Your job interview doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, trying to be perfect could be what’s holding you back.

Yesterday, I was mildly stressed thinking about how to tell my clients that during my 3-week trip to New Zealand, my WhatsApp response time would shift from 2 hours to 24. I spent an hour drafting the perfect email, making sure it was clear and addressed any concerns.

Why spend so much time on this? 

I could have just hoped they wouldn’t text… Or tried replying at weird hours. That’s what I would’ve done when I started my first business in 2013 😅

Because I’ve learned that clients (and employers!) don’t need you to be perfect — they need you to communicate.

Being transparent, especially when things aren’t perfect, builds trust. It’s a principle I live by:

Transparency over perfection.

When job searching, people focus too much on trying to present a flawless version of themselves. But communicating openly and proactively can actually be what truly sets you apart. 

Here’s how you can apply this to your interviews: 

Before the Interview: Rather than worrying about preparing every perfect, answer, focus on getting the right information upfront.

“I want to come prepared to the interview. Can you let me know who the interviewers will be? And what the main goal of the interview is?” 

Many job seekers feel anxious before interviews. If I had no idea who I’ll be talking to and what we’ll be talking about, I would be stressed too. If this sounds familiar, just ask! You’ll know what to expect, which will help you prepare.

You will still feel nervous though 😝

During the Interview: Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions.

“I want to make sure I understand — can you clarify [specific part]?”

It’s easy to feel the pressure to answer every question perfectly… But actually, interviewers appreciate thoughtful answers more than fast ones. 

After the Interview: Address concerns head on.

“Do you have any concerns about my suitability for this role?”

This not only allows you to clear up any doubts the interviewer might have, but it also shows you’re serious about determining if it’s a good fit.

The bottom line: Communicate clearly, build trust.

Focus less on trying to be perfect and more on communicating honestly. In the end, that’s what people value the most.