How to Build and Optimize Your Interview Game

I remember the room. The beige walls. The overly bright fluorescent lights. The way my shoes squeaked when I walked into the interview room. And the moment when everything—everything—inside my brain turned to static.

I was sitting across from two intimidating interviewers that looked like this was the last place they ever wanted to be. I’d prepared for this moment for weeks. I’d rehearsed my answers, memorized their company values, and read every blog post about common interview questions. I was 100% ready.

Until I wasn’t.

They smiled and asked, “Can you tell us about a time you overcame a challenge at work?”

An easy question. I knew this one. I’d practiced it a dozen times.

But in that moment, nothing came. My throat tightened. My heart raced. The air in the room thickened like there was no air all around me.
I blinked. Looked at their faces. Blinked again. And then, I heard myself say the worst thing you can possibly say in an interview:

“I’m sorry… what was the question?”

It was like watching a horror movie of myself in real time.

That, my friend, was my biggest interview flop. And yes—I panicked. I even left the room early under the pretense of “feeling unwell,” which was true in every sense of the word. Additionally, I didn’t get the job, a call back, or the robotic rejection email. What I did get was a very real, very humbling life lesson.

But here’s the thing: that moment changed me.

Because after that, I learned what it truly takes to walk into an interview ready. Not just rehearsed. Not just dressed the part. But emotionally, mentally, and practically prepared.

So if you’ve ever bombed an interview—or if you’re terrified you will—this is for you.

Here are 5 powerful, practical, and personal interview tips that helped me go from frozen to fearless.

Practice Out Loud—Then Practice Some More

We often think we know our answers, but we haven’t actually said them aloud. There’s a world of difference between writing down your talking points and confidently voicing them under pressure.

Start by recording yourself answering common questions. Then watch it back—not to criticize your voice or your hair, but to study your delivery. Are you clear? Concise? Do you sound like you?

Practice with a friend. Or in front of a mirror. Or even while folding laundry. The goal is to train your brain to retrieve the answers smoothly, even when your nerves kick in.

Pro Tip: Have a go-to story for each of the following:

• A challenge you overcame
• A time you failed and what you learned
• A team success
• A time you handled conflict
• Why you want this job at this company

Build Your Personal Interview “Cheat Sheet”

Before your next interview, create a one-page doc that includes:

• Your top 5 strengths (with examples)
• 3–4 achievements relevant to the role with statistics
• Key company facts and questions to ask them
• Your own “why” for wanting this job

Having this on hand—not to read during the interview, but to review beforehand—grounds you. It builds your confidence and ensures you’re not relying solely on memory when nerves take over.

Because believe me, nerves will try to take over.

Don’t Memorize—Internalize

Many candidates fall into the trap of memorizing their answers word for word. But when the question is phrased differently (as it often is), their script unravels.

Instead, focus on internalizing the structure of your stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This way, no matter how they ask the question, you can pivot and still land the key points.

Transitioning from memorization to mastery is the secret to sounding both prepared and natural.

Prepare for the Unexpected During the Interview (It’s Coming)

No matter how many times you rehearse, the unexpected will happen.

Someone might ask you a question you’ve never heard before. You might stumble. You might blank out.

And it’s okay.

What matters more than perfection is your ability to recover with grace. One of the best ways to prepare for the unexpected is to include “curveball questions” in your practice sessions.

Examples:

• “What’s something you believe that most people don’t?”
• “How would your last manager describe you in one word?”
• “What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?”

By practicing the art of thinking on your feet, you become more agile—and more confident—when surprises arise.

Show Up as You, Not a Polished Robot

After my panic attack interview, I tried to become overly polished—hyper-professional, rehearsed to the point of stiffness. And guess what? It didn’t work either.

Because hiring managers don’t want robots. They want humans. Humans who bring authenticity, passion, and real personality to the table.

So bring yours. If you’re enthusiastic—show it. If you’re nervous—acknowledge it, then breathe through it. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a bridge to connection.

Let your real self speak, with all its quirks, humor, and drive. Because that’s the person they’ll be working with if they hire you.

The Real Secret? Practice Builds Confidence—and Confidence Gets Jobs

Now, every time I coach someone on interviews, I tell them my story.
The blank mind. The panic. The silent walk of shame out the building.

And I tell them this too: That moment didn’t break me. It built me.

Because it forced me to take interview prep seriously. To understand that confidence doesn’t come from faking it—it comes from doing the work.

From practice.
Then reflection.
To building your stories, studying your strengths, and showing up fully.

So if you’re scared, I get it. If you’ve failed, I’ve been there. If you think you’re not “good” at interviews—just know that it’s a skill, not a fixed trait.

And like any skill, it gets better with time, repetition, and intention.

Today, I’ve coached people into landing dream jobs. I’ve sat on the other side of the interview table, asking the questions. I’ve even been complimented on my poise and clarity.

But I’ll never forget where it started.

In that beige room. With a frozen brain. And the words: “I’m sorry… what was the question?”

You don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to prepare. So start now. Practice today. Then practice tomorrow. Don’t stop until it feels like second nature.

Because when preparation meets opportunity? That’s when you’ll shine.

Stand Out, Speak Up, and Get the Callback You Deserve.

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