Freezing Up in Interviews? You’re Not Alone
Have you ever sat in an interview, heart racing, palms sweaty and then completely blanked when it was your turn to speak?
Maybe you knew exactly what you wanted to say before the call, but suddenly it vanished, leaving you staring into the void, silently panicking.
If so, you’re not alone. This is a common experiences I hear from job seekers. The fear of interviews is real, and it’s rooted in our biology. When we perceive a threat (even a perfectly friendly hiring manager asking, “Tell me about a project you’re proud of”), our nervous system can flip into fight, flight, or freeze. That’s why even the smartest, most accomplished professionals can find themselves tongue-tied.
Interviewing is a skill and skills need practice
We often forget that interviewing is a skill. It’s not something most of us do every day. It’s a specific type of storytelling under pressure, often about situations we haven’t revisited in years. If we’ve never actually practiced telling these stories out loud, why would we expect ourselves to be calm, confident, and clear in the moment?
That’s like expecting to get on stage and deliver a speech without ever practicing. Of course you’d stumble. Of course you’d freeze.
Practicing stories builds confidence (and calms our nerves)
One of the most powerful ways to override interview fear is by practicing. When you take the time to write down your key stories and then share them out loud with a friend, a coach, or even just in the mirror you start building neural pathways that say, “I’ve been here before. I know how to do this.”
Each time you repeat your examples, you’re training your brain and body to feel safer. It becomes easier to recall details, structure your answers, and even smile and connect with your interviewer. Over time, the panic gives way to confidence.
Be gentle with yourself
Most importantly: be kind to yourself. You’re learning a new skill. It’s normal to feel awkward, nervous, or unsure at first. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress.
So the next time you freeze up, remember: you’re not alone. With a little practice and a lot of self-compassion, you can turn interview fear into a skill you actually feel proud of.
Links for additional content on this topic:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0D5a6vuI1K7iRom9boPAcK?si=TpZ2DJbkTweTlykirxjKJg