Job hunting can feel like a full-time job with none of the benefits. And when rejections start piling up, even the most qualified candidates can feel their confidence take a hit.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average duration of unemployment in March 2025 was 22.8 weeks—that’s nearly six months. That’s a long time to be rewriting your resume, applying to roles, and hoping to hear something other than “We’ve decided to go in another direction.”
But here’s the thing: Confidence isn’t some magical trait only a few people are born with. It’s something you can build—especially when you’ve got the right tools and mindset.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some interview tips to help you feel confident, even when your job search self-esteem is hanging by a thread. From how to ace an interview to learning how to answer common interview questions confidently, we’ve got strategies that’ll help you stop second-guessing and start showing up as your best self.
Why repeated rejections affect confidence
Getting passed over again (and again) after interviews can really mess with your head. Even if you're qualified, motivated, and doing everything right, it’s hard not to start wondering, “What’s wrong with me?” That feeling is totally normal.
Repeated rejection can lead to self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and even full-on job search burnout. You might start questioning your experience, your skills—or whether you’re even good enough to keep going. Maybe you hesitate before applying to a job or you start overanalyzing every past interview, replaying what you said and what you should have said. Or maybe you just feel exhausted.
The truth is, rejection usually says more about the hiring process than it does about you. Here’s something a lot of people forget: Hiring isn’t always fair or purely based on merit. Sometimes the company already has an internal candidate. Sometimes the role gets restructured or cut from the budget. And sometimes you’re just not the right fit for the team vibe—and that’s not something you could’ve controlled or predicted.
How to prepare for an interview when your confidence is low
When you’re feeling discouraged, the idea of walking into another interview might feel like the last thing you want to do. But here's the trick: Preparation is the most powerful tool you have for boosting your interview confidence. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you'll feel—and the more convincingly you’ll come across.
Below are some specific, practical strategies for keeping your confidence up during a lengthy job search:
Ask for honest feedback from people who know you
Getting an outside perspective can help you spot strengths you might be downplaying—or patterns in your experience you hadn’t noticed. Talk to people in your professional and personal life who know you well.
“Make sure they are those you trust and who will tell you the truth, and not just what they think you want to hear,” says Todd Davis, a senior leadership consultant with over 35 years of experience in HR and executive recruiting. “Prepare those people in advance, so they have time to think about the thoughtful feedback they will provide.”
This step is especially helpful when your confidence is low. Sometimes, hearing someone else reflect your strengths back to you is the boost you didn’t know you needed.
Read this next: 4 Steps for Asking for (and Getting) Truly Honest Feedback
Write and rehearse answers to common interview questions
One of the most effective interview tips? Practice. Many interviews start with the question “Tell me about yourself,” says Cassandra Spencer, a career coach at The Muse and Fairygodboss, and how you answer it can set the tone for the whole interview.
“Think strategically about what information, experiences, and skills you want to share to kick off the interview and practice, practice, practice,” Spencer says. “You don't want to sound like a robot when you answer but you also want to feel confident in answering this question, especially at the start of an interview.”
Additionally, try answering questions like:
You don’t need to memorize a script, but getting your thoughts organized—and saying them out loud—can make a huge difference in how confident you come across.
Turn weaknesses into strengths
Nobody’s perfect, and you’re not expected to be. The trick is learning how to talk about your weaknesses with confidence and self-awareness—two qualities hiring managers really respect.
“Be prepared to talk about your strengths as well as areas where you are not a superstar,” Davis says. He even shares how he approaches this personally: “For example, I’m not a math or finance wiz. So in an interview, when asked about areas for improvement or areas I struggle with, I will say something like ‘I’ve managed very large budgets and have the needed experience in forecasting for those budgets. It’s not something that comes naturally to me, so I have to really work hard at that part of my job.’”
Use a similar approach in your own responses. It shows maturity and emotional intelligence, and it positions you as someone who’s honest and constantly improving.
Read this next: How to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” (With Examples!)
Prepare success stories
Confidence often comes from proof—and you’ve got more of it than you think. Choose three specific wins from your past jobs that you’re proud of. These stories should highlight your problem-solving skills, how you work with others, and the impact you made.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure each story so it’s easy to follow and focused on outcomes. Having these ready means you’ll never feel stumped when asked questions like “Tell me about a time you handled a challenge.”
Hold a mock interview (yes, really)
“Hold some mock interviews with someone you trust and ideally with someone who has experience in hiring,” Davis says. Practicing your answers out loud—even if it feels awkward at first—can help you catch nervous habits and get more comfortable in your delivery.
You can even record yourself and watch it back to check for areas where you could use some improvement. “Your self-awareness is important to those interviewing you,” he says. Use this time to refine your tone, body language, and even your confident sitting posture in interview settings. You’ll feel more grounded when the real moment arrives.
Read this next: What is a Mock Interview? Questions and Answers to Practice
Research the company and find a human connection
One of the most overlooked ways to build interview confidence is knowing you’ve done your homework. Look up recent news about the company, read their mission statement, and check the LinkedIn profiles of people on the team.
“Learn as much as you can about their performance,” Davis says. “Look for some connection—any connection—with someone in the company or someone who knows someone.” Even a small tie can make you feel more grounded walking into the conversation.
And here’s a hidden benefit: According to Davis, recruiters really do pay attention to referrals. “When someone brought me a resume—even if they said ‘I don’t know this person, but so-and-so who I trust knows them’—I would place a higher level of importance on that candidate.”
Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Researching a Company Pre-Interview
How to look confident in an interview (even if you don't feel it yet)
You don’t need to feel 100% fearless to come across as confident in an interview. And the way you carry yourself physically and vocally can go a long way in helping you feel more confident too. These simple strategies can help you project self-assurance, even if you’re still working on building it internally.
Use body language that signals confidence
The way you sit, stand, and move during an interview sends a message—before you even say a word. Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed, keep your feet flat on the floor, and lean in slightly when listening.
Steady eye contact and natural hand gestures can also make you appear more engaged and grounded. Nervous fidgeting? Totally normal—but you can redirect that energy into purposeful gestures that support what you’re saying.
Read this next: Interview Body Language: 8 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Slow down your speech and own the silence
Want to know how to answer interview questions confidently? Start with your pace. When nerves kick in, it’s easy to rush through answers or fill every pause with “uh” or “like.” But confident people don’t mind a little silence.
Try speaking a bit slower than usual, using intentional pauses to gather your thoughts or emphasize key points. Not only will you sound more in control, but you’ll also give yourself space to breathe and think clearly.
Dress in something that makes you feel good
You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s true: When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you project confidence. Choose an outfit that’s appropriate for the interview but also makes you feel like yourself—polished, professional, and comfortable. It’s not about wearing the fanciest suit in your closet; it’s about finding something that helps you show up with confidence from the inside out.
Read this next: What to Wear to an Interview: Outfit Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Create a pre-interview ritual that grounds you
Even the most experienced professionals get nervous before interviews. One way to keep the jitters in check? Build a simple ritual that helps you feel grounded and energized. That could mean blasting your go-to hype playlist, doing a quick power pose, taking a few deep breaths, or visualizing yourself answering questions with confidence. These little routines can cue your brain to switch into “I’ve got this” mode.
Read this next: 15 Different Ways to Calm Your Interview Nerves
How to shift your mindset
Stop for a second. “Rejection is never fun, so be sure to give yourself a little time to process,” Spencer says. Taking a step back doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re human. Once you’ve let yourself feel the frustration, it’s time to shift your perspective.
Instead of taking every “no” as a personal failure, try reframing it as data. What did you learn from the experience? What patterns are you seeing? “It’s important to reflect and assess both where you can improve and where you're making progress,” she says. Maybe you didn’t get the job, but you made it to the final round, or you handled a tough question with more clarity than the last time. That is progress.
Spencer also recommends setting clear, tangible goals beyond just “get hired.” Things like: Applying to three jobs a week, practicing answering common interview questions twice a week, and networking with one new person a month. These milestones help you spot your wins, even when the offers aren’t rolling in yet.
Read this next: 10 Small Wins to Celebrate During Your Job Search
You’re interviewing them, too
When your confidence is low, it’s easy to walk into interviews thinking the power is all on their side. But interviews are a two-way street. Yes, you’re there to show them what you bring to the table—but you’re also there to figure out if the company, team, and role are a good fit for you.
“Before and during an interview, remind yourself that you’re there for a reason,” Spencer says. “You were invited to be there, and the goal of the interview is to share more about your experience.” You earned your spot in that room—or that Zoom. Now it’s about finding out whether they deserve you, too.
The more interviews you land, the better you’ll get at them—check 400,000+ open jobs on The Muse to find your next opportunity »