So bad at interviews

[Highandlow]

Just had an interview for a pretty good job, my 5th interview of late. I never used to be this bad at interviews.I keep saying stupid things in them. Not horrendously bad, but things that just make me look incapable/stupid .
I feel so depressed after these interviews. I don’t know why but I find competency based interviews hell , even though my work experience is relevant for the roles I’m going for . I think I am too honest in interviews and don’t tailor them well to the competencies .
What can I do to improve this? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I feel like I won’t get a job and I am really worried .

I thought my last interview was the worst ever and I got the job, so don't give up hope!

I found it really useful to watch YouTube videos as prep - I particularly like Don Georgevich's channel, he has loads of good advice on preparing adequately and on competency based interviews.

Unfortunately having relevant work experience isn't always an advantage when it comes to competency based recruitment, as they are often looking for you to demonstrate the behaviour rather than looking at your job history.

I was having the same problem- it was getting soul destroying but each time I came out of an interview I noted down all the things I knew I should have said in hindsight and made sure I included it in the next interview. I've just been offered a job so it seems to have worked

The key is preparation, I know it's hard when you're actively job hunting, but I spent a week over half term preparing for my interview. You need to research the company and know the job description inside out. Then google the most common competency based questions and come up with, and memorise, your examples with the competencies (I don't mean memorise everything you'll say but the example itself) your example needs to be STAR based, don't forget the result, so many do. An dont day we, we, we, own it, say I did this, I initiated that. Interviews are not a time for modesty. Always have a good answer for why you want the job.

Smile, be personable, make eye contact and have good questions ready to ask (about the role or company, but not something you could have found online, and not about money etc).

Mostly, do not be afraid to ask them to repeat or reframe/explain a question if you're confused or if you go off on a tangent, ask to repeat and get back on track.

Have you heard of the STAR technique? When you answer the question follow the model:

Situation - background
Task - background
Action - very important - what did YOU do (never use we)
Result - what happened due to you

Keep lots of positive examples up your sleeve - on the job spec it should list the competencies they want so you can practice examples against these

I have interviewed candidates recently for a fairly senior role and was amazed by the short answers which give nothing for the interviewed to go by.