Not Just a Pitch: Rethinking How to Prepare for Interviews

Interviews can bring up a lot—even for experienced professionals.
Whether you’re pivoting into a new field, interviewing for a leadership role, or trying to present a more cohesive story about your career path, the pressure to "get it right" can be intense.

Maybe you’ve had a few interviews recently that didn’t go anywhere.
Maybe you’re unsure how to talk about your varied experience in a way that feels relevant.
Or maybe the idea of having to pitch yourself makes the whole process feel awkward and uncomfortable.

You’re not alone—and the good news is, there’s a better way to prepare.

What’s Actually Behind Interview Stress

Interview stress often stems from uncertainty:
– What is this organization really looking for?
– How do I communicate my strengths without rambling?
– What if I’m not polished enough?
– What am I doing wrong if I’m not getting to the next round?

Clients I work with regularly describe feeling scattered, over-rehearsed, or unsure how to connect their experience to the role they’re pursuing. Sometimes they feel pressure to perform. Other times, they feel stuck because they haven’t gotten clear feedback.

I help clients prepare in a way that’s both strategic and self-honoring—so they can show up focused, confident, and authentic.

3 Shifts That Transform the Interview Experience

Here are three mindset and strategy shifts I guide clients through—whether they’re prepping for a screening call, a final-round presentation, or something in between:

1. Reframe the Purpose of the Interview

One of the first things I ask clients is:
What do you think the purpose of the interview is?

Most people say:
“I want to impress them.”
“I need to prove I’m the right fit.”
“My goal is to get the offer.”

And while those goals make sense, they leave out something critical: mutuality.

An interview is also a chance for you to:
– Get a feel for the people and culture
– Clarify whether the organization’s values and expectations align with yours
– Show up as yourself, not a performance version of you

When you shift from “How can I impress them?” to “Is this a good match for both of us?”, your preparation becomes more focused—and your stress level goes down.

2. Develop a Narrative That Connects the Dots

Especially for those making a career pivot or with diverse work histories, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to tell their story in a way that feels relevant and cohesive.

I help clients identify through lines in their experience—values, transferable skills, motivations—and craft a clear narrative that shows how their background connects to the opportunity at hand.

We practice how to:
– Frame your introduction with intention
– Use storytelling to illustrate strengths
– Speak confidently about changes, pivots, or gaps in a way that feels aligned with your goals

3. Prepare With Purpose, Not Perfectionism

You don’t need to have every answer memorized.
But you do need a thoughtful strategy.

Together, we:
– Analyze the job posting to identify what matters most to the organization
– Research the interviewers and organizational culture
– Set goals for the conversation
– Identify key messages and relevant examples
– Develop thoughtful follow-up steps (including thank-you notes and debriefing your own performance)

Whether it’s a one-on-one interview, a panel, or a presentation round, you’ll have a plan that helps you stay grounded—and show up with intention.

What My Clients Come Away With

After our sessions, clients consistently share that they feel:

– More focused and prepared
– Clearer about what to communicate—and what to let go
– Less performative, and more like themselves
– Ready to approach the interview as a strategic conversation, not a high-stakes test
– Empowered to reflect afterward and grow—regardless of the outcome

Many go on to receive job offers. But equally important, they report that the interview itself felt better—more aligned, more authentic, and more like a mutual exploration than a pitch.

This Is About More Than One Interview

When interview prep is done well, the benefits don’t end when the conversation is over.
You’re building skills you can use across your entire career.

You learn how to reflect on your experience with clarity.
You learn how to articulate your value without overselling.
And you build confidence not just in how you speak—but in what you bring.