Interviews can be tricky (especially if you've never had one before).

It's reasonable to feel intimidated when you're going to be asked a series of questions that determine the outcome of being selected for a job or getting into a university of choice.

Fortunately you have a hand in driving the questions asked to you (not completely of course, but let's read further).

Realize An Interview Is A Conversation

An interview is a structured conversation where one participant asks questions, and the other provides answers.

What's in your hand? The answers

So let's use that to our advantage. Here's how, step by step:

Step 1: Listen Intently Like You Would, A Friend

By paying attention to the words from the interviewer, you prep yourself as a participant.

How's this different from what you'd normally do? The subtle difference is listening to it as a 'question' as opposed to a 'conversation'. Seeing it as a question adds pressure to giving 'the right answer'

Step 2: Don't Respond To Sound Smart

Most questions can be answered in two ways - sound smart or be honest.

If you want to bring up a complex topic to sound smart, you next question might dive right into that topic. Respond by highlighting things you're great at.

"What're you currently working on?"
"I'm learning cryptocurrency."

Get ready for an epic failure if you can't explain cryptocurrency without jargons.

Step 3: Respond With Your Strengths

The best response would be to bring in something unique, yet topic related.

Ex: "How would you add value?"

Generic answers include "I bring in fresh ideas and perspectives". Walk the talk. Bring in a project where you actually did that.

"I saved the team 400 work hours by eliminating 2 processes". Take it further but highlighting how those processes were eliminated.
"I leveraged Calendly to save multiple mail threads on availability".

There are several ways to drive an interview. Being yourself and driving the conversation by reeling in topics of your strength is one great way to do so.