How Mock Interviews Helped Me Silence My Inner Critic

For the longest time, every time I sat down for an interview, I felt like a complete fraud. Even with a solid resume and real-world experience, there was a voice in my head that whispered, “You’re not good enough. You just got lucky.” That, I came to learn, was impostor syndrome — and it was messing with my confidence.

What finally helped me take control of that narrative? Mock interviews.

Living with Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome isn’t just self-doubt. It’s the constant feeling that you’ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you’re competent. It makes you second-guess your abilities, your achievements, and even your potential.

For me, it showed up most intensely during interviews. I’d freeze up, forget things I knew, or over-explain basic concepts out of insecurity. The fear of being “exposed” was overwhelming — even in practice scenarios.

My Turning Point: Starting Mock Interviews

I started doing mock interviews out of desperation more than strategy. After a few rough interview experiences, I knew I needed a better way to prepare — one that didn’t just involve reviewing notes or solving problems alone.

I began small: casual mock interviews with friends, then structured sessions through online platforms. And something unexpected happened — I got better, not just at interviewing, but at silencing that self-critical voice.

Why Mock Interviews Worked

1. They Gave Me a Safe Space to Struggle

In real interviews, making mistakes can feel catastrophic. In mock interviews, mistakes are expected. That mental shift was huge. I could fumble a question, get feedback, and try again — all without judgment or consequences.

2. They Made Me Aware of My Progress

After a few sessions, I noticed patterns: I was answering more clearly, I paused less, I explained my reasoning with more confidence. These were small wins, but they added up — and helped rewire how I saw myself.

3. They Replaced Fear with Familiarity

The more I practiced, the more predictable interviews felt. That fear of the unknown started to fade. I wasn’t as rattled by tough questions, and I learned how to handle curveballs with composure.

4. They Built Real Confidence

Not the fake-it-‘til-you-make-it kind. Real, earned confidence. Through mock interviews, I proved to myself — repeatedly — that I was capable. Not perfect, not always polished, but definitely not a fraud.

Final Thoughts

Impostor syndrome doesn’t just go away — but it does get quieter when you start showing yourself evidence of your growth. For me, mock interviews were that evidence.

If you’ve been stuck in self-doubt, unsure if you're really “ready,” I can’t recommend mock interviews enough. They gave me the tools to prepare — and the mindset to believe in myself.