You’ve spent hours memorizing your resume. You’ve got a "perfect" answer for every generic question. You’ve practiced your "professional" voice in the mirror until you sound like a Siri update.
And yet, you’re still nervous.
Why? Because deep down, you know that performance isn't real. You’re playing a character called "The Perfect Candidate," and it’s exhausting.
Here’s the truth: Companies: the big ones, the ones you actually want to work for: don't want a performance. They don’t want a robot who can recite bullet points. They want to know if you’re a human who can actually do the job and handle the heat.
I took a deep dive into how one of the world's largest tech companies approaches hiring to show you exactly what’s happening on the other side of the desk. When a major tech company looks for talent, they aren't looking for the person with the most rehearsed answers. They’re looking for specific traits that most people accidentally hide under a layer of "interview prep."
Let’s break down what they actually want: and how you can use Guess What Energy™ to give it to them. ⚡
1. They want a Growth Mindset (not a "Know-it-all")
Microsoft is famous for moving from a "know-it-all" culture to a "learn-it-all" culture. In an interview, this means they aren't just looking for what you know: they’re looking for how you grow.
Most interview preparation tips tell you to have an answer for everything. But if you act like you have zero flaws and have never made a mistake, you’re actually failing the "Growth Mindset" test.
The Pivot: Instead of performing "Perfection," use Guess What Energy™.
When you talk about a challenge, don't just skip to the happy ending. Talk about the messy middle. Talk about the "aha!" moment when you realized you were wrong. When you speak with GWE™, you’re sharing a story with a friend. You’re saying, "Guess what? I tried this, it didn't work, so I learned this instead."
That’s a Growth Mindset in action. It’s not about being right; it’s about being real.
2. They are "Customer Obsessed" (and you should be too)
At Microsoft, being "Customer Obsessed" is a core value. In an interview, the interviewer is your customer. They have a problem (an open role), and they need a solution (a great hire).
Most candidates are so obsessed with themselves: their nerves, their scripts, their "umms": that they forget to look at the person across from them.
If you’re wondering how to sound confident in an interview, the secret is to stop focusing on yourself.
The Pivot: When you walk in with Guess What Energy™, your focus shifts. You aren't there to pass a test; you’re there to have a conversation. You’re listening to their needs so you can explain how your experience helps them.
By focusing on the interviewer's "pain points," you naturally become the solution they’re looking for. You aren't just a candidate; you’re a consultant.
3. They want to see Impact and Accountability
Microsoft looks for "Individual Excellence," but what they really mean is: Did you actually do the work, and do you own the results?
This is where storytelling in interviews becomes your superpower. You can’t just say, "I’m a hard worker." You have to prove it with the receipts.
The Pivot: This is exactly why you need a Brag Bank.
Your Brag Bank isn't a list of job duties. It’s a collection of specific moments where you moved the needle.
- Not: "I managed a team."
- But: "Guess what? My team was behind on a deadline, so I restructured our workflow and we delivered two days early."
Specific. Engaging. Real. When you pull from your Brag Bank, accountability isn't something you claim: it’s something you demonstrate.
Why "Less Prep" is actually the best prep
You’ve been told that more preparation leads to more confidence. But for most people, more preparation just leads to more scripts. And scripts lead to robotic energy.
When you sound like you’re reading from a teleprompter, you’re hiding your personality. You’re making it harder for the company to see the very things they’re looking for: your growth mindset, your obsession with the customer, and your personal impact.
These interview mindset tips aren't about doing more work; they’re about doing the right work.
- Stop Rehearsing: It makes you stiff.
- Start Telling: It makes you memorable.
- Own the Energy: It makes you the hire.
Ready to stop performing and start winning? ⚡
The reason you’re nervous isn't because you lack experience. It’s because you’re trying to fit your experience into a box that doesn't belong to you.
It’s time to lean into the Guess What Energy™ interview method. Stop worrying about the "right" answer and start focusing on the right energy.
If you’re ready to build your Brag Bank and master the three pillars of interview confidence, I’ve got the tools to get you there. No scripts. No fluff. Just you, at your best.
Check out our best-selling resources:
- The Pep Kit: The ultimate digital toolkit with 20 worksheets to help you find your stories and own the room.
- Audio Confidence Series: Guided audio sessions to help you sound calm, clear, and confident without memorizing a script.
- The Book: Less Prep, More Pep: Stop Rehearsing. Start Telling. Walk In Like You Already Know. Grab your copy on Amazon or right here at lessprepmorepep.com.
About the Author
Ebonee is the founder of Less Prep, More Pep and the creator of the Guess What Energy™ method. After years of seeing brilliant professionals freeze up in interviews, she decided to flip the script. She teaches candidates how to communicate their experience naturally, helping them land roles at Fortune 500 companies without the burnout of over-preparing. Less prep. More pep. More wins. ⚡