For example: “Theyre expanding into digital health, and I have experience with app-based patient services.”
2. Map Out Your Own Story
The interview is a chance to tell your career story in a way that makes sense to others. Map it like a timeline, highlighting turning points, challenges overcome, and achievements.
Exercise: Create a one-page “career map” with arrows showing how your experiences connect. Practise explaining it in under three minutes.
3. Learn the STAR Technique
Most interviews use competency-based or behavioural questions (“Tell me about a time when…”). STAR helps structure your answer:
Situation – Briefly set the scene.
Task – What was required of you?
Action – What did you do?
Result – What happened as a result?
Exercise: Pick three examples from your past(teamwork, problem-solving, leadership). Practise answering them with STAR.
Keep notes short – bullet points are enough.
4. Rehearse, Don't Memorise
You don't need a script; you need confidence in your material. Think of it like jazz: you know the chords, so you can improvise.
Exercise: Record yourself answering a typical question (“Why do you want this job?”). Play it back. Notice pace, clarity, and body language. Adjust, then re-record.
5. Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are two-way. Asking good questions shows curiosity and judgement. Avoid the obvious (“Whats the salary?”) until offer stage. Instead, focus on culture, priorities, or challenges.
Examples:
“What does success look like in this role after six months?”
- “How does this team contribute to the wider strategy?”
- Exercise: Write down at least five thoughtful questions. Pick your top two to use.