My former boss once asked me how is it that I am so confident and not intimidated by executives or senior leadership. I told her, it doesn’t matter what title they have, what matters is whether I can add value during the time we spend together. Interviewing is about having the ability to clearly articulate your value to decision makers. If you let it, it can be a stressful and scary process.

Here are a few affirmations I give my clients during our interview preparation coaching sessions that allow them to focus on their strengths.

These simple reminders can help you shake your nerves and go into your next interview feeling confident and prepared.

1. I am valuable. Don’t get suckered into the idea that the company is doing you a favor by hiring you. Remember, you are bringing value to the table, too. You are equipped with knowledge, skill, and the ability to meet organizational needs. Lean on your experience in problem solving, organizing, leading, or training others as proof you can add value in any setting. Let them know how you will be an asset to the organization, not a just a warm body in a seat.

2. I can do great work. Think back to specific situations where you have used your skills and knowledge to complete a project. Listing specific examples is important not only for your future employer to hear, but for you to remember as well. Avoid getting caught up in what skills or knowledge you don’t have and instead focus on the past situations you’ve faced where you showed up as a leader by using your unique skills to get the job done. The goal is to show you have the capability to do great work. You don’t have to know everything there is to know about a place you’ve never been.

3. I am worthy. Confidence in interviewing is about convincing yourself that you are worthy of the position you’ve applied for. You deserve to have a good life. You deserve this opportunity because you have a unique perspective based on your own experience of how to approach problem solving and handle conflict. You have the capability to learn what you need to know to get the work done, even if it means spending extra time to get it right or coming up with new ways of completing the process altogether. If you weren’t a worthy applicant, you wouldn’t be preparing for an interview. Remember that.

Rejection is the greatest fear most have when interviewing, but it is also a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. Even if you don’t get the job, take time to follow-up and find out why. There could be an abundance of reasons why you didn’t get the role, many reasons that may have nothing to do with you.

This article was originally published in Legacy Magazine and printed in the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald April, 2019 edition