Mastering the Interview with a Winning Mindset & Exceptional Skills

Let’s talk about the one part of competition that tends to rattle even the most seasoned titleholders: interview.

Whether it’s your very first time walking into the room or you’ve done 10 mock panels and still feel butterflies, I want you to know this: interview isn’t about saying the perfect thing – it’s about showing up as the fullest version of you.

Inside the Fearlessly Authentic Coaching community, this is one of the most common things I get asked to help with. And while we absolutely practice skills like articulation, body language, and navigating tough questions, 80% of your success in interview isn’t strategy… it’s mindset.

Today, I want to break down the essentials. Whether you’re brand new to competition or prepping for your last state pageant before aging out, these are the truths I want you to carry into your interview space and beyond.

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First Things First: You Are Not the Job

So often we attach our worth to whether or not we’re chosen.

But let me be clear: you are already worthy. Regardless of who is sitting behind the judges’ table. Regardless of how many titles you’ve won. Regardless of whether you feel “ready” or not.

The interview is not a test to prove your value.
It’s a space to show who you already are, how you show up, and what kind of titleholder you’d be if chosen.

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Interview Success Starts With Knowing Yourself

Before we talk skills, let’s start with the real foundation:

• What do you believe in?
• What are your core values?
• What experiences shaped you?
• What makes you light up?

These are your roots. When you know yourself deeply, you don’t need a script. You don’t have to fake confidence. Your answers flow because they’re rooted in truth.

This is the difference between “pageant answers” and authentic conversation.

In my coaching programs, we spend time unpacking this:
Your story. Your values. Your intentions. Because when you’re grounded in that, the rest becomes a conversation, not a performance.

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Mindset Is 80%. The Rest Is Practice.

Here’s how I break it down with clients:

🧠 80% mindset:

• Know who you are
• Trust your worth
• Let go of perfectionism
• Stop trying to be what you think the judges want
• Start showing up as who you really are

🎯 20% skills:

• Clear articulation
• Concise, thoughtful responses
• Strong body language
• Listening with presence
• Understanding the job you’re applying for

The skills matter. But they don’t work without the mindset to back them up. A rehearsed answer without a real connection falls flat. But an authentic, grounded answer – even imperfectly spoken – builds trust.

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What Judges Actually Want

Let’s bust a myth:
There is no “type” the judges are looking for.

I say this as someone who has been on both sides of the table. I’ve judged competitions and coached clients who’ve competed across multiple systems. And here’s what matters most:

• Are you grounded and confident in who you are?
• Can we trust you to represent the title well?
• Are you self-aware, kind, and capable?
• Will you show up with integrity for the job?

You’re not being evaluated on your resume.
You’re being evaluated on your presence. Your character. Your connection.

So instead of asking, “Am I what the judges want?”, ask:
“Am I showing them who I already am?”

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Interview Do’s (Mindset + Skills Edition)

Here are a few key “do’s” that I always walk through with my clients:

✅ Do know who you are and why.
Your qualities, values, and inner beliefs are your foundation. You don’t need to memorize your answers – you just need to understand yourself.

✅ Do get clear on your goals.
What’s your mission as a titleholder? What’s the big picture of what you want to contribute? Why this system? Why now?

✅ Do research the job.
Every system is different. Know what the job entails, what’s expected, and how you would uniquely show up to serve.

✅ Do have a conversation, not a performance.
Stop trying to impress. Start trying to connect. This is your opportunity to have a meaningful dialogue with people who want to believe in you – let them.

✅ Do own your space.
Brené Brown says, “Don’t puff up, don’t shrink, just stand your sacred ground.”
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

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Interview Don’ts (Let These Go Immediately)

🚫 Don’t say “Thank you for that question” or repeat the question back.
It’s not a speech class – it’s a conversation. Use your time wisely.

🚫 Don’t try to control the interview.
Don’t force in your platform. Don’t lead them with baited statements. Trust the flow. Trust your answers. Trust yourself.

🚫 Don’t obsess over the judges’ reactions.
Some judges are instructed not to react. Others are simply focused. Don’t read into straight faces – focus on your delivery and your energy.

🚫 Don’t try to be what you think they want.
Be yourself. Let go of the mold. Be your own kind of titleholder. That’s what leaves a lasting impression.

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One More Truth You Need to Hear

There is no such thing as being “good” at pageants.

You can master walking. You can sharpen your answers. You can nail your paperwork.

But the real win comes from this:
Becoming more of who you already are AND bringing her boldly into the room.

Pageantry doesn’t make you someone. It helps you uncover who you’ve been all along.

So take a deep breath.
Let go of the pressure.
And start preparing from a place of purpose, not performance.

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You’re Ready. And You’re More Than Enough.

As you head into your next competition, let this be your reminder:
You don’t need to be chosen to be worthy.

If you’re showing up fully, speaking truthfully, and owning your growth with humble confidence – you’ve already won.

Let your interview reflect that.

You’ve got this,
Raeanna