Last minute interview prep (how to do it in under 10 minutes)

On Today’s Launch

Free Edition: Last minute interview prep - 3 quick tips

Plus: Last minute interview prep - 8 words to describe yourself (and why), and 3 questions to ask your interviewer to signal interest and awareness

Subscriber Question: Is LinkedIn just a copy-paste of your resume?

About the Author

I’m James, Cofounder of Final Draft Resumes. I’ve been in the career consulting space for 13 years, and before that, I was a recruiter for AECOM.

I’ve helped thousands of job seekers, from industries like software engineering, IT, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and more generate job opportunities through well-written resumes that translate unique backgrounds into coherent narratives.

If you’re struggling with your resume for whatever reason, reach out - I just might be able to help!

If you’re more of a DIY person, then check out Resumatic, my free-to-try resume builder.

8 Words to use when describing yourself

It’s essential to SELL yourself in the interview. If you don’t, someone else will, and they’ll probably get the job.

Remember that the interviewer doesn’t know you, hasn’t worked with you, and isn’t aware of your capabilities. Don’t assume that just by telling them who you are and what you do, that they’ll be wowed.

You need to communicate your past achievements – by doing so, you’re indirectly implying that you will replicate your past successes if they hire you – a big return on investment for the employer.

To do this, use these 8 words and phrases to convey IMPACT.

A word of caution: These terms are great when used in an interview setting, where you’d typically have the time to back them up with examples (after all, anybody can say they’re “results-oriented”).

Your resume is a different story. I DO NOT recommend using these terms on your resume because you’re often dealing with spacing limitations and don’t have the room for in-depth explanation. Instead, let your content speak for itself [link to example of how to write good bullet points] and [common resume mistakes]

Commercially driven

This implies that you know in order for the business to succeed, you need to succeed at YOUR JOB. For example, in my previous role at XYZ Corp, I implemented a new sales strategy that increased quarterly revenue by 15%, directly impacting the company’s bottom line.

Results-oriented

This means you’re driven by results. For instance, at ABC Inc., I led a project that reduced operational costs by 20% within six months, demonstrating my commitment to achieving tangible outcomes.

Self-disciplined

This means that you don’t need a babysitter to get work done. For example, while working at DEF Ltd., I independently managed a critical project with tight deadlines, successfully delivering it on time and under budget without the need for constant supervision.

Energetic

This means you’re passionate about the work you do. Bonus points if you can share specific examples of how your energy and enthusiasm have positively impacted your previous roles or projects. For instance, in my last job, I spearheaded an employee wellness initiative that boosted overall team morale and productivity by 25%.

Completionist

This means that you always finish your work, projects, and tasks to standard, ensuring that nothing is left incomplete or below expectations. It highlights your reliability and dedication to delivering high-quality results consistently. For example, I completed a complex data migration project ahead of schedule, ensuring zero data loss and minimal downtime for the company.

Problem-solver

You take ownership of tough challenges instead of relaying them back to your manager, which shows your initiative and ability to handle pressure independently. For instance, when a key supplier failed to deliver, I identified alternative suppliers and renegotiated contracts, ensuring that production continued without interruption.

Collaborator

You can fit in seamlessly into a team and work towards achieving a common goal. Bonus points here if you provide an example of how you did this in the past. For example, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch a new product line, which resulted in a 30% increase in market share within the first quarter.

Industrious

This one implies you’re hard working and determined, showing that you have a strong work ethic and are committed to putting in the effort required to achieve success and meet company goals. For example, I regularly volunteered for additional projects and responsibilities, which led to a promotion within my first year at the company.

I mentioned that with each of these words, you have the opportunity of packing an extra punch by giving examples. STAR is a great formula to use when trying to reinforce your value through past achievements.

• Situation – establish what was happening at the time (strategic and business context, complexity, success criteria)

• Tasks – explain what you were responsible for in the situation (not just your job title)

• Action – what you did to solve the problem and deliver outcomes in the situation

• Result – the impact from a short term, long term, and strategic perspective (use numbers)

3 Questions to ask at the end of the interview

Interest is something that recruiters and hiring managers love. They want people that WANT to work for the company. Passion for the job translates directly into SUCCESS on the job.

A great way to show them how interested you are is by asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview. Remember, if you don’t ask, they’ll probably think you don’t care enough about the job/company. Fine if you’re the only applicant, but not so much when you have 100 others vying for the opportunity.

So without further ado, here are three questions to ask that’ll show the HM just how interested you are.

Number 1: What’s the one thing I can do in this role that can help your business succeed?

This demonstrates your genuine interest in contributing to the company's success. It shows that you’re already thinking about how you can make a meaningful impact in your role. For example, you could follow up with, "In my previous role, I implemented a new customer feedback system that increased client satisfaction by 20%. I'm curious to know if there are similar opportunities here where I can bring immediate value."

Number 2: Can you tell me more about the team I’d be a part of in this role?

This provides insight into the work environment and team dynamics. Understanding the team structure, roles, and culture can help the candidate assess if you’ll fit well within the team. You might add, "In my last job, I was part of a cross-functional team that successfully launched a new product line. I’d love to know how this team collaborates and what kind of projects I might be involved in."

Number 3: What advice could you give to the successful candidate that wants to excel in this role?

This provides valuable insights into the expectations and success criteria for the position. It’ll allow you to understand what qualities, behaviors, and skills are valued by the employer, which can help you tailor your approach to better align with the company's goals. You could say, "I always strive to exceed expectations. In my previous position, my manager advised me to focus on developing customer relationships, which significantly boosted our sales. I’d appreciate any specific advice you have for excelling in this role."

Subscriber Question

Question: With all of the fuss about LinkedIn, I’m wondering how to write up my LinkedIn profile. Can I just copy and paste what’s already on my resume?

While it might seem tempting to just copy and paste your resume into your LinkedIn profile, there’s a bit more to it. Think of LinkedIn as your ad page—it’s your chance to bring people in, and get them interested enough to ask for a resume.

And unlike a resume, LinkedIn is a bit more personal and conversational. Use first-person language and share a bit more of your personality. Your LinkedIn summary should be more than a career overview. Tell your story—what drives you, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you unique.