How to Stay Confident in Job Interviews (Even After Getting Rejected A Lot)
Looking for a job can sometimes feel like you’ve picked up a second full-time gig—except you’re not getting paid for it. And when rejection emails start rolling in, it’s no surprise if your confidence starts to fade, even if you’re doing all the “right” things.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average time people were unemployed in March 2025 was about 22.8 weeks. That’s nearly half a year of tweaking your resume, sending off applications, and hearing back… crickets or “we went with someone else.”
Here’s the good news: Confidence isn’t some rare superpower. It’s a skill—and like any skill, you can build it up with practice and the right mindset.
In this guide, we’ll go over practical interview tips to help you bounce back from rejections and show up strong. Whether you’re prepping for common questions or just trying to get back in the zone, we’ve got your back.
Why rejection hits your confidence so hard
Getting turned down again and again can mess with your head. You might start wondering if you’re just not cut out for this—even if you know you’re qualified.
This kind of rejection can lead to a spiral of second-guessing: doubting your abilities, feeling like an imposter, or just plain burning out. Maybe you hesitate before hitting “submit” on another application, or you keep replaying old interviews and cringing at every answer.
But here’s the reality: A lot of rejections aren’t about you. Hiring decisions are influenced by things you’ll never know about—like an internal candidate already lined up, budget cuts, or simply not clicking with the team’s vibe. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.
How to get ready for interviews when your confidence is low
Feeling defeated? That’s normal. But preparation is the ultimate confidence booster. The more ready you are, the less shaky you’ll feel—and the more authentic and capable you’ll come across.
Here are a few tips to help you rebuild your interview confidence:
Get real feedback from people you trust
Reach out to friends, mentors, or coworkers who know your strengths. Ask them to be honest about what you do well and where you could improve.
“Make sure these are people who will be candid with you—not just say nice things to make you feel better,” says Todd Davis, a leadership consultant with decades of HR experience. Give them a heads-up so they can take some time to think through their feedback.
Sometimes, just hearing someone else talk about your strengths is the pick-me-up you need.
Practice common interview questions (out loud!)
One of the best ways to feel more sure of yourself? Say your answers out loud ahead of time. Especially the classic opener: “Tell me about yourself.”
“Think about the key points you want to hit—skills, accomplishments, relevant experiences—and rehearse your response,” says Cassandra Spencer, a career coach. “You don’t want to sound like a robot, but you do want to feel ready.”
Try practicing answers to questions like:
What are your biggest strengths?
Can you describe a tough challenge you’ve overcome?
Why are you excited about this role?
You don’t need a script. But talking it through will make you sound more natural and confident.
Own your weaknesses (without hiding them)
No one’s perfect, and that’s okay. What matters is how you talk about areas you’re still growing in.
Davis recommends showing self-awareness and balance. For example, he’ll say something like, “I’ve handled large budgets and can do the forecasting, but finance doesn’t come naturally to me—so I’ve learned to work extra hard at it.”
That kind of answer shows maturity and a growth mindset—two things interviewers love.
Come prepared with “success stories”
Confidence grows when you remind yourself of what you’ve already accomplished.
Pick a few work wins you’re proud of—projects you led, problems you solved, goals you hit. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to shape each story so it’s focused and impactful.
When an interviewer asks, “Can you give an example of a challenge you faced?”—you’ll be ready.
Do a mock interview (yes, really)
Set up a practice interview with someone who’s been in hiring, or at least someone who’ll give you honest feedback. It might feel weird at first, but it’ll make the real thing way less intimidating.
You can even record yourself and review your body language, tone, and posture. It’s a great way to fine-tune your delivery—and spot any nervous habits you didn’t realize you had.
Research the company—and find a personal connection
Nothing builds confidence like knowing your stuff. Read up on the company: recent news, values, goals, and even who works there.
“Try to find a connection—any connection—with someone on the team or in the company,” Davis says. Even a loose link can help you feel more comfortable and make a better impression.
Bonus: Referrals really matter. Even a “Hey, I don’t know them well, but a friend does” can help you stand out.
Remember: You’re not just being interviewed—you’re interviewing them, too
It’s easy to feel like the company has all the power, especially if you’re feeling discouraged. But interviews go both ways. You’re not just trying to impress them—you’re also figuring out if this job is right for you.
“Remind yourself: you were invited to the interview for a reason,” Spencer says. “They saw something in you.”
You’ve earned your seat at the table (or on the Zoom screen). Now it’s about seeing whether this opportunity is worth your talent and time.
