The Best Interview Advice I’ve Ever Received: SLOW DOWN
I remember one of the best pieces of interview advice I ever received: Slow down. It was such a simple suggestion, but it completely changed how I approach interviews. And trust me, this wasn’t easy for me—I'm naturally someone who talks fast, especially when I’m excited or nervous (which, let’s be real, is basically every interview). I’d find myself rattling off answers at the speed of light, eager to say the “right” thing. But slowing down? That felt impossible.
I mean, the last thing you want in an interview is awkward silence, right? But it turns out, slowing down isn’t about creating silence—it’s about creating clarity.
My Slowing Down Moment
There was a time when I was interviewing for a role I was really excited about. I walked into that room, and bam—nerves took over. I could feel myself rattling off answers at the speed of light, trying to hit every point in record time. I saw the interviewer's expression shift. I realized later that I wasn’t giving them enough time to process what I was saying, let alone respond thoughtfully.
After getting the advice to slow down, I practiced taking a breath between each question. In my next interview, I made a conscious effort to pause, think, and speak at a more deliberate pace. The difference? The interviewer seemed more engaged, the conversation flowed better, and I was able to actually connect instead of just talking.
Why Slowing Down Works
When you slow down in an interview, you give yourself time to think about your answers and express yourself more clearly. You also show that you’re calm under pressure, which is a big plus. Speeding through your responses can make you seem anxious or unprepared, even if you’re not. On the flip side, slowing down makes you look more confident and thoughtful.
What Does Slowing Down Look Like?
Slowing down doesn’t mean turning into a sloth mid-interview. It’s about pacing your responses in a way that’s natural but deliberate. Here's an example:
Typical Response (Rushed):
Interviewer: "Tell me about a challenge you faced in your last role."
You: "Sure! So there was this project where I had to coordinate with three different teams, and we had a tight deadline, and things weren’t coming together, but I just worked extra hours and pushed through to make sure everything was on track and in the end we met the deadline."
Slowed Down Response:
Interviewer: "Tell me about a challenge you faced in your last role."
You: "That’s a great question. Let me think... One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing a project with a really tight deadline. I was coordinating with three different teams, and there were a lot of moving parts. It wasn’t easy, but I found that by taking extra time to communicate clearly and ensuring everyone was aligned, we were able to hit our target."
See the difference? The slower response allows for more thoughtful reflection, gives space for detail, and doesn’t feel rushed.
Tips to Practice Slowing Down:
Pause Before You Answer: Take a breath before diving into your answer. It might feel like an eternity, but it’s usually just a second or two. This gives you time to gather your thoughts and start strong.
Practice With a Friend: Set up a mock interview with a friend and ask them to time your responses. Aim for 60-90 seconds per answer. If you’re finishing much faster, try to add more depth or detail.
Use Silence to Your Advantage: It’s okay to have a second or two of silence after a question. It shows you’re considering your response, and it can make you seem more confident.
Record Yourself: It’s hard to know how fast you’re speaking until you hear it. Record yourself answering a few common interview questions and listen back to see where you can slow down or add pauses.
Stay Present: Focus on the question in front of you, not the ones you think are coming next. By being present in the moment, you’ll naturally slow down because you’re giving your full attention to your current response.
Final Thoughts
Slowing down in interviews isn’t just about talking slower—it’s about creating space for yourself and the interviewer to connect. It helps you be more thoughtful, reduces the chance of you stumbling over your words, and makes the whole conversation feel more natural.
Next time you’re prepping for an interview, remember: it’s not a race. Take your time, breathe, and speak with intention. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes—not just in how you feel, but in how the interviewer responds to you.
And hey, if I can do it, anyone can!
P.S. I came back the next year, slowed it down, and got the full-time offer in my top-choice location.