You've Got the Interview. Now Don't Blow It.

Brutus's no-BS interview prep checklist — five minutes, not a course.

Know the Room

  • The actual product or service — could you explain it to a stranger in one sentence?
  • Their most recent news (funding round, layoffs, a big launch) — silence on this is the #1 tell that you didn't bother.
  • Who's interviewing you — a manager cares about different things than a peer will.
  • Why this role exists right now — growth, replacement, new function. Ask if it's unclear.

The Questions You Will Get

  • "Tell me about yourself" — 60 seconds, role-relevant only, not your life story.
  • "Why this company / this role" — needs something specific to them, not generic flattery.
  • A real failure, with what changed after — not a humble-brag disguised as a weakness.
  • A project you're proud of, told as: situation → what you did → measurable result.

Questions Worth Asking Them

  • "What does success look like in this role at 90 days?"
  • "What's the biggest challenge facing the team right now?"
  • Skip "what's the culture like" — it signals you didn't think of anything sharper.

Day-Of Checklist

  • Resume copies if in-person, tested camera and mic if virtual.
  • Arrive or log on 5–10 minutes early — not 30.
  • One specific thing about the company ready to drop naturally into conversation.
  • Know exactly how to get there, or the call link, the night before — not the morning of.

"Preparation doesn't guarantee the offer. Walking in unprepared guarantees you won't get it. — Brutus"