Interviews can feel unpredictable—but your preparation doesn’t have to. When you only have a limited window (or you want a repeatable routine), a 10-minute prep sprint can help you show up clear, confident, and memorable.

Why a “prep sprint” works

A short, structured routine reduces overthinking and focuses on the few things that consistently move the needle:

• Clarity on what they need
• Proof you can deliver
• Presence in how you communicate

The 10-minute sprint (do this right before your interview)

1) 2 minutes: Re-anchor to the role

Skim the job description and pick three keywords you want to be known for (e.g., “stakeholder management,” “data-driven,” “customer empathy”).

Action: Write a one-line statement you’ll aim to demonstrate:

• “I’m a data-driven marketer who improves conversion through testing and clear storytelling.”

2) 3 minutes: Pick your “Top 3 Proof Stories”

Choose three concise STAR stories that map to the role’s needs:

• Impact story: biggest measurable win
• Collaboration story: how you worked across teams
• Challenge story: when something went wrong and what you did

Quick tip: Add one metric to each story (time saved, revenue, NPS, cost reduction, error rate).

3) 2 minutes: Prepare your 60-second “Walk me through your background”

Keep it simple:

• Present: what you do now and your scope
• Past: 1–2 relevant highlights
• Future: why this role and what you’ll bring

Avoid: a full resume recap. Aim for a confident, role-aligned narrative.

4) 2 minutes: Make your questions smarter (and more strategic)

Instead of generic questions, ask ones that reveal priorities and show how you think:

• “What does success look like in the first 60–90 days?”
• “What are the biggest obstacles the team is facing right now?”
• “How do you measure performance for this role?”

5) 1 minute: Presence check (especially for virtual interviews)

• Camera at eye level; shoulders relaxed
• Slow down your first 2–3 answers
• Keep a sticky note: “Pause. Breathe. Answer.”

Common mistakes this sprint prevents

• Rambling answers without a clear point
• Forgetting metrics and outcomes
• Asking safe questions that don’t differentiate you
• Starting tense and rushing through early responses

If you try this, you’ll walk in with a message, evidence, and intent—which is what great interviews reward.

What’s your go-to last-minute prep move before an interview, and what part of this sprint would you tweak for your industry or role?