Owning the Interview with Jenna Mulherin (Part 2))
Ep. 84 on the All Figured Out Podcast
Ever freeze in an interview and immediately spiral? You’re not alone.
Whether you're preparing for a job you’re excited about or feeling underqualified but hopeful, the interview process can trigger a lot of self-doubt. In this episode of All Figured Out, HR leader and former career coach Jenna Mulherin is back to walk us through what it takes to own your next interview—with less stress and more confidence.
This conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insight from someone who’s been on both sides of the hiring table. If you’ve ever wondered how much prep is enough, how to talk about a layoff, or what to do when you go blank mid-answer—Jenna breaks it all down with warmth, clarity, and zero fluff.
Biggest Themes from Our Conversation
What actually matters in interviews—and what doesn't:
– How to prepare without sounding scripted or robotic
– What to do when you freeze, ramble, or forget the question
– Why self-awareness is more powerful than perfection
– How to talk about layoffs, career gaps, or mental health breaks
– What hiring managers actually fact-check—and what they don’t
– The best ways to follow up (and what not to say)
Key Takeaways to Help You Own the Interview
Start with clarity.
The best interview answers come from knowing what you want and why you're applying—not just prepping for every possible question.
Track your wins.
Keep a running list of experiences, stories, and moments where you learned something or showed growth. These are your gold.
Your prep doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional.
Even a few notes or themes to pull from can make all the difference in how you show up.
Call it out if you ramble.
Going off on a tangent? It’s okay. Pause, acknowledge it, and reset. Self-awareness builds trust.
Don’t over-explain your layoff or time off.
Be honest, be brief, and focus on what’s next. You’re allowed to pause and pivot.
Use the interview as a two-way conversation.
You're interviewing them, too. Asking thoughtful, strategic questions helps you evaluate the fit and makes you memorable.
Resources Mentioned
About the Guest
Jenna Mulherin is an HR leader and the former founder of Own the Interview, a business that helped job seekers build confidence and clarity in the job search process. With 15+ years in recruitment, people development, and leadership, she brings a grounded, honest approach to professional growth.
About Andrea Barr, host of All Figured Out
Andrea is a certified career and life coach for parents. Through her coaching, she supports parents in finding better work-life rhythms so they can continue to grow personally and professionally without sacrificing family time.
Connect with Andrea via Instagram here.
