Job-Interview: How to Boost your Chances of Success

Master your job interview with confidence

A job interview is a crucial step in the journey toward a new job or career change. It’s one of those moments where every little detail counts—whether it’s your appearance, your voice, or your body language—everything adds up to create a lasting impression.

But how can you make the most of this opportunity? How do you walk into that conference room with confidence, even when your nerves are buzzing? Let’s dive into how you can best prepare for your interview, and how you can transform potential stress into self-assurance.

1️⃣ Turning Nerves into Confidence

Feeling nervous before an interview? That’s completely normal. In fact, the key isn’t to suppress your nervousness but to manage it, to channel that energy into something positive. A little bit of anxiety keeps you sharp, focused, and alert. But here’s the truth: an interview is simply a chance to present yourself and your strengths—nothing more, nothing less.

Before the interview, take a few minutes to breathe deeply, center yourself, and relax. These moments of quiet can help clear your mind and steady your heart. Remind yourself that you’re well-prepared. That thought alone can boost your confidence and calm your nerves.

2️⃣ The Power of Preparation

Good preparation is the foundation of success. It’s not enough to just show up with your résumé and smile. If you really want to shine among other candidates, you have to go the extra mile.

Thoroughly read up on the company culture.

• Do you know what’s currently driving the business?
• Do you have examples ready that show how you’ve solved problems or implemented creative ideas?
• Ask yourself, “What strengths do I bring to the team?
• When have I proven in the past that I can overcome challenges?

When you’ve prepared thoroughly, nothing can throw you off during the interview.

There’s an old saying from the world of martial arts: “Train as you fight.” This is true in interviews too. Thorough preparation doesn’t just give you knowledge—it gives you confidence. It makes you flexible, ready for anything, and able to pivot even when the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Applied to job interviews, this means simulating the situation beforehand. Practice in front of a mirror, with friends, or in coaching – this builds confidence.

3️⃣ Body Language: Speaking Without Words

Do you remember the last time a waiter ignored you? Or when someone was constantly staring at their phone during a conversation? The feeling of being overlooked is very annoying. It conveys the opposite of appreciation. Yet, the power of connection often lies in the smallest gestures.

Eye contact, an open smile, an inviting posture – all of these send nonverbal signals that often speak louder than words. In your interview, this plays a crucial role. Your interviewer wants to feel that you’re not just “functioning” but that you are consciously present in the room, listening, and engaging with the conversation.

In martial arts and in self-defence, posture is more than just about how you stand—it reflects your state of mind. When you adopt a strong posture—without tensing up—you project competence and self-assurance. And if nerves creep in during the interview, shift your focus back to your body: straighten your back, relax your shoulders, and take a deep breath. This simple shift can help you regain your inner strength.

4️⃣ The Power of  Voice: Communicating with Confidence

Your voice (read also Your voice matters! How to find it and use it successfully)  is just as important as your body language. A clear, steady voice shows confidence and competence. Speak at a pace that feels natural but controlled, and avoid rushing or mumbling. A shaky or too-soft voice can quickly give away your nerves. Instead, take a deep breath and focus on speaking from a slightly lower pitch than usual. It grounds you and makes your speech sound more authoritative.

Avoid filler words like “um” or “uh.” These not only make you sound uncertain but also distract from the message you want to convey. If you need a moment to think, embrace the silence—pausing is more powerful than filling the space with meaningless words. It shows that you are calm and in control.

And finally, steer clear of vague expressions like “one could” or “maybe I could.” Be direct and assertive: “I will” or “This is what I did.” These types of statements show ownership and confidence, crucial qualities in any professional setting.

One of the simplest yet most effective techniques for developing a strong voice is deep belly breathing. When you breathe shallowly from your chest, it often results in a strained, higher-pitched voice, which can come across as anxious. By using your diaphragm to breathe deeply, you not only calm your nerves but also ensure that your voice sounds rich and powerful. Practice speaking this way in front of a mirror or record yourself to fine-tune your delivery.

5️⃣ Impressing with your Soft Skills

Of course, your technical qualifications are important. But let’s be honest: in most cases, there are several candidates in the room who are just as technically proficient as you. What sets you apart are your soft skills – your ability to build human connections, solve problems, and work as part of a team.

Before the interview, think of specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in the past.

• When have you used your communication skills to clear up a misunderstanding within a team?
• Or how did you handle a difficult situation through your initiative?

These stories make you tangible as a candidate and show that you’re more than just a list of skills on paper.

6️⃣ Ask Questions: Show Interest and Get Insight

A common misconception is that an interview is just about answering questions. In reality, it’s also a time for you to ask questions. Use this opportunity to learn more about the company, the team, and the culture. Not only does it show genuine interest, but it also helps you assess whether this job is the right fit for you.

Ask about your potential day-to-day responsibilities, the team dynamics, or opportunities for growth and development. This is your chance to gather as much information as possible about your future workplace.

👉 Increase your chances of success through targeted training!

7️⃣ Self-Assertion Courses Help Women become more Confident

Job interviews can be a real challenge – both mentally and emotionally. It’s crucial not only to be well-prepared in terms of skills but also to develop a strong inner attitude.  Whether you choose one-on-one sessions or join our group classes like our self-assertion course, we can help you develop the mental and emotional resilience needed not only for interviews but for your everyday challenges at work and in life. You’ll learn how to overcome fears and activate your inner strength.

Through stress management techniques, strengthening your inner and outer presence, and honing self-awareness, you’ll learn to present yourself confidently and remain calm in critical moments.

Practicing the balance between inner calm and outward strength will help you stay clear and focused, even in demanding situations, and that’s what makes you truly stand out.