How to Show Confidence (Without Overclaiming) in Tender Interviews

Tender interviews are not the time to pretend you’re perfect. Overclaiming can raise doubts, especially if commissioners sense that your team isn’t aligned with the promises in your bid.

🤝 Speak with Confidence, Not Arrogance

• Use real examples — “Here’s how we handled this situation…”
• Demonstrate values — “We believe in co-production because…”
• Answer calmly — it’s okay to pause or ask for clarification

A confident team isn’t one that has all the answers — it’s one that knows how to respond and adapt.

❌ Avoid These Red Flags

• “We’ve never had any issues.” — Suggests you haven’t learned from anything
• “We’ll do whatever’s needed.” — Sounds vague and unprepared
• “Our service is the best.” — Comes off as unmeasurable and dismissive of others

✅ Better Phrases to Use

• “We’ve faced challenges with X, which we resolved by…”
• “Our team brings experience from similar contracts including…”
• “We’re confident in our approach, and we’re always open to feedback.”

Commissioners want honesty, maturity, and a team that feels like a safe pair of hands.