After every interview, whether it went great or felt like a trainwreck, I write down exactly what they asked me. It’s now one of the most powerful tools I use to reflect, prepare, and grow—both professionally and personally.
Instead of trying to remember questions later (which I always got wrong), I started jotting them down the minute the call ended. Over time, I built a personal database of real, repeated interview questions—plus a record of how I responded and how I could improve. This tiny habit has helped me become a better communicator, spot trends in industries, and walk into each next interview feeling prepared and calm.
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If you’ve never done this before, you’re in for a mindset shift. Let’s dive into why it works, how I do it, and how you can start today—even if you’re not a “note-taking” type of person. 📝
🎤 Why I Started Writing Down Interview Questions
At first, I didn’t think twice about interviews once they were over. I’d walk away relieved—or frustrated—and then just move on. But over time, I realized I was forgetting valuable information: the actual questions they asked me. These questions weren’t random—they reflected what companies really care about. And yet, I wasn’t capturing any of it.
So I started writing them down. Right after the call, while everything was still fresh, I’d open up a simple note and list each question they asked. I also noted how I answered, how confident I felt, and what I wish I had said instead. It didn’t take long before I noticed a major shift in how I prepared.
The next time I had an interview, I opened my notes and instantly saw real examples of what interviewers actually asked—not what I assumed they might. I wasn’t just preparing in theory anymore—I was preparing based on *reality*. It gave me a huge advantage and reduced my anxiety by half.
After a few months, I started seeing patterns. The same types of questions came up across companies—things like “Tell me about a challenge you faced,” or “What’s your approach to learning something new?” I realized I could actually *practice* for these patterns with thoughtful, improved answers based on real feedback.
📚 What I Capture Right After Every Interview
| Element | Why I Write It Down | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Question | To build a bank of real examples | “Tell me about a time you disagreed with a teammate.” |
| My Answer | To assess my clarity and confidence | “I mentioned a group project in college but rambled a bit.” |
| Confidence Level | To rate how prepared I felt | 3/5 |
| What I’d Say Next Time | To create a better answer for next time | “Use STAR method and add clearer result.” |
Since I started this habit, I walk into every interview with way more confidence. I don’t have to guess what might come up—I know what has already been asked, and I’m ready to answer it better than before. That’s the power of writing it down.
✨ Benefits of Documenting What They Asked
I didn’t expect something as simple as writing down interview questions to have such a big impact—but it did. This habit completely changed the way I prepare, reflect, and grow after every interview. Instead of treating interviews as isolated events, I now treat them like real-time feedback sessions.
One of the biggest benefits is **pattern recognition**. After writing down 10–15 interviews, I began to notice themes: the same behavioral questions, the same coding challenges, even the same phrasing. That helped me build smarter answers and focus on *relevant* preparation instead of guessing.
It also helps with **confidence**. Before interviews, I can scan my past notes to remind myself: “Hey, I’ve seen this before—I know what they might ask.” That mental preparation goes a long way in reducing nerves and building clarity in real-time.
Another benefit is that it creates a **record of progress**. Looking back at older entries, I can see how much better my answers have become. My early entries were scattered or vague—now, I’m more structured and intentional. It’s proof that I’m improving, even when results feel slow.
🌟 Key Benefits of Logging Interview Questions
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Recognizing Patterns | Helps predict and prepare for recurring questions |
| Building Confidence | Reduces anxiety and second-guessing during interviews |
| Tracking Progress | Shows improvement over time in structure and clarity |
| Improving Communication | Reveals weak spots in how you explain yourself |
| Creating a Study Resource | Acts as a personalized prep guide for future interviews |
I’ve found that writing things down helps me process and grow in ways I didn’t expect. I now look forward to interviews—not because I love being grilled, but because I know each one will teach me something new. And I’ve built a system that captures those lessons, not loses them. 📘
🛠️ How I Log Questions After an Interview
Right after an interview, while the details are still fresh, I take 10–15 minutes to write everything down. I don’t worry about making it pretty or formal—I just get it all out before I forget. This raw version becomes the foundation for deeper reflection later.
I use Notion as my go-to tool, but you can use anything—a Google Doc, a spreadsheet, even a notebook. The key is to create a structure that you can repeat every time, so you’re not starting from scratch. My template makes it easy to plug and play after each interview.
Each entry includes the date, company name, role, type of interview (e.g., behavioral, technical, portfolio review), and the questions they asked. Then I add how I answered, how I felt, and what I’d do differently. These notes become my learning guide.
Sometimes I even rate myself on a scale of 1–5 for confidence and clarity. This helps me be honest about how I performed without being too self-critical. After a few entries, I can spot whether I'm improving or hitting the same roadblocks repeatedly.
📝 Interview Log Template I Use
| Field | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Track progress over time | 2025-09-20 |
| Company & Role | Contextual info for each session | Acme Inc. – Product Designer |
| Type of Interview | Behavioral, technical, etc. | Behavioral (Zoom, 45 min) |
| Questions Asked | Document each question in full | “Tell me about a time you took initiative.” |
| My Answers | Capture your response honestly | Gave a messy story with no real result |
| Self-Assessment | Score your clarity and comfort | Clarity: 2/5, Comfort: 4/5 |
| Improvements | Write what to do better next time | Use the STAR method next time |
This template takes just a few minutes to fill out, and it gives me a permanent learning record. Instead of repeating the same mistakes in future interviews, I walk in knowing exactly where I’ve improved—and what I still need to work on. 💼
🗂️ Formats I Use: Digital vs Paper
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to logging interview questions. I’ve tried different formats over time, and each has its pros and cons. What matters most is choosing the one you’ll *actually* use consistently. For me, it comes down to digital tools for flexibility and searchability—and paper when I want focus without distractions.
When I started out, I used a paper notebook. It felt natural and low-pressure. I didn’t overthink formatting—I just scribbled what I remembered right after each interview. It worked well for building the habit, but searching through handwritten pages quickly became frustrating.
Eventually, I moved to Notion. It let me tag entries, sort by company, and even track progress. Now I can search by keyword—like “system design” or “STAR method”—and instantly pull up all relevant past interviews. This makes it easy to prep smarter, especially before second rounds.
I also tried Google Docs and Sheets. Docs are great if you want free-form writing with easy syncing. Sheets work well if you prefer structured, spreadsheet-style tracking. I use Sheets for technical interviews because it helps me organize by topic and difficulty.
📋 Format Comparison: Which One’s Right for You?
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Notion | Taggable, searchable, good for long-term tracking | Can be slow on mobile or limited offline |
| Google Docs | Simple, great for writing reflections | Harder to organize at scale |
| Google Sheets | Good for structured data and filters | Less suited for detailed writing |
| Paper Notebook | No distractions, easy to start | Not searchable, risk of losing notes |
These days, I stick with Notion for behavioral interviews and Google Sheets for technical prep. But honestly, it’s not about the tool—it’s about the habit. Choose a format that fits your brain and makes reflection easy, not a chore. 💡
🔍 How I Spot Patterns Over Time
After logging about a dozen interviews, I started noticing patterns—some obvious, some subtle. These patterns became one of the most valuable parts of my tracking system. Instead of walking into every interview blind, I now recognize question types, topics, and formats that tend to repeat. And that means I can prepare with precision.
One pattern I noticed early was that nearly every behavioral interview included a question about conflict or teamwork. That helped me refine and rehearse a strong story using the STAR format. Eventually, that story became one of my go-to answers, always ready and polished.
I also spotted timing trends. For example, tech companies often opened with casual icebreaker questions before shifting into deeper behavioral or technical territory. Knowing that helped me mentally pace myself during the conversation and not get too relaxed at the start.
Another helpful pattern was seeing how different industries focused on different things. Startups often asked about initiative and self-direction, while larger corporations leaned toward process and collaboration. That insight helped me customize my answers depending on the company type.
📈 Common Interview Patterns I’ve Logged
| Pattern | Description | How I Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring Questions | Same behavioral themes (e.g. “challenge,” “failure”) | Create reusable, tailored stories |
| Industry Focus | Different values emphasized by industry | Adjust answers to company culture |
| Role-Specific Topics | Certain roles emphasize unique scenarios | Practice accordingly (e.g. product vs. dev) |
| Interviewer Style | Some ask rapid-fire vs. open-ended | Adapt pacing and prep mindset |
| Opening & Closing Trends | Most start light and end with Q&A | Prepare strong opening and questions to ask |
I’ve found that writing things down helps me stop guessing and start preparing strategically. Patterns reveal what works and where I need to improve. Over time, this has helped me walk into interviews feeling ready—not reactive. And that’s a massive confidence boost. 🚀
📆 Tips for Making It a Habit
Like any habit, writing down interview questions takes consistency. I’ll be honest—there were times I skipped it because I was tired, discouraged, or simply forgot. But once I figured out a few tricks to make it easier, it became second nature. Now, it’s part of my post-interview ritual—just like sending a thank-you email.
The first tip is: **capture it immediately**. I set a 15-minute timer right after every interview to dump my memory while it’s fresh. Even if I can’t log everything in detail, I’ll jot rough bullet points to flesh out later. Memory fades fast—don’t wait!
Second, I use **templates** to reduce friction. Whether I’m on Notion or Google Docs, I always have a “New Interview Log” template ready to go. That way, I’m not staring at a blank page—I just fill in the blanks, which takes away the resistance.
Third, I **pair it with another routine**. For me, it’s coffee. Right after an interview, I pour a cup and do my log while sipping. It feels less like a chore and more like a reflection ritual. You could pair it with music, a walk, or a favorite snack—whatever makes it feel rewarding.
🧠 Simple Habit Tricks That Work for Me
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Time-Block It | Ensures it doesn’t get lost in the day |
| Use a Pre-Made Template | Removes decision fatigue |
| Pair with Reward | Makes it feel enjoyable, not just productive |
| Keep It Short | Prevents burnout on busy days |
| Review Monthly | Motivates you by showing your growth |
Honestly, once you experience the benefit of walking into an interview with *real* prep from your own past, it becomes addictive. I now treat each interview not just as a test—but as a training ground. And writing things down is what turns that training into real progress. 🏆
❓ FAQ
Q1. What should I do if I forget the questions after the interview?
A1. Write down anything you remember, even fragments or themes. The act of writing often jogs memory, and even partial notes are better than none. Over time, you'll get better at remembering under pressure.
Q2. How detailed should my answers be in the log?
A2. Detail depends on your goal. For quick review, bullets are fine. For deeper reflection, write full answers and analyze them. I often write short notes right after and expand later when I have more time.
Q3. Is it okay to log questions from informal or screening interviews?
A3. Yes! Even “casual” calls can give insight into what companies value. These logs often reveal consistent themes across industries and roles, and they’re easier to forget—so logging them is especially helpful.
Q4. Should I organize logs by company or topic?
A4. Do both if possible. I organize by company for context and tag by topic (e.g., teamwork, technical, growth mindset) so I can filter and review by theme later. Tagging makes reviewing 10x more effective.
Q5. How long should it take to log an interview?
A5. My quick version takes 10–15 minutes. A full reflection might take 30. But remember—this is an investment in your next interview. Even 5 minutes is better than nothing!
Q6. What if I had a bad interview and don’t want to think about it?
A6. Totally valid feeling. But those are the ones worth logging most. I keep it brief when I feel this way—just key takeaways and what I’d do differently. That turns failure into a tool, not trauma.
Q7. Can I use these logs to prepare for promotions or performance reviews?
A7. Absolutely. Many interview questions overlap with performance questions. Logs become a ready-made list of accomplishments, challenges, and stories you can reuse during internal reviews.
Q8. Is it weird to keep a “database” of interview questions?
A8. Not at all. It’s smart, strategic, and increasingly common among top candidates. You’re building a personal prep guide—and future you will thank you for it.
Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal methods and insights. Results may vary depending on your field, experience level, and interview format. Use what works for you and adapt the rest.
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