What I’d Tell My Younger Self Before Every Big Interview

Confidence isn’t something you “feel,” it’s something you decide.

Let’s start here.

I used to wait until I felt confident before going after certain jobs, asking for the raise, or answering the big questions with power.

But here’s what I’ve learned as someone who’s spent 18 years interviewing hundreds of people, from hourly roles to executive-level leaders:

The people who get the job aren’t always the most qualified. They’re the most clear.

Clarity builds confidence.

So instead of hoping to “sound good,” ask yourself:

• What do I want them to remember about me?

• What proof do I have that I’ve delivered real results?

• What do I bring that others might not?

That’s your power.

Say it out loud. Practice it until it feels true.

And if it still feels uncomfortable, say it anyway.

Your confidence doesn’t need to be loud.

It needs to be anchored.

The question isn’t “Will they pick me?”

It’s: “Is this the room I want to grow in?”

This shift changed everything.

When I stopped performing in interviews and started showing up with curiosity, I finally stopped shrinking.

Every interview is a two-way evaluation.

Yes, you’re being assessed… but so are they.

Pay attention to how they talk about the team.

Ask them how success is measured and supported.

Notice if the interviewer dominates the conversation or invites you in.

What I’d tell my younger self:

You’re not desperate. You’re discerning.

You’re not lucky to be in the room.

You’ve earned your seat at the table. Now act like it.

Own your story, especially the messy parts

One of the most powerful job interview tips I can give you is this:

Don’t hide your pivots, gaps, or redirections.

Learn how to name them with clarity and strategy.

When someone asked me why I made a lateral move early in my career, I used to shrink. I’d downplay it.

Now? I say this:

“That role was intentional. I needed to gain exposure in a different function to round out my leadership experience. And it worked, I walked away with skills I use every day.”

This is the kind of story we never practice because no one teaches us how.

That’s about to change.

For the first time, I’m pulling back the curtain on everything I’ve taught behind the scenes.

Interview Mastery™ is my upcoming course for career-driven women who are done shrinking in interviews and ready to own the room.

It’s about clarity. Control. Confidence. And how to answer with real power, using the truth of your story.

Not the version you rehearsed to sound impressive. The one you actually lived. Framed with strategy.

So if you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, ‘I should’ve said that differently’… keep reading.

I’ll be sharing more soon.

Rehearsal is not overkill. It’s your edge.

I used to think practicing my answers would make me sound robotic.

Let me tell you something from the other side of the table:

Winging it is not impressive.

It’s a missed opportunity.

You don’t need to memorize a script. But you do need a framework.

Inside Interview Mastery™, we use the STAR+ Method to help you answer questions in a way that sounds natural, but strategic.

Here’s the quick version:

• S – Situation

• T – Task

• A – Action

• R – Result

• + – What it says about your leadership

This structure helps you tell clear, compelling stories that land, especially when you’re asked questions like:

• “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge…”

• “Give me an example of how you lead a team…”

• “What’s your biggest weakness?”

Script your responses using STAR+

Then practice them out loud. Over and over.

Confidence is built in the reps.

And if you want a shortcut?

My Mock Interview Builder™ gives you tailored practice questions based on the job you want, so you can rehearse with intention, not just hope.

You don’t have to pretend to be perfect.

You do have to be prepared.

Perfection is not the goal.

Clarity is. So is presence.

When you walk into that interview room (or click into that Zoom), remember this:

You’re not there to perform. You’re there to connect.

You’re not there to have every answer. You’re there to own your answers.

So slow down. Breathe. Be where your feet are.

It’s okay to say:

“That’s a great question. Let me think about the best example I can give you.”

That’s not weakness. That’s leadership energy.

You don’t need to rush to impress.

You need to anchor yourself in the truth of what you bring.

If they ask about salary, say this:

Nothing tripped me up more than the salary question when I was early in my career.

I’d blurt out a number. Or freeze. Or say “I’m flexible” when I actually wasn’t.

Let me save you years of guesswork.

When they ask about salary expectations, try this:

“Based on my research and the scope of the role, I’d expect something in the [$X–$Y] range. I’m happy to learn more about the full compensation package.”

This does two things:

1. Shows you’ve done your homework

2. Leaves room for a real conversation

Want more scripts like that?

Download my free Salary Script that’s helped women ask for, and get, $10K, $25K, even $50K more.

Nerves don’t mean you’re not ready.

They mean you care.

And caring is not a weakness.

I still get nervous before big interviews. But now, I know what to do with those nerves.

I channel them.

Into preparation. Into breath. Into clarity.

The butterflies don’t mean you’re unqualified.

They mean this matters.

So show up.

Shake a little if you have to.

But still show up.

Walk in like your story deserves to be told, because it does.

One Last Thing (That Changes Everything)

You don’t need to be someone else in the interview.

You need to bring all of who you are.

• The skills you’ve earned

• The stories you’ve lived

• The presence you carry

And if you need help refining how you show that?

That’s exactly why I built Interview Mastery™, to give you a system that takes you from:

“I hope they like me…”

to “I know what I bring and I’m ready to lead.”

Your Next Interview Deserves More Than Hope.

It Deserves Strategy.

Join the waitlist for Interview Mastery™

Your step-by-step system to turn interviews into offers with clarity, control, and confidence.

Join now →

Download the Free Salary Script

Say the right thing when the money question comes up.

Grab the script →

Try the Mock Interview Builder™

Upload your dream job. Get customized questions and answers.

Start your practice →

Because you’re not here to get by.

You’re here to get hired.