Job interviews. They’re the adult version of arriving at a party where you don’t know anyone… only now you’re being grilled about your deepest professional achievements while trying not to sweat through your shirt. It’s like sitting an exam on a topic you haven’t had time to study for, but with more awkward small talk. But here’s the thing: interviews are part of the gig. If you want the job, you’ve got to get through the chat. And while they can make even the most confident among us spiral into self-doubt, I’ve learnt a few ways to keep my cool when it counts. Especially when the universe throws every possible obstacle your way.

The night before was a sh*t show (literally….)

Let me set the scene. I’d finally scored an interview, for a role I was genuinely excited about. After years stuck in a toxic workplace that had slowly chipped away at my confidence and started bleeding into family life, this interview was more than just a potential job. It was a way out. A fresh start. The light at the end of the tunnel. Naturally, that’s when gastro struck. One by one, every child in the house went down. Then, right on cue, my husband and I were hit the night before the big interview. It was like a gastro freight train ploughed through our house, taking no prisoners. Thank the job-hunting gods for Teams.

What’s the buzz?

If I hadn’t been able to take that interview online, I might’ve missed the opportunity altogether. Still, things didn’t exactly improve. That night, while trying desperately to catch a few hours of sleep between rehydrating and reminding myself how to sit upright, a strange buzzing started in the walls. Were we being abducted by aliens? Was it a colony of nocturnal bees? We searched everywhere. My poor husband, in between bouts of spewing, ran outside to turn off the water, convinced it was the pipes. After a solid hour of wall-listening and clock-watching, we discovered the culprit: a rogue battery-powered toothbrush had somehow turned itself on and lodged against a pipe under the sink, vibrating the entire wall like a poltergeist with a dental hygiene obsession. By the time the sun came up, I had a decision to make. Call in sick… or channel the sheer force of mum-willpower and show up (virtually) like the professional I knew I was. I chose the latter. And guess what? I nailed it and got the job.

Top tips and takeaways

Even if you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and slightly traumatised by Casper the friendly dentist, you can pull it together when it counts. Here’s how:

1. Know the Role. Like, Really Know It

Before your interview, stalk that job like it’s your ex’s new partner. Read the position description, check out the organisation’s website, explore recent news, projects, or initiatives. If it’s a government department or large business, they’ll likely have key strategies or programs you can reference. Weaving that info into your answers shows you’re switched on and invested. Bonus points if you can ask a question about something genuinely interesting to you. It turns the whole thing into more of a two-way conversation rather than an interrogation.

2. Dress Like You’ve Already Got the Job

Even if it’s an online interview and you’re rocking Uggs under the desk, from the waist up you need to look the part. Fresh hair, a bit of makeup if that’s your thing, and a crisp shirt that doesn’t have unidentified breakfast substances on it can work wonders. First impressions matter. You want to look like someone who’s ready to hit the ground running, not someone who just crawled out of a Paw Patrol marathon (not that there’s anything wrong with that. Rubble is my spirit animal.)

3. Practice Like You’re Rehearsing for a Netflix Special

Don’t just think about your answers. Say them out loud. In the shower, on a walk, to your dog, or while hiding from your kids in the pantry. Practising your answers helps you sound natural and confident. It stops you from blanking when they hit you with, “Tell us about a time you overcame a challenge…” (Do I talk about that time I got vomited on in Woolies? Probably not.) Make sure you have a few go-to scenarios ready to go using the S.T.A.R. method (that’s Situation, Task, Action, Result – your new best friend). Common questions to prep for include: A challenge you’ve had to overcome How you handle competing priorities A time you had to take the lead One of your proudest work achievements Practising these aloud will help you sound smooth and self-assured. Even if your under-eye concealer is holding back 3 years of sleep deprivation. And if you do stumble on your words mid-answer? Take a breath, smile, and casually say, “Excuse the nerves!” before jumping right back in. Confidence doesn’t mean perfection. It means rolling with it like the pro you are.

4. Channel Your Inner Calm (Even If You’re Screaming Inside)

We all get nervous. Especially when there’s a lot riding on the outcome. But deep breaths, a glass of water, and a quiet room (with no toothbrushes humming in the walls) can do wonders. Take a breath before you answer a question. It doesn’t make you look unsure. It makes you look thoughtful. And if nerves creep in, remember: you’ve done hard things before. You’ve negotiated with toddlers at bedtime. You’ve parallel parked while passing snacks and taking a call. You’ve got this.

5. Assume Flexibility is the Norm. Ask Smart

You don’t need to tiptoe around asking about flexible work. It’s 2025 and if they’re not offering it, maybe that’s a red flag. Try something like: “I currently have a flexible work arrangement and find it’s helped me be more productive and focused. Is flexibility something your team supports?” Casual. Confident. Totally reasonable.

And in the end, it doesn’t even matter (Perfection that is….)

The truth is, you don’t need to be perfect to nail an interview. You just need to show up, be prepared, and own your story – gastro, buzzing walls and all. Because the version of you who’s survived toddler meltdowns, worked through school holidays, and navigated a career while keeping humans alive? She’s a force. So next time you score that interview, straighten your shirt, sip that coffee, and remember: You are brilliant. You are capable. You are definitely more qualified than Suzie from accounts who once asked if pasta counts as a vegetable. You’ve got this. Now go get that job.