The Interview Warm-Up: How to Get Back Into Game Shape After a Quiet Season
January often brings a surge of opportunity — but for many senior professionals, it also brings a dose of reality:
“I haven’t interviewed in a while… and I’m feeling rusty.”
You’re not alone. Whether you’ve been heads-down in your current role or passively open but not active, re-entering the interview process after a quiet Q4 can feel awkward — even intimidating.
But interviewing well is a skill. And like any skill, it comes back with a little warm-up.
If you want to show up sharp in Q1, here’s how to get back into game shape — fast.
1. Reframe Your Experience Around What Companies Care About in 2026
The tech hiring landscape has changed — again. Many companies are prioritizing:
- Cost control and ROI
- Cybersecurity and risk mitigation
- Process automation and modernization
- Lean, cross-functional leadership
Make sure you’re not just telling a story about what you did — but about the problems you solved.
✅ Update your examples with 2025 wins
✅ Highlight results, not responsibilities
✅ Use language that ties to business outcomes
Example shift:
From: “I managed a cloud migration project”
To: “I led a multi-phase Azure migration that cut infrastructure spend by 27% while improving uptime across four facilities”
That’s the kind of story that lands.
2. Watch for the Common Pitfalls That Trip Up Senior Candidates
If it’s been a while since your last interview, be aware of these patterns:
- Over-talking: You’ve done a lot — but don’t try to fit your entire career into one answer. Be concise and save details for follow-ups.
- Assuming relevance: Just because a project was complex doesn’t mean it’s relevant. Focus on what the interviewer needs to hear.
- Underselling leadership: If you’ve moved beyond hands-on work, clarify how you drive impact through others — and where you still roll up your sleeves.
- Not asking questions: Good interviews are two-way conversations. Asking sharp, thoughtful questions is a sign of strategic thinking.
The goal isn’t to recite a script. It’s to tell a confident, relevant story that invites dialogue.
3. Practice Your Pitch — Privately, Then Live
Yes, practice out loud. Even if it feels awkward.
🎯 Rehearse your “Tell me about yourself” in a clear, 90-second story
🎯 Prep 3–4 STAR examples that align with the role
🎯 Record yourself on video — and notice your pacing, energy, and tone
🎯 Ask a trusted peer or recruiter for feedback
Then: book a few conversations you don’t expect to turn into offers — just to build rhythm.
Low-pressure interviews are great practice for high-stakes ones.
4. Remember — Interviews Aren’t Just Evaluation. They’re Calibration.
Every conversation you have sharpens your story.
You’ll find out:
- What parts of your background resonate most
- Where your positioning might be unclear
- Which types of roles or teams energize you (or don’t)
Even if a role isn’t the right fit, the practice pays off — and the feedback helps refine your next move.
Final Thought: Show Up Ready, Even If You’re Not Actively Looking
In Q1, hiring teams are moving fast — and often prioritizing candidates who are prepared, not just available.
So if it’s been a minute since your last interview, don’t wing it.
Warm up now — so when the right role comes, you’re already in motion.
👋 Want help practicing your positioning or prepping for your next opportunity? I work with senior IT professionals who are navigating their next move in this evolving market. Let’s talk.
By Jessica Werlinger | Paradigm Group