Interviews don’t usually go sideways because you “didn’t know enough.” They go sideways because you weren’t ready to communicate what you know under pressure. If you’ve got limited time (or you’re interviewing a lot), here’s a repeatable 15-minute routine that improves clarity, confidence, and answers—fast.

The 15-minute routine (set a timer)

1) Minutes 0–3: Lock your “Why this role” sentence

Write one sentence you can say out loud:

• “I’m excited about [role] because [problem you’ll help solve] using [your relevant strengths].“

This prevents rambling at the start and gives your interview a clear direction.

2) Minutes 3–7: Pick 3 stories (and label them)

Choose three STAR stories you can adapt to most questions:

• Impact story: You improved a metric, process, or outcome
• Conflict story: You handled disagreement, feedback, or tension
• Learning story: You struggled, learned quickly, and improved

For each, jot only:

• Situation (1 line)
• Action (2–3 bullets)
• Result (1 measurable outcome)

Tip: If you don’t have a metric, use scale/quality signals like time saved, errors reduced, customer satisfaction, or adoption.

3) Minutes 7–10: Prepare 2 “bridge phrases” to stay calm

When you blank or get interrupted, bridges keep you in control:

• “Great question—before I answer, here’s the context in one sentence.”
• “Let me break that into two parts: first…, then…”

They buy you time without sounding rehearsed.

4) Minutes 10–13: Make your answers skimmable (yes, verbally)

Most candidates talk in paragraphs. Strong candidates speak in structure:

• Use numbered points: “There are three things I did…”
• Use signposts: “The key challenge was…” “The turning point was…”
• End with the result first when appropriate: “We reduced onboarding time by 30%, and here’s how…”

5) Minutes 13–15: Ask 2 questions that signal seniority

Avoid questions answered on the website. Ask about decisions, tradeoffs, and success criteria:

• “What would make someone a clear success in the first 60–90 days?”
• “What’s one challenge the team is facing that isn’t obvious from the job description?”

Quick virtual bonus (30 seconds)

If it’s a virtual interview:

• Put your camera at eye level
• Keep one sticky note near the lens: “Pause. Breathe. 3 points.”
• Close extra tabs—mental clutter shows up in your voice

Your turn: If you only had 15 minutes before an interview, which part of this routine would help you most—and what do you currently do instead?