Richard McMunn’s 29
Interview Questions & Answers!
(Pass YOUR Interview at the FIRST Attempt!)

Start With a Clear Picture of the Role

Before you practice answers, make sure you actually understand what success looks like in the role.

• Print or copy the job description and highlight repeated skills or responsibilities.
• Group these into 3–5 themes (e.g. stakeholder management, data skills, project delivery).
• For each theme, note one example from your experience that shows you can do it well.

This gives you a simple “map” for the interview so your answers feel focused and relevant instead of random.

Pro Tip: If anything in the job description is unclear, write it down and turn it into a smart question to ask at the end.

Align Your CV/Resume and Portfolio With the Job

Most interviewers will have your CV/Resume in front of them. Make it incredibly easy for them to connect your experience to their needs.

Review your CV/Resume line by line and ask: “If I were the hiring manager, what would I ask about this bullet?” Prepare brief explanations and results for each key point.

• Update wording on your CV/Resume (if possible before future interviews) to mirror the language in the posting.
• Place the most relevant projects or achievements near the top of your CV/Resume or portfolio.
• Have a quick one-sentence summary ready for each role you’ve held.

An interviewer should be able to see, within seconds, that you’ve done similar work and delivered tangible outcomes.

Create a Small Library of Story Examples

Instead of trying to invent responses in the moment, build a “story bank” in advance that you can reuse for different questions.

Pick 6–8 moments from your career where you:

• Fixed a problem or improved a process.
• Worked with a difficult stakeholder or team situation.
• Delivered results under pressure or tight deadlines.
• Took initiative or went beyond your job description.

Outline each story using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and keep them short — 60–90 seconds each is ideal.

Pro Tip: Record yourself on your phone answering two or three questions. Watching it back once will instantly show you what to tweak.

Prepare Questions That Show You Think Like a Colleague

“Do you have any questions for us?” is not a polite formality — it’s part of the assessment.

• Ask about the first priorities in the role over the next 3–6 months.
• Ask how success will be measured in the first year.
• Ask what the team is working hard to improve right now.

Good questions show you’re curious, serious about contribution, and thinking beyond just getting hired.

Pro Tip: Avoid questions you could answer with a quick Google search (salary bands, office location, basic company info) — save the time for higher-value topics.

Design a Simple Pre-Interview Routine

Nerves are normal. What matters is having a routine that keeps them in check so you can think clearly.

• Plan your outfit, route, or video setup the day before — not on the morning of the interview.
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early (or log in early for online interviews) to settle, breathe, and review your notes.
• Have a short “confidence script” ready, e.g. three reasons you’re a strong fit for the role.
• Bring a notepad so you can jot down key points and questions instead of trying to remember everything.

A predictable routine reduces anxiety and helps you show up as the most prepared version of yourself.