impact – they have probably never talked to us before and they assume that we will take the opportunity to present our career achievements in the best light.
If we downplay our impact, that is the message that they will remember.
So, in my view, a candidate has two choices.
They can either make a superhuman effort to be positive or they can gently mention the fact that they find it hard to talk positively about themselves in such a situation.
The second approach is not such a bad idea.
Interviewers understand that an interview is not a natural setting, and most are supportive of mental health issues. If you mention that you find it hard to see yourself as the hero of the day, you can simply recount what you have achieved, and any inadvertent downplaying of your role will be understood in the new context. If you are to be natural in an interview (and that is so important), giving people a heads up on your issues with self-esteem shows honesty and courage.