Why Interviews Feel Harder in a Second Language

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It's not just you, interviews ARE harder in a second language

An interview can add pressure to finding words and organizing an answer in a second language. First-language speakers can experience these difficulties too. Prepare three things separately: your evidence, a simple answer structure, and phrases for pausing or asking for clarification. Practise in short rounds and notice what makes your message easier to follow. An accent or occasional grammar mistake does not erase your skills.

I know the answer but I can't find the words.

This is called the 'tip-of-the-tongue' effect, stress makes it worse.

I sound so much smarter in my own language.

You ARE smart, we just need to close the gap between what you know and what you can express.