Welcome back to David Did It!—where we make recruitment fun, insightful, and, most importantly, real.

Now, I want to talk about confidence. Whether you’re heading into an interview, a client pitch, or even an internal meeting, the way you present yourself can often be the deciding factor.

And trust me—I know a thing or two about faking it till you make it.

Owning Your Truth: Confidence is a Mindset

I grew up gay in rural Catholic West Clare, Ireland. Now, if that sounds like a niche experience, believe me, it was. In the 90s West of Ireland, being gay wasn’t exactly something you put on a billboard. I remember hiding while watching Will & Grace, because even seeing someone like me on TV felt risky.

I knew from a young age that I was different, but with no role models locally, I had to create my own version of what life could be. When I eventually came out, I noticed something interesting—the bullies backed off. The moment I owned my truth, I took the power away from them.

And here’s the thing: this lesson applies to interviews too.

Even if you feel out of place, even if you question your abilities, even if you’re terrified they’ll see through you—you can control how you present yourself. Confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about owning who you are and trusting that you belong.

Turning Nerves into Power: My Approach to Interviews

When I first started interviewing, I realised that my natural “campness” and outgoing energy were assets. I learned to lean into them. If I walked into an interview insecure, timid, and afraid, I wasn’t just giving off nervous energy—I was giving away the job to someone else.

Instead, I prepared like mad. I had a background in journalism, so I used those research skills (or, as some may call it, “light stalking” 😏) to dig deep into the interviewer.

• What do we have in common?
• Do they support a certain charity?
• Did they write an article I can reference?
• Can I find a way to naturally bring up a shared interest?

Because here’s the secret: more often than not, your CV speaks for itself. What really lands you the job? The interviewer envisioning you in the team.

How You Can Walk into Any Interview or Meeting with Confidence

Let’s break it down. Whether you’re a lawyer interviewing for your dream role or an accountant pitching for a promotion, these steps will help:

1. Know Your Stuff—Preparation is Key

• Research the company, the interviewer, and recent industry news.
• Be clear on why you want the role and how you add value.
• Have your key achievements ready to go.

2. Create a Pre-Interview Ritual

• Listen to a hype playlist (think Beyoncé, not Beethoven).
• Take deep breaths—it sounds simple, but it works.
• Power pose in the mirror. Yes, I’m serious. Science backs it!

3. Don’t Chase “Likeability”—Chase Authenticity

• Be yourself—your quirks make you memorable.
• Don’t try to mould yourself into what you think they want.
• People connect with real humans, not rehearsed robots.

4. Control the Narrative

• If you’re nervous, reframe it—excitement and anxiety feel the same physically.
• Lead the conversation where you shine the most.
• If you don’t know something, own it and pivot to what you do know.

5. Make It About Them

• Ask engaging questions about the role and company culture.
• Show you’ve done your research by mentioning something specific.
• Interviews shouldn’t feel like an interrogation—they should feel like a conversation.

Final Thoughts: The Power is Yours

If there’s one thing I’ve learned—from navigating small-town Ireland as a gay kid, to breaking into recruitment, to building Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions—it’s this: confidence isn’t about being fearless, it’s about showing up anyway.

If you prepare, if you own your space, and if you trust yourself, you’ll walk into that interview room knowing you’re already the right person for the job.

And if you need extra help with interview prep? You know where to find me. 😉

Until next time—David Did It!