Hi Reader,
I want to tell you about the time I walked into an interview and completely blanked. I’m talking full-on wiped my brain clean. I couldn’t remember a single job I’d ever had. I was so in my head, so nervous, that everything just… evaporated.
That moment is exactly why I wanted to talk about what really happens when you finally get to that in-person or virtual interview; not the phone screen, but the actual sit-across-from-them part. Whether you’ve been out of the workforce for a few months or a few years, these moments can feel big, heavy, and honestly… a little intimidating.
But here’s the thing: you have more control than you think.
There are a few simple shifts that completely change how you show up; your presence, your confidence, and your ability to connect with the person on the other side of that screen or desk.
Let’s break them down.
Your Energy Walks in First
Before you even say “hi,” your energy is already speaking. If you rushed out the door, hit traffic, or spent the whole drive repeating your resume in your head, you’re going to walk in flustered.
This is normal. But it’s also something you can minimize through practice.
Know Your Key Points
Not a script. Just the basics of what makes you a strong fit. What gets you excited about the role? What do you bring to the table? Why did you think this job was worth applying to?
Having just 2–3 clear strengths ready keeps you grounded and stops the rambling we all fall into when we’re nervous.
Talk About Your Resume Gap With Confidence
For moms, your gap is usually simple: you stayed home with the kids. But that doesn’t mean you have to shrink when you talk about it.
This isn’t about apologizing or convincing anyone it was “worth it.” It’s about letting them see who you are and what you developed during that season.
Virtual Interview? A Few Quick Notes
Make sure your internet can actually handle a video call. Choose a background that looks professional. Put your camera at eye level. If your kids are home, set yourself up in the quietest space you can.
In-Person? Keep It Simple
Arrive about 10 minutes early; not 30. You don’t want them feeling unprepared or thrown off. Business casual is almost always safe. No jeans, no leggings. Presentable and comfortable is the sweet spot.
Three Actionable Items You Can Use Right Now
- Pick one job you don’t care about and apply as practice. It lowers the pressure and gets your nerves out before the interview that matters.
- Write down your top three strengths that connect directly to the role you want. You only need 2–3. Keep them simple and true.
- Practice one confident sentence about your resume gap. Something that shares who you are, not something that apologizes.
If you’re gearing up for interviews and want to feel prepared instead of panicked, send me your resume. I’ll review it and then we’ll hop on a 30-minute call to walk through what’s working, what to tweak, and how to make your experience shine.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’ve got you.
