A step-by-step guide to showing up prepared, grounded, and genuinely you

Let’s talk about interviews

Interviews can feel like high-stakes performances, but they don’t have to. At their best, they’re conversations: a chance to explore fit, share your story, and learn more about the people and purpose behind the opportunity.

This guide walks you through how to prepare with clarity and care. Whether you’ve got days or just a few hours, these steps will help you feel more grounded, more ready, and more yourself.

Understand the Role and the People

Start by getting curious. What’s this opportunity really about?

☑ Research the organisation or team:

• What do they value?
• What kind of work do they do, and how do they talk about it?
• Who might be interviewing you?

✍ Three things I’ve learned about this organisation that resonate with me are ____________________________, ____________________________, and ____________________________.

Know Your Own Story

You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to know your own.

☑ Reflect on:

• What experiences have shaped you?
• What values guide your decisions?
• What do you want the interviewer to understand about you?

✍ A story I want to share is about ____________________________
because it shows ____________________________.

Prepare for Common Questions

You don’t need a script, but a few thoughtful responses can go a long way.

☑ Try answering:

• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “Why are you interested in this role?”
• “What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you handle it?”

✍ One question I find tricky is ____________________________
and I’ll prepare by ____________________________.

Practice with a Friend (or Yourself)

Saying things out loud helps you find your rhythm and confidence.

☑ Try:

• Practicing with a friend or mentor
• Recording yourself and listening back
• Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for examples

✍ One thing I noticed when I practiced was ____________________________.

Plan the Practical Details

Reduce stress by sorting the logistics ahead of time.

☑ Check:

• Time, date, and format (in-person, phone, video)
• What you’ll wear (comfortable and appropriate)
• What you’ll bring (notes, questions, documents)

✍ To feel grounded on the day, I’ll ____________________________.

Prepare Questions to Ask Them

Interviews go both ways. Your questions show curiosity and care.

☑ Consider asking:

• What does a typical day look like?
• How does the team support learning and growth?
• What do you enjoy about working here?

✍ A question I genuinely want to ask is ____________________________.

Final Reflection: Reframing Success

What if success isn’t about being perfect, but about being present, prepared, and true to yourself?

Pop over to Gwenin for a selection of frameworks, or pop over to Spiralmore’s collections. You’re also welcome to explore our more relaxed corner: the informal blog.