Prepare Your Three Stories
Thirty-two easy ways to prepare your three stories, so you can answer almost any interview question with confidence.
Three good stories answer most questions. Prepare them once, use them often.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg), The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Prepare your three stories
Most interview questions can be answered with a small set of true stories. Prepare three: one about solving a problem, one about working with others and one about learning from a mistake. Each story needs a situation, your action and the result. The STAR method (situation, task, action, result) is a widely used structure.
Write three short stories from your work or life, each in four lines.
Story 1: a problem you solved
Pick something with a clear result.
Write it.
Story 2: a time you worked with others
Show teamwork.
Write it.
Story 3: a mistake you learned from
Show growth.
Write it.
Use the STAR frame
Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Label each part.
Keep each under two minutes
Time yourself.
Use a timer.
Include numbers
“Cut time by 20%.”
Add one.
Use "I" for your actions
And “we” for team.
Check.
End with the result
And what you learned.
Add it.
Be honest
Never invent.
Stay true.
Choose recent stories
Last few years.
Select.
Choose varied stories
Different skills.
Check.
Match to the job
Read the advert.
Underline skills.
Practise aloud
Not just in your head.
Say them.
Practise with a friend
Feedback.
Ask.
Write cue words
Not full scripts.
Make cards.
Adapt on the day
Fit the question.
Stay flexible.
Scene: "Tell me about a challenge"
Use story 1.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about teamwork"
Use story 2.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about a failure"
Use story 3.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about leadership"
Adapt story 2.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about a conflict"
Adapt story 2 or 3.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about pressure"
Adapt story 1.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about a time you were wrong"
Use story 3.
Rehearse.
Scene: "Tell me about a proud moment"
Use story 1.
Rehearse.
Scene: no work experience
Use study, volunteering, sport.
Choose.
Scene: a career change
Use transferable skills.
List.
Scene: a gap in your CV
Be calm and brief.
Prepare a line.
Scene: a panel interview
Look at each person.
Practise.
Scene: a video interview
Look at the camera.
Test it.
Calm your nerves
Breathe out slowly.
Practise.
Prepare questions for them
Show interest.
Write three.
Research the company
Read their site and news.
Spend 30 minutes.
Know the role
Re-read the job description.
Highlight.
Plan your outfit
Comfortable and tidy.
Lay it out.
Plan your route
Arrive early.
Check times.
Sleep well
The night before.
Go to bed early.
Be kind to yourself
Interviews are a skill.
Smile.
Be patient
It takes practice.
Keep going.
Close with readiness
Say, “I have stories to tell.”
Write it.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“Let me give you an example.”
“At my last job, we faced a tight deadline.”
“I made a plan and shared the work.”
“We finished on time and the client was happy.”
“It taught me to plan early.”
“That is how I like to work.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Pick three stories
Use the STAR steps
Add numbers
Keep each to two minutes
Practise aloud
Match to the job
Update often
Further reading
- Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg)
- The Confidence Code (Katty Kay and Claire Shipman)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Confidence at Work”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
Next: Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Well →
- Prepare Your Three Stories
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" Well
- Handle the Question You Fear
- Ask Great Questions Back
- Talk About Your Strengths Without Bragging
- Recover From a Bad Answer
- Follow Up With a Winning Note
- Speak in the First Ten Minutes
- Prepare One Point Before Every Meeting
- Disagree With a Colleague Kindly
- Handle Being Interrupted
- Share Credit and Claim Yours
- Speak Up in a Big Group
- Look Confident in Video Meetings
- Ask for Feedback Regularly
- Receive Criticism Without Crumbling
- Ask for a Raise With Evidence
- Share Ideas Without Fear
- Say No to Extra Work Politely
- Report Problems Early
- Show Your Value Every Month
- Introduce Yourself in a New Team
- Make Friends at Work
- Ask for Help Without Shame
- Handle a Difficult Colleague
- Stop Being the Office Pushover
- Celebrate Others and Be Celebrated
- Build Your Reputation Quietly
- Take on a Stretch Project
- Overcome Impostor Syndrome
- Lead Without a Title
- Give Your First Presentation
- Mentor Someone Newer
- Handle a Mistake at Work
- Set a Career Goal You Believe In
- Learn One New Skill Every Quarter
- Network Without Feeling Fake
- Say Yes to Opportunities That Scare You
- Protect Your Energy and Balance
- Your Confidence at Work Plan
