If there’s one part of the job search that makes most people squirm, it’s the interview. For Executive Assistants, who are so often the behind-the-scenes problem-solvers, stepping into the spotlight can feel unnatural. But here’s the truth: interviews don’t need to feel intimidating – they’re a conversation, not an interrogation.

We recently sat down with Wendy Reus, a seasoned leadership and business coach who has spent over 30 years interviewing candidates at all levels across finance, corporates, and SMEs. With her extensive experience on the other side of the table, Wendy shared some invaluable insights on what really makes a candidate stand out – and what holds them back.

One of Wendy’s biggest takeaways? Unconscious Competence. It sounds complicated, but it’s something many Executive Assistants experience every day without even realising it.

Unconscious competence is when you’re so good at something, it feels second nature. You do it without thinking – and because it comes so naturally, you forget it’s even a skill. For example: when asked about booking travel, an Executive Assistant might say, “I just book the travel.” But that response skips over everything – coordinating international time zones, juggling multiple travellers, aligning with corporate budgets, handling last-minute changes… the list goes on.

If you don’t break those tasks down, your value stays hidden.

A great way to bring your unconscious skills to light is by using the below method:

• Situation – What was happening?
• Action – What steps did you take?
• Result – What was the outcome?
• Skills – What skills were required?

This helps you tell your story clearly and concisely while showing off the real impact you have. Need help putting this together? Click here to download the VLA Worksheet.

Even with perfect answers, mindset can make or break your performance. If you walk into an interview thinking you’re not good enough, your body language, tone, and confidence will reflect it. And yes – interviewers notice. Imposter syndrome is real, but it doesn’t have to run the show.

Wendy shared a few techniques to help shift your mindset when nerves kick in:

• Tap into confidence memories
  Think of a time you felt unstoppable – where you were, what you wore, what you said to yourself. Let that energy guide you.
• Use affirmations
  Speak them out loud. “I am capable.” “I deserve this opportunity.” Hearing yourself say it can help reframe your mindset.
• Reframe nerves as excitement
  Your body reacts the same way to both – sweaty palms, racing heart. Instead of “I’m nervous,” try “I’m excited to show them what I can do.”

Interviews don’t have to be a test you dread – they’re a chance to tell your story, own your experience, and connect with someone who could help shape your next chapter. You’ve already done the hard work – now it’s about packaging that brilliance with clarity and confidence.