Because Winging It Is Not a Strategy
So, let’s be honest — most interview advice is either too vague or painfully outdated.
What you need isn’t more platitudes. You need a practical, repeatable system that helps you walk into that room — virtual or in-person — calm, clear, and unshakeably prepared.
This isn’t about memorizing buzzwords. This is about showing up like someone who belongs at the table.
Interview Preparation: The 3 P’s That Matter
No fluff. Just this:
- Prepare – Know the company, the role, the problems they need solved.
- Practice – Refine your answers, out loud. Don’t “wing it in your head.”
- Presence – Show up like you’re already part of the team. Clear, confident, composed.
These are the 3 P’s of interviewing. Every great hire nails them.
The Interview Preparation Checklist (Don’t Skip This)
- Read the job description line by line
- Research the company’s latest news and competitors
- Prepare 3 success stories using the STAR method
- Draft questions to ask the interviewer — real ones, not filler
- Lay out your clothes the night before
- Print extra copies of your resume (yes, even in 2025)
- Run a tech check if it’s a virtual interview
What Is the STAR Method of Interviewing?
It’s how you tell stories with structure:
- S – Situation
- T – Task
- A – Action
- R – Result
“Tell me about a time you solved a conflict…”
That’s your cue to use STAR — not to ramble.
Golden Rules of Interviewing You Shouldn’t Forget
- The 10-second rule: The first impression is made in the first 10 seconds — posture, eye contact, tone.
- The 70/30 rule: You should talk 70% of the time, but never monologue. Leave space.
- The rule of 3: Share no more than 3 key points per answer — clear, structured, easy to remember.
- Golden rule: Treat every interviewer like they’re your future teammate — because they might be.
How to Dress for an Interview (The Rule of Thumb)
Dress one level above the company’s daily attire. If they’re casual, go business casual. If they wear blazers, wear a suit. Look like you respect the opportunity — not like you’re trying to “fit in.”
What Are the Four Core Skills of Interviewing?
- Listening
- Framing answers
- Storytelling
- Clarifying assumptions
These aren’t just communication skills. They’re strategic tools.
What Are the Five Motivational Interviewing Elements?
Borrowed from behavioral psychology, but incredibly useful in high-stakes interviews:
- Express empathy
- Develop discrepancy
- Avoid argumentation
- Roll with resistance
- Support self-efficacy
They work for interviewers — but sharp candidates use them too, especially in leadership roles.
How to Prep If You’re the Interviewer
Even if you’re on the other side of the table, prep matters:
- Read the candidate’s resume
- Align questions with competencies
- Don’t just assess — engage
- Know what a great answer should sound like
Final Interview Tips That Work
- Don’t memorize — internalize
- Record yourself answering questions — watch for filler words
- Build a story bank of 5–7 experiences you can draw from
- Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours
Alan’s Final Word (Coffee in Hand, Notebook Open)
Interviewing isn’t performance. It’s conversation with purpose.
You’re not trying to be someone else. You’re trying to be the clearest, most capable version of yourself — under pressure.
And if you’ve done the work? That version shows up like it belongs.
