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◦ Playbook / Interview Phase 03 of 05
Phase 03

Interview

The pipeline begins. Expect loops: rejections here are normal and feed straight back into applying. Structure your answers, prep every round.

◦ Why it matters

This is where most searches spend the most time and take the most hits. Treat each round as reusable prep, not a one-off.

Stages

3 in this phase
05

Recruiter Screen

Phone / HR call, fit check
  • Have a 60-second story: who you are, why you left, what you want next.
  • Say why you left plainly and without bitterness. Rambling reads as a red flag.
  • Ask about the process, timeline, and range up front so nothing surprises you.

WatchTighten your exit story to two clean sentences. This is the moment it's tested.

06

Interview Rounds

Technical, behavioral, onsite
  • Answer behavioral questions with STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
  • For live coding, narrate out loud. Structure and clarity beat raw speed.
  • Research each interviewer and the real stack before you walk in.

WatchRejections loop back to applying, so keep the top of the funnel full while you interview.

07

Assessment / Case

Take-home, references
  • Scope a take-home to the time given. A finished small thing beats a half-built big one.
  • Send a short thank-you / follow-up note after each round.
  • Bridge their problem to something you've actually shipped before.

WatchKeep a prep sheet per company: what they asked, what you fumbled, say it better next time.