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A three-step order for interview prep

This site is a research-based reference: its guides are written from published interview-preparation guidance and checked, not from personal coaching. Use the steps below in order, or jump to the one you need.

Step 1: Get your material ready

Most weak answers come from vague examples. Write four to ten real stories as situation, task, action and result notes, and learn the "Tell me about yourself" structure.

• Story bank builder, with a printable one-page outline
• Building a story bank without sounding rehearsed
• Answering "Tell me about yourself" without rambling

Step 2: Plan your time and your research

Decide what to do with the hours you have, then research the role and company just enough to shape your answers. Technical roles need a separate practice plan.

• Interview prep time planner
• Interview research checklist
• Preparing without over-rehearsing
• Preparing for a technical interview if you are rusty

Step 3: The day before and the follow-up

Remove surprises the evening before, ask good questions at the end, and follow up once at a sensible time.

• Day-before checklist
• Questions to ask at the end
• Follow-up checklist
• How long to wait before following up

Not sure how to practice?

The interview practice options guide compares free and paid ways to practice. See how we check our advice and all tools.