If you think speaking English well is all you need to succeed in a job interview, think again!

Have you ever found yourself in a room with a hiring manager, feeling like you know the answers but can’t get the words out? You’re not alone. Vietnamese students studying in the UK often face an unusual and surprisingly under-discussed challenge—not just speaking English well, but navigating the anxiety and language barriers that come with high-stakes interviews.

When it comes to interview, this isn’t about language fluency alone; it’s about handling nerves, managing that mental block that sneaks in just as the questions start, and the whole silent storm of self-doubt and fear. There’s a trick to it, though—and it’s not about memorising scripts or phrases. The key lies in mastering confidence.

For Vietnamese students, English is often learned with an academic focus such as: IELTS or TOEFL, transitioning to spontaneous, conversational English in a high-stress situation can feel like stepping into a whole new world. And that can make interviews doubly intimidating. But here’s a little-known fact that could change everything: studies show that interview performance has less to do with perfect language than with how confidently and calmly you communicate.

So, how do you overcome this barrier?

1. Accept the panic, don’t fight it

This might sound counterintuitive, but one of the quickest ways to make a good impression is to accept that nerves are natural.

If you walk in expecting perfection, any small stumble can throw you off your game.

Instead, remind yourself that even native speakers get nervous in interviews. Studies show that nervous energy, when properly directed, can actually make you sharper and more attentive. Embrace that edge.

2. Prepare for meaning, not for words

Instead of memorising full sentences, focus on the meaning behind your answers. It’s tempting to prepare a mental script, but hiring managers can sense when someone is speaking from a script, and that can work against you.

Instead, jot down key points or ideas you want to communicate, and allow yourself to naturally fill in the gaps.

This not only helps with sounding authentic but also reduces the pressure of saying things perfectly.

3. Practice the 10-Second buffer

Don’t rush to answer every question the second it’s asked. Take a deep breath, pause, and give yourself a few seconds to structure your response. Practicing this buffer, even if it feels awkward at first, can help you slow down and collect your thoughts.

Surprisingly, a brief pause can make you seem more thoughtful and confident—plus, it helps reduce stammering or losing your train of thought.

4. Use a personal story

Instead of trying to craft a “perfect” answer for every question, pick a personal story or two that you can adapt to multiple questions. For instance, if you’re asked about a time you faced a challenge, having a ready-made story allows you to focus on delivery rather than thinking of something new on the spot. This approach not only brings warmth and authenticity to your responses but also provides a fallback if your nerves kick in.

5. Visualization is your friend

Before the interview, take a few minutes to visualize the process. Picture yourself walking in, greeting the hiring manager, and answering questions with confidence.

Visualization might sound like a soft technique, but research proves it’s powerful. Imagine things going smoothly, and your mind will start aligning your body language and speech to make it happen.

Confidence is more than a skill—it’s a practice. In the UK job market, your skills and qualifications got you the interview, but confidence in handling yourself gets you the offer. And here’s the kicker:

You don’t have to be the most fluent speaker or the most experienced candidate to exude confidence.

These small shifts, from breathing exercises to visualisation, are the real secret to acing your first hiring manager interview.

Ready to turn nerves into confidence? Our program offers tailored training specifically for Vietnamese students preparing for application in the UK, with techniques to help you harness your strengths and present yourself naturally and confidently. Let us guide you to mastering your next interview and landing your dream job. Register at: https://www.vietjobseeker.com/