7 Strategies to Interview With Confidence
- Rachel Tomlinson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Yesterday, I kicked off the year as an expert on a Career Day panel at Rec Room NJ in Montclair.
I covered Interview Skills in my breakout session. Here are my top takeaways shared.
Interview Skills: Showing Up as the Growth Version of Yourself
1. Reframe the Interview
An interview is not about convincing them you are perfect.
It is about showing who you have become through experience
You are not stuck in your past roles, titles, or mistakesDress up for your dream role.
You’re not here to blend in, stand out and look fresh. If people want to show up dressed like they rolled out of bed, that’s their personal decision. I encourage you to show up looking thoughtful, polished and cute!
Talking point:
“Your interview is not a test of perfection. It’s a conversation about growth, alignment, and contribution.”
2. Show Up Authentically — Your Growth Version
Authentic does not mean unfiltered.
What does the growth version of you look like? For me, the time, money and energy I invested in myself to grow out of bad habits, skills I’ve learned and a healthier me.
It means self aware, prepared, and intentional.
Speak from clarity, not survival mode. You're not desperate. You are valuable and are an asset to any team you join.
Talking point:
“Authenticity in an interview or business meeting is showing the growth version of yourself, not the one constantly stuck or trapped in old habits. The one fighting for growth and many times winning.”
3. Communicate Your Value Through Impact
Employers do not hire responsibilities, they hire results.
Shift your answers from what you did to what changed. How did you contribute to the team?
Quantify your wins: numbers create credibility
Metrics turn opinions into proof and even soft skills can be measured
Examples:
Increased efficiency by X percent
Improved retention or engagement, 100k impressions
Reduced errors, costs, or turnaround time
Use this simple structure: The Challenge, The Action, The Metrics
Talking point:
“Every answer should show how your presence made something better.”
4. Position Yourself as a Business, Not a Hobby
Share how your content connects with your audience and how it will bring value to that brand.
Replace “I post content” with “I help busy moms reach their goals” “I drive engagement, awareness, around mental health”
Always stand on your values. Many of these in Influencer management agencies lack leadership and organizational skills. Don’t jump at any opportunity and throw your values out the door values also mean, professionalism, organization, clear communication and timeliness. So be able to present those so they know who they’re working with.
What brands care about:
Audience alignment
Content performance
Professional communication
Talking point:
“If you don’t quantify your wins, you leave your value open to interpretation.”
5. Position Yourself as a Team Player Without Shrinking
Being a team player does not mean being silent or agreeable
It means you collaborate, communicate, and solve problems
Language to model:
“I value collaboration and accountability.”
“I’m solution focused, not conflict driven.”
“I communicate early to avoid breakdowns.”
Talking point:
“Healthy teams are built by people who contribute clearly, not quietly.”
6. You Are Interviewing Them Too
You are not auditioning for approval
You are evaluating alignment with your values, work style, and growth goals
Encourage them to ask:
How is success measured here?
How feedback is given?
What growth looks like in the first year?
Talking point:
“An interview is a mutual assessment, not a one sided judgment.”
7. Watch for Red Flag Corporate Jargon
Call this out confidently and calmly.
Red flags to be mindful of:
“Culture fit” without clarity
“Blend in” or “be flexible” with no boundaries
“Rockstar” meaning overworked and under supported
Talking point:
“Vague language often hides misalignment. Clarity protects your peace and your career.”
Listen to my newest podcast episode here!
I'm rooting for you, believe in your potential. Always growing together!
Truly,
Rachel