Landing a strong interview performance doesn’t always require hours of prep—a focused 15-minute routine can dramatically improve clarity, confidence, and how you show up on screen (or on the phone). Here’s a quick, repeatable framework you can use before any interview.

1) Re-anchor your story (3 minutes)

Your goal: answer “Tell me about yourself” without rambling.

• Write a one-sentence headline: “I’m a [role] who helps [team/customer] achieve [result].”
• Pick 3 proof points (projects, metrics, wins) that support that headline.
• End with why this role/company in one sentence.

Tip: If you can’t say it clearly in 30 seconds, it’s not ready yet.

2) Prep 2 STAR stories + 1 “failure” story (6 minutes)

Most interviews circle the same themes. Instead of trying to prep 20 stories, choose three versatile ones.

• STAR Story #1 (Impact): a time you delivered a measurable result.
• STAR Story #2 (Collaboration): conflict, alignment, or cross-functional work.
• Failure/Learning Story: something that didn’t go well and how you improved.

Use this quick structure:

• Situation/Task: 1–2 sentences (keep it tight)
• Action: what you did (specific decisions)
• Result: metrics, outcomes, or lessons

Power move: Include a “what I’d do differently now” line—it signals maturity.

3) Upgrade your presence (4 minutes)

Small adjustments can change first impressions instantly.

For virtual interviews

• Camera at eye level; look at the lens when making key points.
• Reduce visual noise behind you; choose a clean background.
• Keep notes to 3 bullets max so you don’t sound scripted.

For phone interviews

• Stand up for energy and breath support.
• Smile while speaking (it genuinely improves tone).
• Keep a notepad with company name + role + 2 priorities visible.

4) Ask better questions (2 minutes)

Strong candidates ask questions that reveal how they think.

Try one from each category:

• Success metrics: “What would great performance look like in the first 60–90 days?”
• Team dynamics: “How does the team make decisions when priorities compete?”
• Role clarity: “What are the biggest challenges you want this person to solve?”

Quick reminder: preparation is also recovery

If you feel anxious, do a 30-second reset: inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds, repeat three times. It steadies your pace and lowers vocal tension.

What part of interviewing is hardest for you right now—telling your story, handling behavioral questions, or asking strong questions—and what have you tried so far?