Job interviews can be overwhelming, stressful, and even frustrating – especially if you’re not prepared. I know, “be prepared” sounds the most cliché advice, but it’s actually the biggest factor in whether you’ll ace the job interview or not.
Here’s the thing: most candidates assume they can recall their achievements and experiences on the spot, but when the pressure is on, their minds go blank.
So, instead of “just winging it,” there’s a simple yet powerful technique that can dramatically improve your interview performance: creating a job description matrix. This method ensures you have clear, impactful examples ready for every question, making you stand out as a prepared and confident candidate.
What is a Job Description Matrix?
A job description matrix is a structured way to map your experience to the job you’re applying for, helping you align your qualifications with the employer’s needs. Here’s how to create one:
- Open a Google Doc or Word document
- Create a 2-column table
- Paste the job description’s responsibilities into the left column
- Match each responsibility with a relevant example from your experience in the right column
And here’s an example of a job description matrix tailored for a project manager role:
This simple exercise forces you to prepare clear, relevant responses that align perfectly with what the employer is looking for. And, as a pro tip: always, always save a copy of the job description! Many companies remove listings after closing applications, and you’ll need the details for interviews and negotiations.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can bring your matrix to the interview. Make sure it is accurate, polished, and professional-looking. Here’s how you can introduce it to the hiring manager:
“I know interviews are about making sure you find the right person for this role. So, I took time to map out how my experience aligns with each of the key responsibilities in the job description. I even outlined results for each, so I can give you the best possible examples today.”
This NOT only showcases organization and preparedness, but also helps reduce your nerves by giving you a reference during the conversation.
I know this is such a stretch from your usual job interview advices, but this method works because it:
- Eliminates guesswork. No more struggling to recall your experiences under pressure
- Builds confidence and directly impacts how prepared and assured you appear
- Makes you memorable. I can’t express how much hiring managers appreciate candidates who take interviews seriously
- Helps with negotiations. Having job responsibilities documented makes it easier to discuss salary and role expectations later
Fun fact: Someone once used this strategy to land a job at Amazon. The hiring team loved how prepared he was, and it made a lasting impression.
Bonus Tip: Structure Your Answers Using the SAR Method
You’ve probably heard some advice to use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) in interviews, and you know how awkward and robotic this can sound. So here’s another important tip that can help you ace your interview: drop the T (task) and use SAR instead.
SAR:
Situation – What was happening?
Action – What did you do?
Result – What was the outcome?
It’s shorter, cleaner, and makes your answers flow naturally. Here’s an example, let’s say the job description says, “Meet weekly KPIs for cold outreach via phone, email, and LinkedIn.” If you’ve never been in sales, don’t panic. You probably have experience that still applies.
SAR Response: “In my last role as an event planner, I needed to secure 15 sponsors in 3 months. I built a structured outreach plan, tested different messaging styles, and tracked which approach worked best. By the deadline, I secured 18 sponsors – boosting our event budget by 30%.”
This answer does 3 things:
- It shows you understand outreach and results
- Demonstrates your ability to strategize and adapt
- Keeps it short, impactful, and easy to follow
Make your answers visual. People remember stories, not facts.
If you’re tired of walking into interviews unprepared, nervous, and unsure of what to say, you can book a FREE career strategy call with us this week so we can map out a game plan tailored to your job search. Schedule your free call here.
