Just realized my old way of prepping for interviews was all wrong

I used to spend hours memorizing answers to common questions, like a script. Last month, I had a call for a project manager role and the hiring manager asked me to describe a time I failed, right then and there. I froze. After that, I started just talking through my past projects out loud to myself for 15 minutes a day, no notes. It feels way more natural now. How do you guys get ready for the curveball questions?

3 comments

3 Comments

burns.anna1mo ago

Memorizing scripts was my go-to move too... right up until an interviewer asked me to explain a database join like I was talking to my grandma. I just stared at my own hands for a full ten seconds. Now I practice explaining my work to my cat. He looks pretty bored, but at least I don't completely short circuit anymore.

the_joel1mo ago

My version of that was trying to explain cloud storage to my mom. I told her it was like a magic closet for her computer. She asked if we needed to dust it. I had to take a long walk. The cat method sounds more reliable.

morganhill26d ago

Actually, explaining it to a pet is the real test. If you can keep their attention, you're golden.