Interviewing6 min read
The 24-Hour Interview Preparation Checklist
You can't fix a weak CV in 24 hours. You can absolutely transform an interview outcome. Here's the checklist that works.
T-24 hours: research
- Read the company's last two product launches or earnings calls.
- Find one recent piece of news (funding, hire, launch) and form an opinion on it.
- Read each interviewer's LinkedIn — note one shared interest or background overlap.
T-12 hours: stories
Prepare 5 STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) covering: a hard outcome you delivered, a conflict you resolved, a failure you learned from, a leadership moment, and a time you changed your mind based on data.
T-2 hours: logistics
- Test camera, mic, and link 30 minutes early.
- Have your CV, the job description, and your notes open in tabs.
- Prepare 3 thoughtful questions for the interviewer.
Frequently asked questions
- How early should I join a video interview?
- Join exactly on time. Joining 5+ minutes early can pull the interviewer in before they're ready.
- Should I take notes during the interview?
- Yes, briefly. It signals engagement. Tell the interviewer at the start so the typing isn't distracting.