From Nervous to Natural: Mastering Job Interviews

While my suggestions today refer to interviews, they can also apply to many different communication scenarios.

I still remember one client who came to me with 50 pages of examples they’d memorised for different interview questions. 50!

They were smart, capable, and had all the experience on paper. But they froze in every interview and weren’t getting through to the final round.

Why? Because they were trying to perform, not connect.

This was one of the stories I shared in my recent LinkedIn Live, “From Nervous to Natural” alongside Liam Killen, co-founder of Atlas Partners and someone who knows interviews from both sides of the table — candidate and recruiter.

Here’s what we chatted about: interviews aren’t performances – they’re problem-solving conversations. And when you shift that mindset, everything changes.

1. Preparation – beyond facts to familiarity

Liam emphasised the value of researching the organisation — not just what they do, but what challenges they’re facing. Are they growing? Restructuring? Launching a new product?

And I chimed in with a favorite prompt: “Internalise, don’t memorise.” Knowing your material well enough but not trying for word-for-word regurgitation allows you to stay present.

It’s not about repeating perfect lines — it’s about being present enough to respond naturally.

2. Pitch less, solve more.

Too many people show up to interviews trying to impress. Your better approach? How you can help.

Liam offered a great example: Instead of saying, “I led a team of six,” say “I led a team of six that reduced our month-end close from 10 days to 3.” That’s a result. That’s problem-solving. And that’s what hiring managers care about.

3. Clarity: more important than detail

You don’t need your whole CV in story form: keep it tight, relevant, and don’t get lost in the weeds. Most people don’t struggle with talking too little but with saying too much.

4. Improvise with confidence

Improvisation isn’t faking it — it’s being so grounded in your message that you can flex in the moment. Like Liam shared, the best interviews feel like conversations. You’re not there to be perfect — you’re there to connect.

5. You’re not there to sell, you’re there to serve

The most powerful shift? Realizing the interview isn’t about “getting picked.” It’s about helping. “How can I contribute?” When you enter with the mindset of serving the organisation — showing how you can make their life easier — your nerves usually reduce.

And one last thought from me: Be on your own side. You’re human. They’re human. Bring your presence, your preparation, and your belief that you have something of value to offer.

Because if you care, you do.