Most candidates spend hours prepping what to say… but not enough time preparing how they’ll show up. If you have 10 minutes before a virtual interview (or even a phone screen), here’s a quick routine that can noticeably improve clarity, confidence, and first impressions.

1) Build a “one-page” interview map (3 minutes)

Open a note and write:

• Role requirements (top 3): pull directly from the job description (e.g., stakeholder management, SQL, project delivery)
• Your proof (top 3): one example for each requirement
• Your questions (top 2): save the best for the end (more below)

This prevents rambling and keeps your answers anchored to what the interviewer actually needs.

2) Prep 3 mini-stories using a simple structure (4 minutes)

You don’t need a perfect STAR essay—just a consistent framework.

Use CAR:

• Context: What was happening?
• Action: What did you do (specifically)?
• Result: What changed? Use numbers when possible.

Aim for stories that cover:

• A win (impact/result)
• A challenge (conflict, ambiguity, or failure → what you learned)
• A collaboration example (cross-functional or stakeholder-heavy)

Tip: If you tend to over-explain, keep each story to 60–90 seconds and stop. Let them ask follow-ups.

3) Nail your first 30 seconds (2 minutes)

Your opener sets the tone. Prepare a short intro that answers:

• Who you are (current role/strength)
• What you’re known for (1–2 skills aligned to the role)
• Why this role/company (1 specific reason)

Example: “I’m a customer insights analyst focused on turning messy data into clear recommendations. In my current role I’ve improved reporting speed by 30% and partnered closely with product to prioritize experiments. I’m excited about this position because your team is expanding experimentation across the customer journey, and that’s where I do my best work.”

4) Quick virtual check: camera, lighting, pacing (1 minute)

Before you join:

• Put the camera at eye level (stack books if needed)
• Face a light source (window/lamp) so your face isn’t shadowed
• Do one slow exhale and speak your first sentence slightly slower than normal

That small pacing adjustment reads as confidence.

5) Ask questions that signal seniority (save for the end)

Instead of “What’s a typical day like?” try:

• “What would success look like in the first 60–90 days?”
• “What are the biggest challenges the person in this role will inherit?”
• “How do you measure impact for this team?”

These questions prompt specific, useful answers—and help you evaluate fit.

If you had only 10 minutes to prepare before an interview, which part of this routine would you prioritize—and what prep habit has made the biggest difference for you?