Interview Readiness for Better Outcomes: Before, During, and After Webinar

21 April 2026

A Career HQ presentation

Description

Interviewing is tough, and preparation is non-negotiable. Global competition, longer hiring timelines, and changing employer priorities mean that even highly qualified professionals can be overlooked, delayed in hiring, or ghosted despite strong interview performance.

Designed for security professionals at all career stages, this session breaks the interview process into the before, during, and after phases, illustrating how preparation influences employer decisions, drives stronger interview outcomes, and shapes post-interview momentum.

Participants will learn how the strength of their career marketing portfolio affects interviews, how different interview formats require different preparation strategies, how to answer and ask questions with business awareness, and how to protect momentum after interviews, including navigating follow-up and offer conversations. The session emphasizes practical, proven strategies and actions that reduce risk, increase confidence, and support stronger career management decisions in today's market.

Learning Objectives 

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Assess the strength of their career marketing portfolio in relation to interviews and employer risk perception.
• Recognize how deeper research and business fluency can influence target company selection and interview outcomes.
• Adjust interview preparation strategies based on interview type, format, and role level.
• Apply structured techniques for introductions, responses, and candidate questions that demonstrate business insight.
• Use effective post-interview practices to maintain momentum, manage follow-up, and prepare for offer discussions.

Presenter* 

Ellen Steverson 
President | StartingBlock Career Services, LLC

Ellen Steverson is the President of StartingBlock Career Services, LLC, a career management firm she founded in 2011. She works with professionals, organizations, and universities across the U.S. and internationally to design and deliver career programs, training, and facilitated workshops that support career decision-making, advancement, and strategic pivots.

With experience spanning career management, employability programs, and recruitment, Ellen takes a candid, action-oriented approach to career management, translating why employers hire, promote, and evaluate talent into strategies professionals can apply immediately. Her work focuses on career marketing portfolios, interview readiness, career communications, networking strategy, business fluency, and long-term career management, supporting professionals across industries and role levels, including executive leadership.

Ellen is the co-author of Working to Winning, a modern career management book with frameworks and tools for professionals to take charge of their careers long-term in a changing world, scheduled for release in April 2026. She is a frequent speaker and facilitator for professional associations and corporate audiences. Learn more at www.startingblockcs.com or connect with Ellen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellensteverson/

*Note: Speakers and content are subject to change without notice.

Topic: Professional Development

Credit Information: Completion of this webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.    

Translation Captioning Available: This webinar includes AI translation captioning in Arabic, French, and Spanish (Latin American). The translation captioning feature is available both during the live session and for the on-demand version. You may select your preferred language in the webinar session.