Most people assume their interview struggles come from poor preparation.
But honestly? Nearly everyone I work with is excellent at preparing.
They often:
- Research the company thoroughly
- Rehearse their STAR stories
- Practice answers in the mirror—or with ChatGPT 😉
- Prepare notes, bullet points, and strategies
And then the interview starts…
…and everything seems to fall apart.
Why?
Because interviews aren’t a test of what you prepared.
They’re a test of how well you perform under interaction.
Execution—real-time communication—is the missing skill.
Preparation gives you knowledge.
Execution determines your delivery.
1. Storytelling Beats Scripts
Many candidates over-rehearse until their answers sound mechanical.
Tips for Storytelling
- Speak naturally, not memorised
- Focus on engaging the interviewer with your story
- Let your personality and passion come through
2. Pacing Matters More Than Perfection
Even the strongest answers lose impact if they’re too long or too short.
Tips to Improve Pacing
- Keep answers structured and concise
- Pause briefly to let key points sink in
- Avoid filler words and rambling
3. Read the Interviewer, Not Your Mental Checklist
Top interviews feel like conversations.
How to Adapt
- Notice body language and tone
- Adjust your answers based on cues
- Engage in a dialogue, not a monologue
4. Confidence Comes From Clarity, Not Charisma
You don’t need to “wow” anyone.
Focus on Clarity
- Explain your value clearly and simply
- Highlight your impact with examples
- Be consistent and confident in your message
5. Execution Improves Through Reps, Not More Research
Most candidates don’t need more notes—they need spoken practice.
Ways to Practice
- Mock interviews with peers or mentors
- Role-playing different scenarios
- Recording yourself and reviewing your answers
Final Thought
Interviewing is an art, not a perfect science.
It takes practice, patience, and comfort with the process.
Remember:
- Keep practicing
- Stay positive
- Stay open to feedback
- Make the next interview the one that counts
Today’s Guest Blogger: Russell Ekins
Russell Ekins, Senior Talent Acquisition professional with 15+ years’ experience, specialises in Tech, Product, and Sales hiring across SaaS, Fintech, and multi-sector environments.
He brings deep experience in recruitment strategy, team leadership, and stakeholder partnership, offering practical guidance to help candidates perform confidently in interviews.
Discover exciting Rec2Rec roles in recruitment, and executive search.