Public Finance Blog

Today’s blog is going to explore a technique or two that will help you have a great interview.  It’s one that most people don’t address in the traditional books on interviewing; however, it’s an interview technique that I recommend to all my clients.  It’s the “pause and breath” one.

What Happens…

What do I mean by the “pause and breath” interview technique?  It’s quite simple: you must remain in complete control of the interview process, whether answering a question or posing a question to the interviewer.  Many people during the interview will just tend to ramble, especially when answering a question that they feel confident about.  This also happens on the flip side when answering a question where their confidence level is so low that they believe more chatter is better.  I’m here to tell you that’s not the case.  Let’s look at both extremes: one where your confidence level is high and the other where it’s not.

Thriving Confidence

Let’s explore the idea of thriving in our confidence with this simple interview technique. When you are asked a question you are confident about giving the answer to, take a breath before answering, gather your thoughts while you pause, and slowly let out the air.  Make it slightly longer than the inhale, and now you’re ready to answer the question.  Centering yourself with this breath is going to put you much more in control as you answer the question directly and more succinctly.  During that extended breath, see yourself answering the question and hear the words that are going to come out of your mouth. Then, and only then, proceed with your best answer.  Don’t talk more than two minutes on any question.  After two minutes, pause, take another breath, and ask, “Did that answer your question?”  Then wait for their response before going on.

Watering Your Confidence

When answering a question you are not confident about, apply the same interview technique: pause, take a breath, and then start to formulate an answer to the question.  If the interviewer senses you might not answer the question to their satisfaction, don’t be concerned.  Go with your gut response. The fact that you continue to stay totally in control will show your confidence in yourself, even though the answer might not be one that immediately comes to you.  Sometimes the questioner just asks questions to see how you respond under pressure and know you would not have an answer.  However, taking the breath and pausing will keep you in control.

Apply this interview technique that has been proven to work at your next interview for greater results.  We look forward to helping you in 2026 to create your dream job, where you will have a great interview!

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in 2025’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.