Topic Hub
Interview Preparation Guide
How to walk into interviews knowing exactly what to say.
When to use this
Do this first if:
- You're landing interviews but not converting them to offers
- You feel unprepared or anxious going into interviews
- You struggle to articulate your experience clearly under pressure
Skip this if:
- You're not getting interviews yet (focus on resume first)
- You're consistently converting interviews to offers
- You're in the offer stage (focus on negotiation instead)
Interview Prep Checklist
What to prepare before any interview
Prepare 6-8 STAR examples covering leadership, conflict, failure, collaboration, and wins.
Know their products, recent news, challenges, and who you're meeting with.
Review the job description and prepare examples that address their priorities.
Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions that show you've done your homework.
Confirm time, format (video/phone/onsite), and who you're speaking with.
Example
I worked on the checkout project and helped improve conversion.
I identified that our checkout flow had a 40% cart abandonment rate on mobile. I proposed a redesign, led a cross-functional team through a 6-week sprint, and we increased conversion by 22%—about $4M in annual revenue.
The 'after' version follows STAR structure and quantifies impact—this is what interviewers remember.
Evidence
Higher offer rate with structured interview preparation
Askia client dataNumber of stories needed to handle most behavioral interview questions
Interview coaching researchOf prepared candidates advance past phone screens
Askia client dataFrequently asked questions
How many stories do I need for behavioral interviews?
6-8 strong stories that can flex across different question types. Quality matters more than quantity.
How do I prepare for system design interviews?
Practice articulating trade-offs, draw from real systems you've built, and focus on 'why' over 'what'.
What if I don't have a perfect STAR example?
Partial examples work. Be honest about outcomes and emphasize what you learned or would do differently.
How do I handle 'tell me about yourself'?
Give a 60-90 second summary: where you are, how you got here, and what you're looking for. End with why this role.
Should I ask about compensation in the first interview?
Usually wait until they bring it up or until later stages. Focus on fit and interest in early rounds.
How do I follow up after an interview?
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Reference specific topics discussed and reiterate your interest.
Want interview coaching?
Book a strategy call and get personalized mock interviews and feedback.
