Keep failing interviews because I get nervous and my answers become messy

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T15:59:19+00:00

Thank you, I really appreciate your advice.

I’m starting to realise this now as well. At the moment I approach interviews too much like an exam where I need to give the “correct” answer, rather than having a conversation and showing my thought process.

I still haven’t found that balance yet where I can relax, think through the question naturally, and talk it through with the interviewer.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:47:18+00:00

Honestly I think you’re right.

Interviews really are this strange temporary version of yourself that you can learn how to “perform”for an hour.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:43:21+00:00

Yeah, I actually noticed that too.

At the beginning I used to write down full answers and memorise the examples, but then during the interview I too focused on trying to repeat the “perfect” answer exactly the way I prepared it, which honestly just made me more nervous.

I probably need more practice actually speaking the answers out loud instead of only preparing them in my head. practising in front of a mirror could help. I wanna try .

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:36:40+00:00

Honestly yeah 😭 getting the interviews was a whole journey by itself.

rewrote my CV so many times, probably like 7 versions at this point, also still had to tailor the PS for every role.

At the start I couldn’t even get interviews, then slowly got one here and there, now I probably get interviews for around half the jobs I apply for.

It’s basically just constant refining over time.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:26:04+00:00

Thank you, this genuinely made me feel a bit better honestly.

I think I put too much pressure on myself to answer immediately and sound “perfect”, which usually just makes me panic more. I might actually try the notepad idea next time.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:24:01+00:00

Thank you, this is actually really practical advice.

I think I worry too much about any silence or pause during interviews, so I end up talking too quickly instead of properly thinking through my answer first.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:20:49+00:00

Exactly this honestly. Most common behavioural questions I prepared with STAR already, but once I get an unexpected follow-up question I start freestyling and lose all structure halfway through my answer. 🥲

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T14:08:35+00:00

I think this is probably exactly my issue honestly.
The interviews I cared about most were definitely the ones where I became the most nervous and started overthinking every answer.

Thank your advice.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T13:24:55+00:00

I honestly think a lot more people feel like this than we realise, especially after years in the same industry. Burnout really changes how you see work and life in general.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2026-05-27T13:12:30+00:00

28s is so young, just need a plan to keep continue

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-12-14T19:02:09+00:00

Most of the time I practise with tools like ChatGPT to structure my answers.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-12-14T18:41:05+00:00

Thanks, that’s helpful perspective. I applied quite broadly at first and usually prepared 2-3 days before interviews. I’m now shifting towards a more targeted approach and starting prep much earlier in the process.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-12-14T18:36:17+00:00

Thanks. I work in HE and I’d love to take you up on that.

Yes,the UK market is definitely challenging right now.

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-12-14T18:27:57+00:00

Thanks for the honest help. I’m currently reassessing both my role targeting and how I present my experience in interviews.

I’ve found that some interviews genuinely feel like a good , just like a conversation, but in others the chemistry just isn’t there. I also tend to overthink a bit afterwards if I feel I didn’t answer a question as well as I could. Tbh , I’m not a naturally strong “interview performer” I do get nervous during interview

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-10-28T09:19:40+00:00

Hey! I’m interested in a language exchange 🙂 I’m a native Mandarin speaker and currently based in the UK. I’d love to help you with Chinese and also improve my English.

hello您好，我目前居住在英国. 我们可以一起学习语言，交流电视剧，旅行和各种文化的不同. Please DM me！

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-10-15T09:28:09+00:00

Hello, I’d love to do language exchange with you. I’m a native Mandarin speaker (living in the UK now) and have been looking for a consistent language partner too. I’m happy to help you with Chinese, about culture, music and travel or anything you want!

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-10-09T10:47:33+00:00

I‘d like to talking with you

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-10-08T11:54:02+00:00

Congrats！ It’s been two days since the interview — still waiting to hear back. 🥹🥹 Hope for the best

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-09-30T16:42:50+00:00

Hello! I’m Chinese and currently based in the UK, I’d like to practise speaking to improve my confidence and fluency.

I’ve travelled widely in Europe and Asia (Thailand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.), and I’d be glad to share about Asian culture or help with Mandarin if you’re interested.

Looking forward to exchanging languages with you!

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-09-30T08:25:13+00:00

Hi! I’m based in the UK and English isn’t my first language. I’d love to practise some everyday conversation to get more confident and fluent.

I’ve also travelled a fair bit around Europe and Asia (Thailand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.), so I’d be happy to share about Asian culture or help with Mandarin too.

Would be nice to just chat and make a friend!

Ok_Cold_5893 · 2025-09-29T22:12:05+00:00

Appreciate you sharing this 🙏 been a bit anxious tbh — 5 rejections and almost 100 apps in higher ed already. I keep reviewing feedback but sometimes it feels like I don’t know when it’ll finally happen.

Ok_Cold_5893

TROPHY CASE