Pre-Interview Prep

There is a British army saying: Proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Interviews are the epitome of this saying.

This chapter offers detailed guidance on how to prepare just before going into an interview. While the broader preparation—like reviewing your experience and answers to questions—is covered in other parts of the series, this chapter emphasizes a more immediate, practical approach. The author recommends preparing four key elements on separate cards: your key points, key competencies, answers to common questions, and questions to ask the interviewer. These cards will serve as last-minute reminders to help you focus on what's most important and avoid being overwhelmed.

The first step is to make sure you have your key points clearly outlined. These should be the most compelling reasons why you are the best fit for the role, directly aligned with the job description. The second step is preparing cards with examples of your key competencies. For each competency, you should have one or two specific examples of when you've demonstrated them in your previous work. The goal is to quickly review these examples before the interview so you can confidently answer behavioral questions about your experience.

Finally, the chapter encourages you to prepare answers to the most common interview questions and a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Having these answers fresh in your mind will help you tailor your responses to the role, while asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest. The author stresses that preparation is the key to a successful interview and that those who invest more time in preparation are more likely to stand out and secure the offer.

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