(How Your Mindset Shapes Your Job Interview)
Imagine walking into an interview room. Your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing, and your mind is a chaotic swirl of thoughts like, I need this job. I HAVE to get this job. You’re trying to sound confident, but somehow, everything you say seems to scream desperation. You overshare, you overpromise, and you try a little too hard to impress.
Sound familiar?
If you’re between jobs and your confidence has taken a hit, this might be happening to you without you even realizing it. The unconscious mind is powerful—it leaks out our emotions in ways we don’t always recognize. In an interview, desperation shows up in your tone, your body language, and even in your words. The problem? Employers can sense it, and it’s not an attractive quality.
But here’s the good news: You can shift from desperation to determination. And when you do, everything changes.
Desperation vs. Determination: What’s the Difference?
Desperation is fueled by fear. It makes you talk too much, say the wrong things, and lose control of the conversation. It comes across as needy, insecure, and even pushy.
👉 Example of desperation in an interview:
Interviewer: “Tell me about yourself.”
Candidate: “Oh wow, well, I’ve been looking for a job for a few months now, and honestly, it’s been tough. I just really need something stable. My last job ended unexpectedly, and I’ve been trying everything. I just really hope I can prove myself to you.”
Determination, on the other hand, is fueled by confidence. It’s about knowing your worth, owning your skills, and showing up with purpose. A determined mindset doesn’t beg—it presents value.
👉 Example of determination in an interview:
Interviewer: “Tell me about yourself.”
Candidate: “I have X years of experience in [industry], and I’m passionate about solving [specific problems]. In my last role, I [specific achievement], and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring that expertise to your team.”
How to Shift from Desperation to Determination
- Know Your Value
If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Make a list of your accomplishments, skills, and strengths. What value do you bring to an employer? When you focus on what you can offer instead of what you need, you naturally exude confidence. - Reframe Your Mindset
Instead of thinking, I need this job, shift to, This company needs someone like me. Your skills, experience, and perspective are assets. You’re not just asking for a job—you’re offering a solution. - Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Desperation often comes from feeling unprepared. Research the company, practice your responses, and anticipate tough questions. The more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll feel. - Control Your Body Language
Your unconscious mind doesn’t just affect your words—it affects how you carry yourself. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and use deliberate gestures. Avoid nervous habits like fidgeting or rambling. - Be Aware of Oversharing
It’s easy to let personal struggles spill into an interview. While honesty is great, oversharing struggles or desperation can work against you. Keep responses professional and forward-focused. - Get Your Self-Worth Back
Between jobs? Take time for self-care. Exercise, upskill, network, and remind yourself that a job loss does not define your worth. Confidence is built outside of interviews, not just in them.
Final Thoughts
Interviews are not about proving you need a job—they’re about showing why you’re the right fit. When you shift from desperation to determination, employers notice. Confidence attracts opportunity.
As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” So step into your next interview knowing that you can.
