Acing the Interview (Even When You’re Freaking Out)

Interviews. Just the word can send a shiver down your spine, right? Whether it’s your first interview or your tenth, walking into a room (or a Zoom call) to talk about why you’re a good fit for a job can feel intimidating — especially when you don’t have much experience to back it up.

But here’s the thing: interviews aren’t just about your experience. They’re about you. Your personality, your attitude, how well you fit with the company’s vibe — that’s what really makes or breaks it. Employers know that no one walks in knowing everything, so don’t worry about what you don’t have. Instead, let’s focus on what you do have and how you can present that in a way that makes them think, “Wow, this person has potential.”

We’re going to walk through how to prepare, how to talk about yourself (without freaking out), and how to make sure that even if you don’t have the perfect resume, you’re still leaving a lasting impression.

Key Concepts:

1. Prep Like a Pro

Preparation is everything. When you know your stuff, you’ll feel way more confident, and confidence is half the battle in interviews. Here’s what you should be prepping:

• Research the company: Know what they do, their products or services, and their company culture. You don’t need to memorize every detail, but having a solid understanding shows that you care enough to learn. Bonus: it gives you stuff to talk about when they ask, “Why do you want to work here?”

• Understand the role: Go through the job listing carefully and try to match your skills with the tasks they’ve listed. Even if you don’t have the exact experience, find ways to relate what you have done to the job. For example, if you’ve managed a project for school, that’s project management experience. If you’ve volunteered and helped organize events, that’s teamwork and leadership.

• Prepare questions: You’re not just being interviewed — you’re also interviewing them. Good questions show that you’re thoughtful and interested. Ask about the team dynamic, what a typical day looks like, or how success is measured in the role. This is your chance to see if this is a place you want to work.

2. Sell Your Skills, Not Your Experience

They already know you’re new to the game. If they invited you to the interview, it means they’re interested in you for more than just your work history. Don’t waste time trying to apologize for your lack of experience. Instead, focus on your skills, attitude, and willingness to learn.

• Tell stories. Stories are memorable. When they ask you about a skill, tell them a story about a time you’ve used that skill. Did you lead a project in school? Tell them about how you took charge, managed deadlines, and worked with your team to get the project done. Have you been building websites on the side for fun? Talk about the skills you learned in that process — problem-solving, attention to detail, working independently.

• Be honest about what you don’t know, but frame it positively. It’s totally fine to admit you don’t know something. What matters is how you spin it. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done that before,” try something like, “I haven’t had direct experience with that yet, but I’ve been doing a lot of reading on it, and I’m eager to dive in and learn.”

• Show you’re eager to grow. Employers love candidates who are hungry to learn. Make it clear that you’re excited to take on new challenges and grow in the role. Talk about any learning you’ve been doing on your own, whether it’s through online courses, personal projects, or reading up on industry trends.

3. Confidence Hacks

Confidence isn’t just about feeling good inside — it’s about looking and sounding confident, even when you’re nervous. Here’s how to fake it till you make it:

• Body language matters. Even in a virtual interview, your body language sends a message. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile. When you look confident, you’ll start to feel it too.

• Pause before you answer. It’s easy to panic and start rambling when you’re nervous. Instead, take a second to breathe, think about your answer, and then respond. Pausing also shows that you’re thoughtful and not just rushing to say the first thing that comes to mind.

• Practice power poses. This might sound silly, but research shows that standing in a “power pose” for a couple of minutes before an interview can boost your confidence. So, before you go into the interview, find a private space and do a quick power pose — stand tall with your hands on your hips or raised in the air like you just won a race.

• Flip the script in your mind. Instead of thinking, “I hope they like me,” try thinking, “I hope I like them.” This mindset shift can make you feel more in control and less anxious.

Action Steps:

1. Research the company and the role. Write down three things about the company that excite you and three ways your skills match the role.

2. Prepare 3 questions to ask during the interview. Make sure they’re thoughtful and show you’ve done your homework.

3. Practice talking about your skills. Think about how your skills align with the job and practice explaining that to a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on what you bring to the table, not on what you lack.

4. Do a mock interview. Ask a friend to pretend they’re the interviewer and practice answering common questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” or, “Why do you want this job?”

5. Try a power pose. Before your interview, find a private spot, stand tall, and strike a power pose for two minutes. It might sound strange, but it works!

Let me tell you about a guy

I once interviewed. He came in and straight-up told me that he had zero experience. I was a little taken aback — most candidates try to dance around their lack of experience. But this guy? He owned it. He said, “I don’t have any formal experience, but I’ve been teaching myself to code for the last year. I love problem-solving, and I can learn faster than anyone else you’ll hire.”

His honesty was refreshing, and the way he talked about his passion and his ability to learn sold me on him right away. I hired him, and he turned out to be one of the best developers on the team. He didn’t have years of experience, but his confidence and eagerness to grow were what made him stand out.

That’s the thing about interviews. It’s not about having all the answers or ticking every box. It’s about showing who you are, what you bring, and why you’re excited about the opportunity. If you can do that, the experience will come later.

Wrapping Up:

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn them into opportunities to show off what makes you unique. Employers aren’t looking for someone who knows everything from day one — they’re looking for someone who can grow into the role, bring fresh energy, and fit well with the team.

So, take a deep breath, do your research, and walk in knowing that even if you don’t have tons of experience, you have something just as valuable: the potential to learn, adapt, and contribute.

Key Takeaways:

• Preparation is key. Research the company and the role so you can ask smart questions and show you’re invested.

• Focus on your skills. Don’t apologize for your lack of experience — talk about what you can do and how you’re ready to learn.

• Confidence is in the details. Use body language, practice your answers, and shift your mindset to feel more in control during the interview.

• Be yourself. Honesty, enthusiasm, and a willingness to grow are often more important than ticking every box on the job description.

Now go crush that interview! You’ve got this.