Prepare for an interview
Practise with a specialist before the real thing: rehearse the questions you are likely to get, build three or four strong stories you can reach for, and prepare a couple of sharp questions to ask them. Preparation is what quietly turns interview nerves into confidence.
Most interview nerves come from the fear of being caught off guard. You cannot predict every question, but you can prepare so that few of them catch you off guard.
Step by step
- 1
List the likely questions
Pull the usual suspects for this role so nothing common blindsides you.
- 2
Build three or four stories
Prepare a handful of real examples you can adapt to whatever they ask.
- 3
Practise saying them out loud
Rehearse aloud — it sounds very different in your head than in the room.
- 4
Prepare questions to ask
Have a couple of sharp questions ready; they are half the impression you leave.
Stories beat adjectives
Anyone can say they are a hard worker. A short, specific story that shows it is what an interviewer actually remembers — so bring stories, not adjectives.
Key terms
- STAR.
- A simple way to tell a story — Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Signal question.
- A thoughtful question you ask them that shows you understand the role.
FAQ
What if I get a question I did not prepare?
Reach for one of your stories and answer the spirit of it. You do not need a script — you need material.
Should I really prepare questions to ask?
Yes — a thoughtful question shows you get the role and often lands as strongly as your answers.