Preparing for an interview, making a major job decision, or negotiating a salary can feel like walking through a minefield. But there’s a tool you probably haven’t considered for your professional career: the premortem.
I’ve written extensively about the premortem all over the internet. It’s included in nearly all of my LinkedIn Learning courses. I dedicate a section of my book to how I failed to turn the premortem into a technology platform. (I think that’s irony.) But if you’re new here, a premortem lets you think about everything that could go wrong before it happens. It’s a way to prevent those “I should’ve seen this coming” moments and be ready for anything.
Here’s how to use it to own these crucial career moments.
Interview Prep: Think of What Could Go Wrong—Then Fix It
Step one: Define the interview scenario. You need specifics. What’s the job? Who’s interviewing you? Is it virtual, in-person, or a panel? The more you know, the more you can control.
Now, imagine you bombed the interview. Don’t just picture it vaguely—get into the nitty-gritty. Did you stumble over basic questions? Were you unable to connect with the interviewers? Did you feel unprepared? Write down everything that could go wrong.
Next, ask yourself: What would’ve caused these failures? Maybe you didn’t research the company well enough. Maybe your nerves got the best of you. Or you didn’t give specific examples of your experience.
Now, look for warning signs. If you’re already nervous in mock interviews, that’s a red flag. If you don’t feel prepared when answering practice questions, it’s another.
Now for the solution: dive deeper into research, practice more, and prep your responses. Mock interviews, practicing with a friend, even recording yourself—it all helps. Plan for the little things, like what you’ll wear or testing your tech setup for a virtual call. Lastly, have strategies ready to deal with nerves—deep breathing, visualization, whatever works for you.
Finally, after doing all that heavy mental lifting, visualize success. Picture yourself walking away from the interview, knowing you crushed it.
Using a Premortem to Evaluate a Job Opportunity
If you’re weighing a new job, a premortem can help you avoid that “Why did I ever say yes?” regret.
Start by clarifying the offer. Write down your role, responsibilities, culture fit, and potential career path—every detail matters.
Now, fast forward a year. Imagine the job is a disaster. What went wrong? Maybe the culture was toxic, or the role wasn’t what you expected. Write down every reason this job could end up sucking.
Then, look for signs you could have spotted early. Maybe the team seemed disengaged during the interview, or maybe the job description was vague. These little red flags can save you a lot of pain.
Once you’ve listed your nightmare scenario, it’s time to plan. How can you avoid these issues? You could ask more pointed questions in the interview, reach out to current employees, or negotiate more straightforward job responsibilities.
After that, weigh the pros and cons. Look at each possible problem and solution, then decide if it’s worth taking the risk.
Lastly, don’t stop once you’ve accepted the job. Keep the premortem in mind and check in with yourself as time passes. If you spot any early issues, tackle them head-on before they become full-blown disasters.
Salary Negotiation: Get Ready to Fight for Your Worth
Salary negotiations can be stressful, but a premortem helps prevent surprises. Here’s how to use it to prepare.
Start by defining the scenario. What’s your target salary? What’s the industry standard? What benefits do you want to negotiate? Be specific.
Now, imagine the negotiation goes sideways. You didn’t get the salary bump you wanted, or worse, you felt pushed into accepting a number you’re unhappy with.
Why did it go wrong? Maybe you didn’t do enough research on the company’s budget. Maybe you didn’t clearly explain your value. Or perhaps you weren’t flexible enough in your asks.
Look for warning signs. If the recruiter dodges questions about salary, that could signal trouble ahead. Or if you’ve felt uncertain about your value going in, that’s another problem.
Now, create your strategy. Research salary benchmarks thoroughly. Prepare to explain precisely why you’re worth the number you’re asking for. If salary becomes a sticking point, be ready to negotiate other perks like bonuses, remote work, or more PTO.
Finally, have a backup plan. What will you do if things don’t go as planned? Decide in advance how much you’re willing to compromise or whether you’d walk away from the offer.
After the negotiation, review how it went. Did you get what you wanted? Did your preparation pay off? This reflection will only make you better in the future.
Final Thoughts
A premortem helps you anticipate failure and gives you the tools to succeed. Whether preparing for an interview, making a job decision, or negotiating salary, this approach forces you to think critically and prevent problems before they derail your career moves. Be prepared, be strategic, and most importantly, be ready to crush it.