After countless failed interviews and endless "thank you for your application" emails, I finally figured out what was holding me back. It wasn't my resume. It wasn't my experience. It was how I was practicing.
For months, I'd been doing what everyone recommends—talking to my computer screen, recording myself, using those AI interview prep tools. But my breakthrough came when I stopped talking to pixels and started talking to people.
Here's what I discovered: The key to nailing interviews isn't just preparation—it's HUMAN preparation.
When you practice with an actual person (literally anyone will do), your entire approach changes. Your responses become more fluid, your personality shines through, and you appear significantly more relaxed and confident.
The Simple Method That Changed Everything
Find ANY adult friend, family member, former colleague, neighbor, or barista at your local coffee shop
Ask for just 10-15 minutes of their time
Give them a list of 10-15 common interview questions
Have them ask these questions randomly
Respond exactly as you would in a real interview
The difference is immediate and dramatic. You practice maintaining eye contact, reading social cues, adjusting your tone based on reactions, and managing your facial expressions and body language—none of which happens when you're talking to your laptop camera.
I've noticed that whenever I go a few weeks without this kind of practice, my interview performance tanks. But a quick 15-minute session with my neighbor or cousin gets me back in fighting form.
This might seem stupidly simple, but if you're struggling with interviews despite having good qualifications, this could be the missing piece. Our brains are wired for human connection, not computer screens.
Has anyone else tried this approach? What other "obvious but overlooked" interview hacks have worked for you?