Happy Friday!

The positive response to my recent UK CV format video on YouTube has been a good reminder of how important the fundamentals are. CVs, applications, interviews.

And since this is still a small community, I want you to know this: if you ever have a question, a suggestion for a video topic, or you just need a second opinion on something career-related, you can reply to this email. I read and reply to all of them.

In this month's issue:

• a mindset shift I use to make interviews less stressful
• a preview of the next CV video coming on @ukeycoach Youtube channel​
• a free pdf with 10+ AI prompts for every stage of your job hunt journey

How to make the interview process enjoyable

Interviews are intimidating for almost everyone, it's a very human "fight or flight" response. You don’t know exactly what you’ll be asked. You’re being evaluated. There’s often a lot riding on the outcome. That combination makes it very easy to walk into an interview tense, over-controlled, and (in some cases) so obviously desperate for it to go well.

But having been on both sides, I gotta tell you, the interviewers can feel that you are uncomfortable and tense. Some nerves are expected of course, but if you haven't smiled for the whole hour... this is not a fun experience for either of you.

When you come in thinking “I need this job” or “I can’t mess this up,” every small mistake feels bigger than it is. When you are stressed, you are not at your best, you don't give convincing answers or worse, make obvious mistakes you usually wouldn't make.

Around 10 years ago I completely reframed the way I thought about interviews and it really made a difference to my performance ever since.

You were invited because they already like you... on paper.

They saw your CV and application, thought you have the right skills to do the job, and decided it was worth spending real company time to meet you. That’s already a positive signal. Companies wouldn't be wasting their time and money on you if they didn't think you were worth it.

So you have already proven that in theory you are right for the job. Now all you have to do is be yourself and show the skills that you already have. Nothing else. You have what it takes.

If you walk in seeing the interview as a chance to:

• show that "CV you" they already liked = "real you", and
• work out whether you actually want this role and this company

...the dynamic will shift immediately. You will no longer be on the defense, trying to prove your worth. That part is already done.

Instead, this interview is just you continuing a conversation that’s already going well.

That mindset changes everything: how relaxed you feel, how well you perform, how engaged and likeable you appear, how curious you sound, and how calmly you respond when a question is difficult.

When interviewers see that the candidate is confident and comfortable, they tend to relax too (although they might not show it!). Subconsciously, it becomes a more positive experience on both sides.

Of course, you still need to do your prep ahead of time, confidence is not a substitute for quality company research, good knowledge of your CV or practicing responses for behavioural questions.

But don’t ignore the mental side before, during and after:

1. Before an interview, do something grounding. Go for a walk. Watch something familiar. Get yourself out of “threat mode.”
2. During the interview, smile. Engage with the questions. Treat it as a challenge you’re enjoying rather than a test you’re surviving.
3. And at the end, always ask a thoughtful question that isn’t on autopilot.

Asking the right question at the end of the interview is so underrated. Instead of the usual “What do you like about working here?”, try something like:

Those questions do two things: they snap the interviewer out of autopilot, and they invite them to recall their own positive experiences. When you’re the person who triggered that shift, they will subconsciously associate you with these positive feelings you made them remember.

Once it’s over, let it go. Be polite to everyone you meet on the way out, then move on with your day. You’ve done your part.

How to write CV bullet points like a pro?

Next week I’m publishing a deep dive on writing strong CV bullet points, including a proper breakdown of the CRISP model that many of you saw in the UKey CV template:

If CV bullet points are where you tend to get stuck, this one will be worth watching.

You can subscribe to the my YouTube channel here so you don’t miss it: @ukeycoach on YouTube​

AI prompts for every stage of your job search

This week's video breaks down how to use AI properly during a job search, without ending up with generic, copy-paste applications. These work whether you’re applying for graduate roles or you’re a more experienced hire.

Click on the picture to watch the video on Youtube. It walks through prompts you can use at every stage of the recruitment process:

• finding the right roles;
• evaluating your chances of success based on job descriptions;
• researching companies using annual reports;
• networking;
• tailoring your CV; and
• preparing for interviews

As a companion to the video, I created a pdf with all the AI prompts mentioned + some bonus ones. But you, my lovely newsletter subscriber, don't have to go through the freebie sign up - you can download it directly from this newsletter!

So you don't even have to watch the video to get the prompts - although I do explain how to use them best there ;)

That's it for this issue of UKey newsletter - and remember, you can always reply directly to this email with your questions and suggestions!

Keep going, and I'll see you in the next one!

Byeeeee,

Mary