Interview Preparation Guide

Start with the STAR method

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It's the standard structure for behavioral interview answers. Every answer to a "tell me about a time when..." question should map to it.

• Situation — the specific context. When, where, with whom.
• Task — what you were responsible for, or the problem you had to solve.
• Action — the specific steps you took. Use "I" not "we."
• Result — the measurable outcome, or at minimum a clear qualitative result.

Spend most of your answer on Action and Result. Situation and Task should take ten to fifteen seconds combined.

Build a story bank

Write six to eight STAR stories in advance, each covering a situation you might be asked about. Good categories:

• A time you led a project or team.
• A time you solved a difficult technical or business problem.
• A time you disagreed with a manager or colleague and how you handled it.
• A time you failed and what you learned.
• A time you took initiative beyond your role.
• A time you had to influence someone without authority.

These stories will overlap. Many questions can be answered by re-framing one of your existing stories.

Company research in 30 minutes

• Company website — what they sell, who their customers are, how they describe themselves.
• Recent news — funding, launches, leadership changes, major announcements.
• Product — if you can, sign up or use it. Nothing impresses more than a specific observation from using the product.
• Competitors — who else is in this space and how does the company differentiate?
• People — check LinkedIn for your interviewers' backgrounds and shared interests.
• Glassdoor or similar — interview process, culture notes, reported questions.

Questions to ask at the end

You'll always get asked "Do you have any questions for us?" Have three ready. Good options:

• "What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"
• "What's the biggest challenge the team is currently facing?"
• "How does this role interact with other teams?"
• "What's a project the team is proud of from the past year?"
• "How is feedback typically given on this team?"

Avoid questions whose answers are on the website (e.g., "What does the company do?").

Logistics checklist

• Confirm time, location, and format in writing the day before.
• For remote interviews: test your camera, mic, and internet 30 minutes early.
• Have a glass of water nearby.
• Have a printed copy of your resume, the job description, and your STAR stories.
• Prepare one question you can ask if the conversation stalls.
• Arrive ten minutes early in person, five minutes early on video.

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