Pantser vs Plotter: Mastering Your Interview Story

When you're telling a story, there are two main styles: Pantsers and Plotters.

What's a Pantser?

Pantsers are storytellers who improvise effortlessly.

They rarely plan ahead. Instead, they trust themselves to navigate twists and turns as they go. Pantsers speak comfortably, naturally, and fluidly without scripts or outlines.

In interviews, pantsers can be dazzling. When asked about a challenging situation, they effortlessly articulate the problem, their actions, and the results. The story unfolds organically, yet stays clear and structured.

What's a Plotter?

Plotters need a plan. They think in structures, bullet points, and clear sequences. Without these anchors, their stories tend to wander. They lose details, miss critical points, or drift off into irrelevant tangents. For plotters, having an outline isn't restrictive—it's liberating.

During interviews, plotters struggle when they try to speak like pantsers. They stumble through stories, repeat information, and forget their endings.

Here's an Example from a Recent Mock Interview:

I recently coached a talented engineer who, on paper, was a perfect candidate. When I asked them about handling a major production outage, they started confidently. But soon they were tangled up in peripheral details—costs, tools, alerts, side conversations—and lost the critical thread of what actually happened.

The result? No clear takeaway. The impact they had became invisible.

When we paused and sketched a quick four-bullet outline, something changed dramatically. The same story became clear, concise, and impactful. Their strength as a candidate suddenly became obvious.

How to Ace Your Interview if You're a Plotter

Being a plotter isn't a disadvantage—it's an opportunity. Here's what to do during your next interview:

1. Write down the question: Take a moment after the interviewer asks their question. Scribble the question down. This anchors your focus.

2. Bullet the outline quickly: You don’t need detailed sentences—just short phrases. Keep it simple:

   • Context (what was the situation?)

   • Conflict (what problem emerged?)

   • Action (what steps did you take?)

   • Result (what changed or improved?)

3. Glance at your outline during your response: This isn't cheating—it's being prepared. It ensures you remain structured, confident, and impactful.

Two Effective Story Structures:

• STAR Method: Situation → Task → Action → Result.

• Classic Story Arc: Context → Conflict → Climax → Resolution.

Whether you use STAR or the classic storytelling arc, the principle remains the same: Plot your story before you speak, especially if you're naturally inclined to plot.

Final Thought

Everyone can master storytelling for interviews—pantser or plotter. Knowing your style helps you own it, leverage it, and tell impactful stories every time.

So before your next interview, ask yourself: Pantser or Plotter?

Whichever you are, embrace it and interview confidently.