Introduction

Interviews are HARD. Many people make a common mistake in interview preparation: they start with their stories rather than the job requirements. This can lead to:

This Role-First Interview framework helps you prepare strategically by:

  1. First analyzing what your target role requires
  2. Then selecting stories that demonstrate those specific competencies
  3. Finally structuring those stories for maximum impact

Think of this as your interview story curator - helping you select and refine your most compelling experiences into powerful interview responses.

<aside> 💡

This process will be a LOT easier if you are regularly the Momentum Tracker to your projects and achievements as they happen. Then use this framework to select and adapt the most relevant stories for your target roles.

</aside>

Part 1: Role Analysis

Step 1: Target Role Requirements

The key to successful interview preparation is understanding exactly what your interviewers are looking for. Carefully analyze job descriptions, company values, and industry requirements to identify must-have competencies. If you are targeting multiple roles, create a separate table for each role family.

Why This Matters: Many candidates focus on their most impressive accomplishments without considering whether they demonstrate the specific skills the role requires. By starting with role requirements, you ensure every story serves a strategic purpose.

Competency Area Required Skills Priority Level Evidence They’re Seeking
Instructions List key skills from the job description Mark as High/Medium/Low What would convince them you have this skill?
[Example] Technical skills *- Python development