Interviews can feel overwhelming sometimes — especially if you’ve faced personal or professional challenges along the way. You might worry about gaps in your work history, times you struggled, or whether others will judge you for your journey.
But here’s the truth: employers are often far more interested in the person you are today than the past you’ve had. An interview is your opportunity to show your strengths, your resilience, and your readiness to take positive steps forward.
A couple of years ago, I had just started a new role when my mother was admitted to hospital for major surgery. As her primary carer and next of kin, my life changed overnight. Suddenly, I was a recruiter without a job. Some might think it’s easy for someone in recruitment to find work — but the truth is, it wasn’t.
It wasn’t because I lacked skills or connections. I knew how to write a CV, how to interview, and how recruitment agencies work. What made it hard was that I was going through one of the most difficult times in my life, and it shook my confidence to its core. I felt as though I had lost the ground beneath me.
How do you rebuild your confidence and how do you turn a chapter in your life into part of a story that supports you, rather than holds you back?
I'm grateful that I found a way to rebuild — and in this post, I’ll share some practical ways to help you prepare for interviews and present yourself positively, whatever challenges you’ve faced along the way.
1. Focus on Growth and Strengths
When preparing for an application or interview, it’s easy to feel that you need to explain or apologise for difficult experiences. Instead, focus on how those experiences have helped you grow.
Think about the strengths you’ve built: resilience, adaptability, problem-solving, empathy. These qualities are valuable in any workplace.
Try this:
Prepare a few examples that show your strengths in action — like learning something new, staying committed during a difficult time, or helping others. These stories can come from volunteering, training courses, hobbies, or past jobs.
2. Talk About the Journey, Not Just the Gaps
If there are gaps in your CV, it’s natural for interviewers to ask about them. Keep your explanation short, positive, and future-focused.
For example:
"During that period, I took time to focus on my wellbeing and personal development. I'm now really looking forward to applying what I’ve learned and moving into a new role."
What matters most is showing where you are now and where you're heading.
3. Practise Body Language That Feels Comfortable for You
Interviews aren’t just about the words you say — they’re also about how you present yourself. For many people, small actions like sitting comfortably, making occasional eye contact, or smiling naturally can help you feel and appear more open and confident.
But there’s no single “right way” to show interest and engagement. The most important thing is to find a way of presenting yourself that feels natural and comfortable for you.
Tip: Practising with someone you trust — or even practising in a way that feels comfortable, like speaking out loud or thinking through your answers — can help you feel more confident and prepared.
4. Prepare Questions to Show You’re Engaged
Interviews are a two-way conversation. Preparing a few questions in advance shows you're serious and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Good questions might include:
- "What support and training do you offer new starters?"
- "How do you support wellbeing in the workplace?"
- "What does success look like in this role?"
Asking questions can help you feel more in control and show that you’re thinking about your future.
5. Remember: Interviewers Want You to Succeed
It’s natural to feel nervous and to wonder how interviewers see you. But most panels genuinely want you to do well. They are looking for someone who can bring their skills, experience, and potential to the team.
If you lose your train of thought or stumble on an answer, take a breath and continue. Nerves are normal, and showing perseverance is a strength in itself.
Tip:
Before the interview, take a moment to remind yourself: You deserve to be here. This is a new chapter.
6. Know Your Rights: You’re Not Required to Share Personal Health Information
You don’t need to go into personal details unless you want to. Remember, an interview is a two-way street — it’s as much about you asking questions as it is about them learning about you. You are in control of what you choose to share.
In fact, under the Equality Act 2010, employers are generally not allowed to ask about your health or any disabilities during the recruitment process, including mental health conditions. Their focus should stay on what you bring to the role — your skills, experience, and strengths.
The only times they can ask about health are if they need to make reasonable adjustments for the interview, assess whether you can perform essential parts of the job, or if there’s a genuine occupational requirement.
Remember: interviews should be about your abilities and future potential — not your health history. You have the right to decide what you share.
Final Thought: Keep Going
Your journey so far, including every challenge you’ve faced, has given you strength that you might not even realise. An interview isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being yourself, showing what you’ve learned, and looking ahead with hope.
Every small step is progress. You are more than your past. You are your resilience, your skills, and your potential. Go into every interview knowing you have something valuable to offer.
Further learning
Resources linked to this blog
Download this blog as a PDF
Download the reflective tool
Word Doc. PDF
Employment and recovery hub
This range of resources supports you on your journey into work, whether you're just getting started, returning after time away, or looking for something new. Discover resources to help you find employment, as well as tools to help you manage your recovery and wellbeing whilst working.
Explore resources
New Leaf Recovery and Wellbeing Courses
Student Development Programme
- This extended learning programme offers you the chance to move forward in your recovery with one-on-one support, including helping you reach personal goals, such as gaining new employment.
Read More
Other opportunities
- Find opportunities to help you build confidence and move into employment, from volunteering, to co-productions, joining research studies and more. Opportunities to move forward in your recovery are one click away
Explore Opportunities