How to show impact, ask better questions and negotiate with confidence
Interview success is mostly preparation
Most candidates overthink confidence. Hiring managers want evidence and clarity. This playbook is built for real interviews in 2026.
Save it and use it every time.
Part 1. Your two minute intro
Your intro should answer three things.
- What you do
- What you are known for
- What you want next
Example structure.
I work in customer service operations.
I am known for lifting quality while keeping pace.
I am looking for a role where I can own process and coach a team.
Simple. Clear. Easy to remember.
Part 2. The best way to answer questions
Use a clean structure.
- Context
- Action
- Result
- Learning
Keep it tight. Avoid long scene setting.
Part 3. The questions you should ask them
Strong candidates ask questions that reveal reality.
Ask one from each group.
Scope and success
What does success look like in the first 90 days
What is the biggest problem you need this role to solve
Team and leadership
How do you give feedback
How do decisions get made day to day
Workload and priorities
What work is on the edge right now
What will this role stop doing if priorities change
Growth
What does progression look like here
What skills will matter most this year
Part 4. Red flags to watch for
Some red flags are subtle.
- They cannot describe the outcome of the role
- Stakeholders disagree on what the role owns
- The process is slow with no updates
- Feedback is vague
- The salary band changes late
One red flag does not mean no. Two or three should make you pause.
Part 5. Negotiation in 2026
Negotiation works when you are calm and specific.
Do this first.
Ask for the full package details.
- Base salary
- Super
- Bonus or commission
- Benefits
- Flexibility
- Start date
Then anchor on value. Not need. Use language like this.
- Based on the scope we discussed and the outcomes you need
- I am looking for X to Y.
- I can start on date.
- I am confident
- I can deliver the first 90 day outcomes.
If you need flexibility, ask clearly.
One ask at a time.
Part 6. How to accept an offer well
Acceptance is part of your brand.
- Confirm the offer in writing
- Ask for the contract timeline
- Confirm start date and onboarding plan
- Thank the hiring manager directly
Then resign with respect. Keep it clean. Keep it short.
If you want an outside view, Elements is here.
Send your CV and a short note on what you want next.
How do I prepare for an interview fast
Build a story bank of 6 to 8 examples that prove impact. Write a two minute intro that links your background to this role. Practise out loud until it sounds natural.
What questions should I ask in an interview
Ask what success looks like in the first 30, 60 and 90 days. Ask how decisions get made and what blocks progress today. Ask what the workload actually looks like week to week.
How do I negotiate salary in 2026
Ask for the full package including base, bonus, super and flexibility. Anchor to the value you will deliver and the scope you will own. Then ask what it would take to reach the top of their range.
What are interview red flags
They cannot explain ownership, outcomes or who you report to. The process drags with no clear next step. Salary shifts late or keeps changing after you have progressed.
Like what you’re reading? Share It
