• I understand the business model (how they make money)
• I know the company's growth stage and current priorities
• I have identified 2-3 recent developments (funding, product launches, leadership changes, market moves)
• I understand the likely interview themes based on the role and company stage
• I can explain in one sentence why this company is worth betting on

Story Prep

• My "tell me about yourself" answer is ready and practised (60-90 seconds)
• I have 5-8 behavioural stories prepared using the STAR+ framework
• My stories cover: impact, conflict, challenge, ambiguity, leadership
• I have practised at least 3 stories out loud (not just in my head)
• Each story has a clear beginning, middle, and end (no rambling)
• I can deliver my best story in 90 seconds or less

Commercial Prep

• I can articulate why this company (not a generic answer)
• I can articulate why this role (specific to this opportunity)
• I have a clear, honest reason for moving
• I know my salary expectation range and walk-away number
• I know my notice period and earliest realistic start date
• I have thought through what I'd negotiate on besides salary (if needed)

Interviewer Prep

• I know the names and roles of my interviewers
• I have reviewed my interviewers' LinkedIn profiles or internal bios
• I have identified one specific thing about each interviewer's background I can reference
• I understand who makes the final decision (if known)

Practical Prep

• I have reviewed my CV and can speak to every line
• I have confirmed the call link / location / time (including timezone)
• I have tested my audio and video if it's a virtual interview
• I have a notes page or document ready for during the interview
• My environment is quiet, well-lit, and professional (if video)
• I have water within reach
• I have pen and paper within reach
• I know how I'll handle if I need a moment to think on a tough question

Question Prep

• I have prepared 2-3 thoughtful questions (not "what's the culture like?")
• My questions show I've researched the company and role
• My questions are conversational, not interrogative
• I know which question to ask if the interview is running short on time

Risk Mitigation

• I have identified the biggest potential concern about my candidacy
• I have a mitigation line prepared (clear, confident, brief)
• I will address this concern proactively if it doesn't come up naturally

Final Review — 15 Minutes Before the Call

Fill these in before you dial:

Top 3 messages I want to land in this interview:

1. ---

2. ---

3. ---

2-3 questions I plan to ask:

1. ---

2. ---

3. ---

Biggest risk in my profile for this role:

---

My mitigation line for that risk:

---

Interviewer(s) name and role:

---

One thing I want to remember about this interviewer's background:

---