Interviews don’t always fail because we “didn’t know enough.” More often, they fall apart because our answers aren’t clear, structured, and confident under pressure. If you have limited time, try this focused 30-minute routine before your next interview—virtual or in-person.

1) Minute 0–5: Lock in the role’s “must-haves”

Read the job description once, then pull out:

• Top 3 skills (e.g., stakeholder management, SQL, customer empathy)
• Top 2 outcomes (what success looks like in 90 days)
• Top 1 theme (speed, accuracy, innovation, cost reduction, etc.)

Tip: Turn each into a short phrase you can repeat naturally (e.g., “I’m strong in cross-functional communication and shipping iteratively.”). This becomes your anchor when nerves kick in.

2) Minute 5–15: Build 3 STAR stories (and tighten them)

Pick three stories that can flex across multiple questions:

• A win (measurable results)
• A challenge/conflict (how you handled people + pressure)
• A mistake/learning moment (growth + accountability)

Use a STAR structure, but keep it tight:

• S/T (10–15 seconds): Set context quickly.
• A (30–45 seconds): Focus on your decisions.
• R (10–15 seconds): End with metrics or impact.

Upgrade: Add a one-line “so what” that connects to the role: “That’s why I’m comfortable owning ambiguity and aligning stakeholders.”

3) Minute 15–22: Practice answers out loud (not in your head)

Choose two common questions and record a quick take:

• “Tell me about yourself” (present → past → why this role)
• “Why this company?” (mission/product → your skills → specific contribution)

Then listen once and ask:

• Did I ramble, or did I land a point?
• Did I use numbers and outcomes?
• Did I sound like I actually want this job?

4) Minute 22–27: Prepare 4 questions that signal seniority

Avoid generic questions you could Google. Try:

• “What does success look like in the first 60–90 days?”
• “What are the biggest challenges the team is facing right now?”
• “How do decisions get made across stakeholders?”
• “What would make you confident I’m the right hire?”

5) Minute 27–30: Set your closing + follow-up plan

Write a 2-sentence close you can reuse:

• Summary: “Based on what we discussed, I can help with X and Y.”
• Confidence line: “I’d love the chance to contribute—what are the next steps?”

After the interview, send a same-day thank-you note referencing one specific topic you discussed.

If you had only 30 minutes to prep, which part of this routine would help you most—and what do you currently spend too much time on?