writing a business plan for a job interview

Free 30-60-90 Day Plan Template for Interviews

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Interview Preparation

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

One of the best ways to stand out in your interview is to create a 90-day business plan (also called a 30-60-90-day plan) to show employers how you’ll help them in the first three months on the job.

Having a plan to learn the job and succeed quickly is going to set you apart from other candidates and make you more attractive to employers.

Let’s look at how to create a plan that will land you the job…

How to Create a 90-Day Business Plan for Job Interviews

I recommend splitting your 90-day business plan into three sections: 0-30 days, 30-60 days, and 60-90 days.

So we’ll actually be creating a 30-60-90 day plan.

We’ll divide it into three periods, and you’ll outline different goals and milestones for each of the first three months.

I’ll help you do this below.

If you prefer to lump everything together into a single 90-day period, that’s fine too.

What to Write About in Your 30-60-90 Day Business Plan

In your business plan, you want to show the interviewer the following:

• You understand what the job involves
• You’re capable of quickly learning and performing the job duties
• You’re motivated to learn and do the work
• How you plan on learning and succeeding. Which specific steps will you take to reach your goals?

So let’s look at each 30-day period now, and what should go into each…

The First 30 Days

In the first part of your business plan, you’ll want to focus on training/learning.

The company likely has a training program (if you’re not sure, this is a good question to ask in the interview ).

So what is your plan to make the most of their training, and get up to speed quickly?

This could include reviewing and studying at home each night for the first week, staying 30 minutes late to review what you learned each day, finding a teammate to have lunches with, or finding a fellow new hire to review with (if you’re in a training class with multiple people).

Other things to talk about in the first part of your plan:

• How will you learn about the company’s products/services ?
• If you’re new to this industry, how will you learn the industry/market overall?
• How will you learn this company’s systems and procedures? (They might have an employee booklet you can review, so include some time to review this in the first 30-day period of your business plan.

Your goal in this section is to show them you have a detailed plan and a lot of motivation to learn the basics of the job and understand how they operate quickly.

The Next 30 Days

The next 30 days should focus on how you’ll learn and improve by “doing”.

By now, you should be able to start using what you’ve learned to perform some of the job duties on your own.

You might be interacting with team members, customers, etc. (this will depend on your specific position)

And while learning is still a focus here, you want to show them that you plan on being ready to work hands-on and learn in a real-world environment.

Also, a big part of this section should be getting feedback from your manager to see how you’re progressing.

What is your plan for checking in, receiving and organizing feedback, and using it to improve?

Most new employees wait for their manager to set up a meeting to review their performance…

Show the interviewer that you’re different – that you’ll take initiative and be responsible for this yourself.

Employers love when a job candidate seems proactive and self-starting.

The Final 30 Days

In the final 30 days of your 90-day plan, you want to show the interviewer that you’ll be ready to use everything you’ve learned to work independently.

You’ll be up-to-speed, contributing to the team’s efforts, and not requiring any more supervision/help than anyone else on the team.

You may also want to talk about ways you’ll go above and beyond the basic job duties now.

This could include looking for processes that can be improved, finding new ways to help the company get more customers, etc.

Also, you can still include steps for getting feedback and continuing to improve.

But it should be less of a focus here. The main focus now should be on contributions, independent work, and “taking off” with what you’ve learned.

What will you be able to do for them? What will you be contributing after 90 days?

Using S.M.A.R.T. Goals

When talking about a specific goal or objective in your 90-day job interview plan, try to use SMART goals whenever possible.

SMART goals are:

Saying, “I plan on being very good at serving customers after 90 days,” doesn’t say much.

However, it sounds a lot more impressive if you say something like, “At the 90-day mark, I plan on achieving 120% of the monthly goal for customer service calls taken, and I will achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 98% or greater.”

Using “Learning Goals” and “Performance Goals”

One strategy I’ve seen used very effectively is to divide your main goals for each 30-day period into two different categories: Learning Goals and Performance Goals.

You’ll have more Learning Goals than Performance Goals in the first 30-day period.

Then, as you move through the plan, you’ll gradually shift to having more Performance Goals, and fewer Learning Goals (but still some!)

You can also add one or two personal goals, such as having lunch with one new team member per week, or visiting the gym after work two nights per week to stay healthy.

Don’t worry if this sounds complicated. Coming up soon I’m going to show you a full example of a 90-day plan for your interview, that you can copy. 

And in that sample business plan, you’ll see the three different categories laid out (Learning Goals, Performance Goals, and Personal Goals).

Creating and Formatting Your 90-Day Plan

If you’re comfortable making a good-looking document in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or some other word-processing software, feel free to use that to create your 30-60-90 day business plan.

Otherwise, I’d recommend using Canva.com .

The website has great templates for creating a PDF, and it’s free to use. I use it myself for creating images and PDF guides for this blog .

Make it EASY to Skim and Read

I’d keep the whole document to 1-2 pages maximum.

It’s an outline/presentation, not an essay. 

Try to avoid long paragraphs and giant blocks of text with no spacing.

Make it skimmable and easy to read.

Use headers, bullets, etc.

Here’s a full example of how you might lay out your 90-day plan…

30-60-90 Day Plan Template/Example:

0-30 Days: (Write your main focus and objective here. The priority should be learning and getting up to speed on the basics as quickly as possible. What will you need to learn to perform well in the job, and how will you learn it?) Learning Goals: Learn the company’s entire product offering Study the top 3 competitors’ product offerings to understand strengths/weaknesses Review training manual, and bring any questions to direct supervisor before the end of month 1 Listen to at least 4 sales calls per week with senior team members Learn all industry terminology so I’ll be ready to communicate effectively with prospects and customers Meet with supervisor at the end of each week to discuss progress, questions, and results achieved Performance Goals: Score 100% on the training manual examination on week 3 Personal Goals: Get coffee with each team member before the end of the first month 30-60 Days: (Write your main focus for the next 30 day period here. You should still be learning, but the focus now shifts to taking what you’ve learned and using it in the real world. You want to start doing the work and learning through experience). Learning Goals: Continue listening to 4 sales calls per week with senior team members Find team members to listen to at least 10 of my sales calls per week and provide feedback Meet with supervisor twice per week to ensure I continue learning and progressing as quickly as possible. This will include reviewing my sales call results and the tactics I’m using and working on as I listen to team members Take one free LinkedIn Learning course to improve my sales skills outside of work hours Performance Goals: Conduct a minimum of 12 sales calls per day Convert one sales call per week into a customer Qualify leads and do thorough research of potential clients before calling, so that at least 80% of prospects I speak with are fully-qualified for our products Follow up with each potential prospect/lead within four business days of initial conversation Personal Goals: Have at least two lunches with Supervisors or Team Leaders from other departments to grow my network and better understand how other areas of the organization work. 60-90 Days: (Now you’ll want to show that you’re ready to produce at a high level and be a valuable member of the team. Your learning is never fully done, but this section should talk far less about learning, and really focus on demonstrating what you’ll DO for the employer after 90 days on the job.) Learning Goals: Meet with supervisor once per week to track progress and continue learning sales tactics Performance Goals: Conduct a minimum of 25 outbound sales calls per day Convert 4 sales calls per week into customers Qualify leads and do thorough research of potential clients before calling, so that at least 90% of prospects I speak with are fully-qualified for our products Ask for referrals after each completed sale, and/or after determining a sale is not going to occur. Goal: Obtain five qualified referrals per week and contact each referral within 24 hours. Personal Goals: Join the gym and go every Monday, Wednesday, Friday for one hour minimum.

You can alter this example however you want. This is just one way to set up your 30-60-90 day plan for a job interview.

If you invest the time into creating a plan like this, it will make you stand out and will boost your chances of receiving a job offer.

And once you’ve created a template for yourself, you can re-use it for multiple interviews by changing the basic details to match each job.

How and When to Show Interviewers Your 90-Day Plan

The best time to mention your 90-day plan is at the beginning of the interview.

As you sit down, mention that you brought it by saying something like this:

“By the way – I put together a 90-day plan demonstrating some of the ideas I had for what I could accomplish in the first 3 months in the role. Whenever you think it fits well into the conversation, I’d love to show you some of what I was thinking.”

Now they’re immediately impressed with your preparation and effort, and they can decide whether they want to look at it immediately or discuss your 90-day plan later in the interview.

Either way, you won’t have to constantly think about finding the right to mention it, and you’ll make a fantastic first impression to begin your interview. 

The “Hidden” Benefit of Creating a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Interviews

The steps and free template above involve some work, so you may be thinking, “Is it really worth creating my 30-60-90-day plan for my interview?”

In case you’re on the fence, here’s one of the biggest benefits that you may not have realized.

Creating your plan doesn’t just show hiring managers you’re motivated and ready to hit the ground running.

It also better prepares you for the interview, and for responding to all of the questions that they’re planning on asking you.

You can’t create a 90-day plan without researching the team and company, reviewing the job description, etc.

So you’re going to have a big advantage throughout the interview in terms of showing your new manager that you grasp the role and know what’s needed in the first 30 days, 60 days, and beyond.

You’ll be able to ask better and more unique questions in the interview , too. While other candidates are asking simple questions like, “What is the company’s mission?” or, “What are the typical working hours?” you can ask advanced questions like:

“As mentioned in my 90-day plan, I’d like to be able to contribute <key goal> within the first 60 days. To do that, I’ll need to absorb as much information as possible in my first month. Can you share a bit about what type of training is provided to new hires, and what type of feedback I’d get from my new manager and team as I learn the fundamentals in those first 30 days?”

The bottom line is:

By creating a 90-day plan for your job interview, you’ll not only impress the hiring manager with your effort, but you’ll also be much better prepared for the interview as a whole so that you can land a new job faster.

Employers will see that you’re focused on being a high performer when starting a new job and that you’re already well-informed about the role and their needs and ready to contribute at a high level as soon as you’re hired. This will impress any hiring manager.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

4 thoughts on “Free 30-60-90 Day Plan Template for Interviews”

Thanks for the generous guidance. I have a job interview coming and they said they will send me the topic for creating a 30-60-90 plan the day before the interview, but never created one before, so this was very, very useful!

Is there a template please that you have

This is very timely information. I was asked to bring a 90 day plan to my face to face interview later this week. Thank you!!

Hello have you got an example of your presentation x

Comments are closed.

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Interviewing – how to write a business plan for a future employer

Simon Roderick February 18, 2020 Jobseeking and interview process , Resources for candidates

At some point in your career you will probably be asked to complete a business plan, as part of a recruitment process. Candidates are often surprised, or worried that their good ideas will be implemented without them being hired (this doesn’t happen in my experience). However, they can cause alarm, as some people are good at their job, which doesn’t involve writing plans, and if the task is expected to be delivered in person it can cause some people to get very stressed. So below we’ve tried to outline so practical steps you can take, as there’s no need to miss out on a dream job just because you don’t know where to start with a business plan.

• Ask the hirer what they expect Firms are happy to give guidelines and so ask them what format they prefer and the how long they expect the business plan to be. Will you be presenting the plan, will you be expected to leave it behind, or most likely is it just a discussion document? Feel free to ask what IT support will be provided if you’re expected to give a powerpoint presentation.
• Make the presentation visually attractive You need to engage the reader
• Spell check It’s so easy to forget to spell check your plan
• Ask someone you trust to review your business plan, or ask them if they would mind you running through your presentation
• Arrive early so you aren’t stressed Aim to arrive 30 minutes early and have a coffee nearby, but don’t go to the interviewer’s office until 10 minutes before. Arriving very early can sometimes be as irritating as someone who arrives late.

What should a business plan contain?

Everyone has their own thoughts on this, but some of the better business plans contain:

i. An executive summary – this summarises the applicant’s experience, career aims, and business aims if hired An example of this would be: “Simon has 20 years recruitment experience, much of it gained in management roles. His aim is to grow Fram over the next 3 years to xxx (you need to be realistic and specific with this aim)

ii. A description of the business you want to create, i.e. clients to be targeted and services offered with a target revenue

iii. A guide to how you plan to build this business, i.e. from your existing client base, from introductions from professional intermediaries, from the firm’s own sources of new business (this is often a client’s least favourite thing to see in the current climate).

iv. A guide to the activities required to achieve the above, i.e. not only what intermediaries you will target and how many relationships you have etc, but how many cold calls and appointments you will make. How often you will need to meet a client on average to get them to invest

v. Why the firm you are interviewing with could help you achieve this. What are the key selling points and differentiators.

vi. What support you will need. Will you need an assistant, additional training, or access to cold calling support?

vii. Financials – a breakdown of year 1, 2, and 3 revenues and the business mix, i.e. investments vs. lending if you are a private banker

viii. Referees – you list former colleagues etc, but only do this if you’re happy for them to be contacted. It demonstrates confidence and transparency

ix. Summary – reaffirming the skills of the candidate

We recommend sending a polite email after the meeting if the interviewer has given you their contacts details. It’s always nice to thank them for your time and it’s a chance to reaffirm your interest (if you are indeed interested in the role).

If you’re successful in the interview process, firms will expect you to implement the plan and so it needs to be realistic. It’s a nightmare for all parties concerned when someone over promises and under delivers. Whilst the firm will refine your plan once you have full knowledge of their aims and offering, it can often form the basis of your first 12 months.

Good luck and if we can assist, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01525 864 372.

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How to Prepare for an Interview (Step-By-Step Guide)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

If you want to land a job, there’s one hurdle you’re essentially guaranteed to face: the interview . After all, hiring managers don’t choose a candidate based on their resume alone in nearly all cases. They want to meet the candidate and learn more about what they bring to the table. And, if you’re going to impress, knowing how to prepare for an interview is a must.

Overall, companies may receive 250 resumes for a single corporate job. Then, they’ll usually invite four to six candidates in for an interview , only one of which will actually get hired.

By preparing for your interview, you’re honing valuable skills that increase your odds of shining during the meeting. Additionally, you’re making sure your interview strategy is on point, and that you’ve learned critical information that can help you stand out.

If you want to make sure you’re on the path toward success, here’s what you need to know about how to prepare for an interview.

What Does “Being Prepared for an Interview” Really Mean?

For many, the idea of being prepared for anything is a bit ambiguous.

Is there a specific point that separates the prepared from the ill-prepared? Do you have to dedicate a certain number of hours to the process of getting ready? Is there a critical step you have to make to cross the threshold?

Technically, the answer to those questions is “no.” In many cases, being prepared means you’ve done some due diligence. You know how to talk about your achievements in a way that entices the hiring manager. You can sprinkle in relevant tidbits of information based on research.

Essentially, being prepared means you’ve taken whatever steps were necessary to set yourself up for success, allowing you to arrive at your interview brimming with confidence. You’ve dedicated time and attention to the process.

Even if the idea of being prepared isn’t highly defined, that doesn’t mean you can’t do what it takes to make it happen. By following the right steps – which we’ll cover in a moment – you can do proper laser focused research , prepare and practice relevant and engaging answers , and increase your odds of handling even the trickiest questions with ease .

Common Interview Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to preparing for an interview, the biggest mistake you can make is not doing it at all. Even if you’re a highly-skilled professional overflowing with potential and natural poise, you can’t assume that is enough.

On average, it takes five job interviews before you’ll land a job.

Wow, right?

Plus, 57 percent of professionals say they’ve had a job interview go poorly. That’s more than half of all professionals, people who know their jobs well and are likely at least reasonably successful.

An interview isn’t like a normal conversation with a colleague. Instead, you’re being tested, put on the spot, and asked (in a way) to defend your resume. Some questions are designed to put you back on your heels. Others are so open-ended, that it’s easy to drift off-topic.

Preparation allows you to be at your best when that fateful interview day arrives. You’ll have great answers just waiting to be deployed, and a strategy that can help you navigate the unexpected. In turn, you’ll be more likely to succeed, making all of the effort worthwhile.

However, that’s not the only misstep aspiring new hires make. Choosing the wrong mock interview questions can also hurt you. For example, some candidates spend all of their time on generic interview questions . Sure, you need to be ready for classics like, “ Tell me about yourself ” and “ What motivates you? ” but you also need to be prepared to face off against field- or job-specific ones , too.

Similarly, failing to talk about critical traits in your answers can work against you . During an interview, you can’t, for example, simply claim you’re detail-oriented. Instead, you have to show that you’re detail-oriented , highlighting the capability by discussing an accomplishment.

Finally, one of the surprising mistakes a candidate make is not enlisting the help of a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. Having someone else ask you the practice interview questions and getting feedback on your answers – including the responses themselves, your body language, and anything else – is ridiculously valuable. It allows you to really hone your approach, ensuring you can make the best impression possible.

We also wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview.

Click below to get your free PDF now:

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Follow These Steps to Get Properly Prepared for Your Interview

Alright, now that you know a bit about why preparing for an interview is important, as well as some mistakes to avoid, let’s get down to brass tacks: how to prepare for an interview. After all, knowing you need to do it is only half the battle; you have to follow through, using the right approach, too.

Luckily, we have your back. If you want to blow away the hiring manager, you need to take your interview prep to the next level. Here’s how to do just that:

1. Review the Job Description

The first step you need to take when preparing for an interview is to review the job description . The job description is chocked full of critical details, including the must-have skills and traits the hiring manager needs to find.

Once you bring up the original vacancy announcement, go over it word-by-word. When you spot skills and qualities, consider highlighting them or writing them down in a list. Anything the hiring manager felt was worthy of inclusion will likely come up during your interview.

Essentially, the job description is a cheat sheet. If the hiring manager listed a skill or quality in the job description you should be prepared to show the hiring manager you possess them!

2. Reread Your Resume or Application

Reread your resume? Why would you need to do that? After all, you know your own background, right? Well, sort of.

If you tailor your resume to each job (which you should), and you’ve applied to more than one recently, you may not remember which details you included. That could spell trouble.

You can almost guarantee that the hiring manager is going to talk about your resume. If you forgot which accomplishments you mentioned, you might not prepare to discuss them. Then, if the hiring manager asks – which they almost certainly will – you might give a stumbly answer.

Review your resume! Know what you said! Remember, your resume might be all the hiring manager knows about you, so make sure you can discuss those points with ease.

3. Research the Company

We know, research isn’t always the most fun. But it is nonetheless crucial.

Many hiring managers ask candidates to tell them what they know about the company. If you answer that question with the silence, you can essentially kiss the job goodbye.

Take some time to review the company’s products and services. You need at least a general idea of how the business makes money; that’s a must.

Additionally, head to the company’s website and review its mission and values statements. This gives you major clues about the organization’s priorities and culture. Also, head to the company’s social media page for more insights, as well as details about its recent achievements or newsworthy events.

The more company-specific details you can work into your interview answers, the better. It shows you went the extra mile to learn about them, and that can help you stand out from the crowd.

4. Learn About the Hiring Manager

If you know who will be interviewing you, try to learn a bit about them, too. If you can find out about the hiring manager’s professional history, perspective, and priorities, you can align your approach with their preferences. This makes it easier to find common ground and develop a rapport.

5. Reflect on Your Accomplishments

Now that you have a bit of an idea of what you’ll need to cover, spend a little time reflecting on your achievements. During an interview, you’ll want to show the hiring manager you have what it takes to excel. Typically, that means discussing a relevant accomplishment.

Ideally, you want to identify key moments in your career that showcase you as a great fit. As you reflect, write down the ones that stand out most and that show that you possess the skills and qualities you found on the job description. Those are the accomplishments you want to work into your answers.

6. Quantify the Details

With a few achievements picked out, it’s time to gather some additional details. During an interview, numbers can speak louder than words, so quantify those accomplishments.

At times, this requires a bit of research. You might not remember how big a budget you managed was or how many people ended up using something you developed. Look it up! That way, the information you provide is enticing and accurate.

7. Learn the Types of Interview Questions

At this point, it’s time to start figuring out how to work in relevant details into interview answers. One of the best ways to start is to learn about the different kinds of interview questions.

By refreshing your memory about the types of questions you may encounter, you can start developing a strategy for responding. When a question is straightforward, the process is usually simple. For example, if the hiring manager asks if you have skill X, you start with a “yes” or “no.” When a “yes,” you follow it up with a relevant example of you putting it to use or with details about how you’ve honed it. Done.

If you need to say “no,” you’ll need a different approach. Pivot by discussing how you intend to acquire the skill (if you have immediate plans) or by focusing on your willingness to learn and excitement about professional development. Many hiring managers will consider a candidate who doesn’t have every hard skill if they are enthusiastic and have potential, so this method can work.

For behavioral interview questions , you’ll need a robust strategy. Usually, combining the STAR Method and the Tailoring Method is the best approach. So, let’s take a look at those.

8. Get to Know the STAR Method

The STAR Method is a classic approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It allows you to turn a generic response into a compelling story. That’s why, when you’re trying to figure out how to prepare for a job interview, learning the STAR Method is a must.

While we took a deep dive into the STAR Method before, here’s an overview. STAR stands for Situation , Task , Action , and Results . It’s an approach for outlining how an event arose and played out, making it ideal for structuring how you discuss an accomplishment.

With the STAR Method, you can make sure the hiring manager has every critical detail. You’re showing them how you put your skills to work, giving them important context about how you perform on the job.

9. Dive into the Tailoring Method

Alright, the STAR Method alone is a pretty strong approach. But, by also learning the Tailoring Method , you have a secret sauce for creating delicious answers to behavioral interview questions.

The Tailoring Method is all about customization. You don’t want to give the hiring manager a basic answer to a question; you want to make it relevant and enticing, building an exceptional value proposition by showcasing how you can help their company thrive. That’s what the Tailoring Method helps you do.

It’s an approach that makes the hiring manager and company the priority, not you. It’s about positioning yourself as a solution to the problem the hiring manager is trying to solve (which, by the way, is finding the ideal candidate for the job they need to fill). That makes the Tailoring Method a competitive advantage, as not all job seekers are going to go that extra mile.

10. Practice Common Interview Questions

Certain job interview questions are almost universal, so it is smart to practice them. Grab a list of common ones and get cracking, using the techniques you’ve developed so far to create compelling answers.

11. Practice Job-Specific Interview Questions

While you should spend time on general interview questions, you also want to get job-specific . Each kind of position requires unique skills and traits, so hiring managers are going to ask questions that help them figure out if you have what it takes to thrive.

So, for example, if you’re trying to land a data analyst position, research data analyst interview questions . If you’re interviewing as Microsoft , Facebook , or Google , review questions that hiring managers at those companies ask. That way, you’ll be as ready for your interview as possible.

12. Get Some Questions Ready

At the end of every interview, you typically have a chance to ask the hiring manager a few questions. Make sure you have a few ready to go. That way, you won’t be at a loss when that moment arrives.

If you don’t know where to begin, ask them to describe a typical day in the position. You can also ask if there’s anything preventing them from considering you the top candidate, giving you a chance to address any concerns head-on.

Check out our article for more questions you can ask the hiring manager !

13. Interview Yourself in Front of a Mirror (or on Video)

Once you have your questions and answers ready, interview yourself in front of a mirror or on video. That way, you can watch your body language and practice eye contact, allowing you to get everything working in your favor.

14. Do a Mock Interview with a Buddy

Having someone you trust help you out is a smart move. Give them a list of practice interview questions and have them put on their hiring manager hat. Once done, ask for feedback and hone your approach.

15. Gather Your Must-Bring Items

Usually, you’ll need to bring a few things with you during your interview . At least the night before, print out resume copies, pack up your portfolio, and gather anything else that needs to come with you.

16. Choose Your Interview Attire

You want to make sure your outfit makes you look like the ideal person for the job. A few days before, choose your attire. Try it on to make sure it fits and examine it for signs of wear and tear. That way, if there’s an issue, you can choose something else without having to rush.

Putting It All Together

That’s it! When it comes to how to prepare for an interview, that’s what you need to know. Take those tips and use them to your advantage. By doing so, you’ll increase your odds of job interview success, making all of the effort worthwhile.

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• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• Tell Me About Yourself
• Why Should We Hire You?

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write a Business Plan (Plus Examples & Templates)

Have you ever wondered how to write a business plan step by step? Mike Andes, told us: 

This guide will help you write a business plan to impress investors.

Throughout this process, we’ll get information from Mike Andes, who started Augusta Lawn Care Services when he was 12 and turned it into a franchise with over 90 locations. He has gone on to help others learn how to write business plans and start businesses.  He knows a thing or two about writing  business plans!

We’ll start by discussing the definition of a business plan. Then we’ll discuss how to come up with the idea, how to do the market research, and then the important elements in the business plan format. Keep reading to start your journey!

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is simply a road map of what you are trying to achieve with your business and how you will go about achieving it. It should cover all elements of your business including: 

• Finding customers
• Plans for developing a team
•  Competition
• Legal structures
• Key milestones you are pursuing

If you aren’t quite ready to create a business plan, consider starting by reading our business startup guide .

Get a Business Idea

Before you can write a business plan, you have to have a business idea. You may see a problem that needs to be solved and have an idea how to solve it, or you might start by evaluating your interests and skills. 

Mike told us, “The three things I suggest asking yourself when thinking about starting a business are:

• What am I good at?
• What would I enjoy doing?
• What can I get paid for?”

If all three of these questions don’t lead to at least one common answer, it will probably be a much harder road to success. Either there is not much market for it, you won’t be good at it, or you won’t enjoy doing it. 

As Mike told us, “There’s enough stress starting and running a business that if you don’t like it or aren’t good at it, it’s hard to succeed.”

If you’d like to hear more about Mike’s approach to starting a business, check out our YouTube video

Conduct Market Analysis

Market analysis is focused on establishing if there is a target market for your products and services, how large the target market is, and identifying the demographics of people or businesses that would be interested in the product or service. The goal here is to establish how much money your business concept can make.

Product and Service Demand

A search engine is your best friend when trying to figure out if there is demand for your products and services. Personally, I love using presearch.org because it lets you directly search on a ton of different platforms including Google, Youtube, Twitter, and more. Check out the screenshot for the full list of search options.

With quick web searches, you can find out how many competitors you have, look through their reviews, and see if there are common complaints about the competitors. Bad reviews are a great place to find opportunities to offer better products or services. 

If there are no similar products or services, you may have stumbled upon something new, or there may just be no demand for it. To find out, go talk to your most honest friend about the idea and see what they think. If they tell you it’s dumb or stare at you vacantly, there’s probably no market for it.

You can also conduct a survey through social media to get public opinion on your idea. Using Facebook Business Manager , you could get a feel for who would be interested in your product or service.

 I ran a quick test of how many people between 18-65  you could reach in the U.S. during a week. It returned an estimated 700-2,000 for the total number of leads, which is enough to do a fairly accurate statistical analysis.

Identify Demographics of Target Market

Depending on what type of business you want to run, your target market will be different. The narrower the demographic, the fewer potential customers you’ll have. If you did a survey, you’ll be able to use that data to help define your target audience. Some considerations you’ll want to consider are:

• Other Interests
• Marital Status
• Do they have kids?

Once you have this information, it can help you narrow down your options for location and help define your marketing further. One resource that Mike recommended using is the Census Bureau’s Quick Facts Map . He told us,  

“It helps you quickly evaluate what the best areas are for your business to be located.”

How to Write a Business Plan

Now that you’ve developed your idea a little and established there is a market for it, you can begin writing a business plan. Getting started is easier with the business plan template we created for you to download. I strongly recommend using it as it is updated to make it easier to create an action plan. 

Each of the following should be a section of your business plan:

• Business Plan Cover Page
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Description of Products and Services

SWOT Analysis

• Competitor Data
• Competitive Analysis
• Marketing Expenses Strategy 

Pricing Strategy

• Distribution Channel Assessment
• Operational Plan
• Management and Organizational Strategy
• Financial Statements and/or Financial Projections

We’ll look into each of these. Don’t forget to download our free business plan template (mentioned just above) so you can follow along as we go. 

How to Write a Business Plan Step 1. Create a Cover Page

The first thing investors will see is the cover page for your business plan. Make sure it looks professional. A great cover page shows that you think about first impressions.

A good business plan should have the following elements on a cover page:

• Professionally designed logo
• Company name
• Mission or Vision Statement
• Contact Info

Basically, think of a cover page for your business plan like a giant business card. It is meant to capture people’s attention but be quickly processed.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 2. Create a Table of Contents

Most people are busy enough that they don’t have a lot of time. Providing a table of contents makes it easy for them to find the pages of your plan that are meaningful to them.

A table of contents will be immediately after the cover page, but you can include it after the executive summary. Including the table of contents immediately after the executive summary will help investors know what section of your business plan they want to review more thoroughly.

Check out Canva’s article about creating a  table of contents . It has a ton of great information about creating easy access to each section of your business plan. Just remember that you’ll want to use different strategies for digital and hard copy business plans.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 3. Write an Executive Summary

An executive summary is where your business plan should catch the readers interest.  It doesn’t need to be long, but should be quick and easy to read.

Mike told us,

How long should an executive summary bein an informal business plan?

For casual use, an executive summary should be similar to an elevator pitch, no more than 150-160 words, just enough to get them interested and wanting more. Indeed has a great article on elevator pitches .  This can also be used for the content of emails to get readers’ attention.

It consists of three basic parts:

• An introduction to you and your business.
• What your business is about.
• A call to action

Example of an informal executive summary 

One of the best elevator pitches I’ve used is:

So far that pitch has achieved a 100% success rate in getting partnerships for the business.

What should I include in an executive summary for investors?

Investors are going to need a more detailed executive summary if you want to secure financing or sell equity. The executive summary should be a brief overview of your entire business plan and include:

• Introduction of yourself and company.
• An origin story (Recognition of a problem and how you came to solution)
• An introduction to your products or services.
• Your unique value proposition. Make sure to include intellectual property.
• Where you are in the business life cycle
• Request and why you need it.

Successful business plan examples

The owner of Urbanity told us he spent 2 months writing a 75-page business plan and received a $250,000 loan from the bank when he was 23. Make your business plan as detailed as possible when looking for financing. We’ve provided a template to help you prepare the portions of a business plan that banks expect.

Here’s the interview with the owner of Urbanity:

When to write an executive summary?

Even though the summary is near the beginning of a business plan, you should write it after you complete the rest of a business plan. You can’t talk about revenue, profits, and expected expenditures if you haven’t done the market research and created a financial plan.

What mistakes do people make when writing an executive summary?

Business owners commonly go into too much detail about the following items in an executive summary:

• Marketing and sales processes
• Financial statements
• Organizational structure
• Market analysis

These are things that people will want to know later, but they don’t hook the reader. They won’t spark interest in your small business, but they’ll close the deal.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 4. Company Description

Every business plan should include a company description. A great business plan will include the following elements while describing the company:

• Mission statement
• Philosophy and vision
• Company goals

Target market

• Legal structure

Let’s take a look at what each section includes in a good business plan.

Mission Statement

A mission statement is a brief explanation of why you started the company and what the company’s main focus is. It should be no more than one or two sentences. Check out HubSpot’s article 27 Inspiring Mission Statement for a great read on informative and inspiring mission and vision statements. 

Company Philosophy and Vision

The company philosophy is what drives your company. You’ll normally hear them called core values.  These are the building blocks that make your company different. You want to communicate your values to customers, business owners, and investors as often as possible to build a company culture, but make sure to back them up.

What makes your company different?

Each company is different. Your new business should rise above the standard company lines of honesty, integrity, fun, innovation, and community when communicating your business values. The standard answers are corporate jargon and lack authenticity. 

Examples of core values

One of my clients decided to add a core values page to their website. As a tech company they emphasized the values:

•  Prioritize communication.
•  Never stop learning.
•  Be transparent.
•  Start small and grow incrementally.

These values communicate how the owner and the rest of the company operate. They also show a value proposition and competitive advantage because they specifically focus on delivering business value from the start. These values also genuinely show what the company is about and customers recognize the sincerity. Indeed has a great blog about how to identify your core values .

What is a vision statement?

A vision statement communicate the long lasting change a business pursues. The vision helps investors and customers understand what your company is trying to accomplish. The vision statement goes beyond a mission statement to provide something meaningful to the community, customer’s lives, or even the world.

Example vision statements

The Alzheimer’s Association is a great example of a vision statement:

A world without Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia.

It clearly tells how they want to change the world. A world without Alzheimers might be unachievable, but that means they always have room for improvement.

Business Goals

You have to measure success against goals for a business plan to be meaningful. A business plan helps guide a company similar to how your GPS provides a road map to your favorite travel destination. A goal to make as much money as possible is not inspirational and sounds greedy.

Sure, business owners want to increase their profits and improve customer service, but they need to present an overview of what they consider success. The goals should help everyone prioritize their work.

How far in advance should a business plan?

Business planning should be done at least one year in advance, but many banks and investors prefer three to five year business plans. Longer plans show investors that the management team  understands the market and knows the business is operating in a constantly shifting market. In addition, a plan helps businesses to adjust to changes because they have already considered how to handle them.

Example of great business goals

My all time-favorite long-term company goals are included in Tesla’s Master Plan, Part Deux . These goals were written in 2016 and drive the company’s decisions through 2026. They are the reason that investors are so forgiving when Elon Musk continually fails to meet his quarterly and annual goals.

If the progress aligns with the business plan investors are likely to continue to believe in the company. Just make sure the goals are reasonable or you’ll be discredited (unless you’re Elon Musk).

You did target market research before creating a business plan. Now it’s time to add it to the plan so others understand what your ideal customer looks like. As a new business owner, you may not be considered an expert in your field yet, so document everything. Make sure the references you use are from respectable sources. 

Use information from the specific lender when you are applying for lending. Most lenders provide industry research reports and using their data can strengthen the position of your business plan.

A small business plan should include a section on the external environment. Understanding the industry is crucial because we don’t plan a business in a vacuum. Make sure to research the industry trends, competitors, and forecasts. I personally prefer IBIS World for my business research. Make sure to answer questions like:

• What is the industry outlook long-term and short-term?
• How will your business take advantage of projected industry changes and trends?
• What might happen to your competitors and how will your business successfully compete?

Industry resources

Some helpful resources to help you establish more about your industry are:

• Trade Associations
• Federal Reserve
• Bureau of Labor Statistics

Legal Structure

There are five basic types of legal structures that most people will utilize:

• Sole proprietorships
• Limited Liability Companies (LLC)

Partnerships

Corporations.

• Franchises.

Each business structure has their pros and cons. An LLC is the most common legal structure due to its protection of personal assets and ease of setting up. Make sure to specify how ownership is divided and what roles each owner plays when you have more than one business owner.

You’ll have to decide which structure is best for you, but we’ve gathered information on each to make it easier.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the easiest legal structure to set up but doesn’t protect the owner’s personal assets from legal issues. That means if something goes wrong, you could lose both your company and your home.

To start a sole proprietorship, fill out a special tax form called a  Schedule C . Sole proprietors can also join the American Independent Business Alliance .

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is the most common business structure used in the United States because an LLC protects the owner’s personal assets. It’s similar to partnerships and corporations, but can be a single-member LLC in most states. An LLC requires a document called an operating agreement.

Each state has different requirements. Here’s a link to find your state’s requirements . Delaware and Nevada are common states to file an LLC because they are really business-friendly. Here’s a blog on the top 10 states to get an LLC.

Partnerships are typically for legal firms. If you choose to use a partnership choose a Limited Liability Partnership. Alternatively, you can just use an LLC.

Corporations are typically for massive organizations. Corporations have taxes on both corporate and income tax so unless you plan on selling stock, you are better off considering an LLC with S-Corp status . Investopedia has good information corporations here .

There are several opportunities to purchase successful franchises. TopFranchise.com has a list of companies in a variety of industries that offer franchise opportunities. This makes it where an entrepreneur can benefit from the reputation of an established business that has already worked out many of the kinks of starting from scratch.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 5. Products and Services

This section of the business plan should focus on what you sell, how you source it, and how you sell it. You should include:

• Unique features that differentiate your business products from competitors
• Intellectual property
• Your supply chain
• Cost and pricing structure 

Questions to answer about your products and services

Mike gave us a list  of the most important questions to answer about your product and services:

• How will you be selling the product? (in person, ecommerce, wholesale, direct to consumer)?
• How do you let them know they need a product?
• How do you communicate the message?
• How will you do transactions?
• How much will you be selling it for?
• How many do you think you’ll sell and why?

Make sure to use the worksheet on our business plan template .

How to Write a Business Plan Step 6. Sales and Marketing Plan

The marketing and sales plan is focused on the strategy to bring awareness to your company and guides how you will get the product to the consumer.  It should contain the following sections:

SWOT Analysis stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Not only do you want to identify them, but you also want to document how the business plans to deal with them.

Business owners need to do a thorough job documenting how their service or product stacks up against the competition.

If proper research isn’t done, investors will be able to tell that the owner hasn’t researched the competition and is less likely to believe that the team can protect its service from threats by the more well-established competition. This is one of the most common parts of a presentation that trips up business owners presenting on Shark Tank .

SWOT Examples

Examples of strengths and weaknesses could be things like the lack of cash flow, intellectual property ownership, high costs of suppliers, and customers’ expectations on shipping times.

Opportunities could be ways to capitalize on your strengths or improve your weaknesses, but may also be gaps in the industry. This includes:

• Adding offerings that fit with your current small business
• Increase sales to current customers
• Reducing costs through bulk ordering
• Finding ways to reduce inventory
•  And other areas you can improve

Threats will normally come from outside of the company but could also be things like losing a key member of the team. Threats normally come from competition, regulations, taxes, and unforeseen events.

The management team should use the SWOT analysis to guide other areas of business planning, but it absolutely has to be done before a business owner starts marketing. 

Include Competitor Data in Your Business Plan

When you plan a business, taking into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of the competition is key to navigating the field. Providing an overview of your competition and where they are headed shows that you are invested in understanding the industry.

For smaller businesses, you’ll want to search both the company and the owners names to see what they are working on. For publicly held corporations, you can find their quarterly and annual reports on the SEC website .

What another business plans to do can impact your business. Make sure to include things that might make it attractive for bigger companies to outsource to a small business.

Marketing Strategy

The marketing and sales part of business plans should be focused on how you are going to make potential customers aware of your business and then sell to them.

If you haven’t already included it, Mike recommends:

“They’ll want to know about Demographics, ages, and wealth of your target market.”

Make sure to include the Total addressable market .  The term refers to the value if you captured 100% of the market.

Advertising Strategy

You’ll explain what formats of advertising you’ll be using. Some possibilities are:

• Online: Facebook and Google are the big names to work with here.
• Print : Print can be used to reach broad groups or targeted markets. Check out this for tips .
• Radio : iHeartMedia is one of the best ways to advertise on the radio
• Cable television : High priced, hard to measure ROI, but here’s an explanation of the process
• Billboards: Attracting customers with billboards can be beneficial in high traffic areas.

You’ll want to define how you’ll be using each including frequency, duration, and cost. If you have the materials already created, including pictures or links to the marketing to show creative assets.

Mike told us “Most businesses are marketing digitally now due to Covid, but that’s not always the right answer.”

Make sure the marketing strategy will help team members or external marketing agencies stay within the brand guidelines .

This section of a business plan should be focused on pricing. There are a ton of pricing strategies that may work for different business plans. Which one will work for you depends on what kind of a business you run.

Some common pricing strategies are:

• Value-based pricing – Commonly used with home buying and selling or other products that are status symbols.
• Skimming pricing – Commonly seen in video game consoles, price starts off high to recoup expenses quickly, then reduces over time.
• Competition-based pricing – Pricing based on competitors’ pricing is commonly seen at gas stations.
• Freemium services –  Commonly used for software, where there is a free plan, then purchase options for more functionality.

HubSpot has a great calculator and blog on pricing strategies.

Beyond explaining what strategy your business plans to use, you should include references for how you came to this pricing strategy and how it will impact your cash flow.

Distribution Plan

This part of a business plan is focused on how the product or service is going to go through the supply chain. These may include multiple divisions or multiple companies. Make sure to include any parts of the workflow that are automated so investors can see where cost savings are expected and when.

Supply Chain Examples

For instance, lawn care companies  would need to cover aspects such as:

• Suppliers for lawn care equipment and tools
• Any chemicals or treatments needed
• Repair parts for sprinkler systems
• Vehicles to transport equipment and employees
• Insurance to protect the company vehicles and people.

Examples of Supply Chains

These are fairly flat supply chains compared to something like a clothing designer where the clothes would go through multiple vendors. A clothing company might have the following supply chain:

• Raw materials
• Shipping of raw materials
• Converting of raw materials to thread
• Shipping thread to produce garments
• Garment producer
• Shipping to company
• Company storage
• Shipping to retail stores

There have been advances such as print on demand that eliminate many of these steps. If you are designing completely custom clothing, all of this would need to be planned to keep from having business disruptions.

The main thing to include in the business plan is the list of suppliers, the path the supply chain follows, the time from order to the customer’s home, and the costs associated with each step of the process.

According to BizPlanReview , a business plan without this information is likely to get rejected because they have failed to research the key elements necessary to make sales to the customer.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 7. Company Organization and Operational Plan

This part of the business plan is focused on how the business model will function while serving customers.  The business plan should provide an overview of  how the team will manage the following aspects:

Quality Control

• Legal environment

Let’s look at each for some insight.

Production has already been discussed in previous sections so I won’t go into it much. When writing a business plan for investors, try to avoid repetition as it creates a more simple business plan.

If the organizational plan will be used by the team as an overview of how to perform the best services for the customer, then redundancy makes more sense as it communicates what is important to the business.

Quality control policies help to keep the team focused on how to verify that the company adheres to the business plan and meets or exceeds customer expectations.

Quality control can be anything from a standard that says “all labels on shirts can be no more than 1/16″ off center” to a defined checklist of steps that should be performed and filled out for every customer.

There are a variety of organizations that help define quality control including:

• International Organization for Standardization – Quality standards for energy, technology, food, production environments, and cybersecurity
• AICPA – Standard defined for accounting.
• The Joint Commission – Healthcare
• ASHRAE – HVAC best practices

You can find lists of the organizations that contribute most to the government regulation of industries on Open Secrets . Research what the leaders in your field are doing. Follow their example and implement it in your quality control plan.

For location, you should use information from the market research to establish where the location will be. Make sure to include the following in the location documentation.

• The size of your location
• The type of building (retail, industrial, commercial, etc.)
• Zoning restrictions – Urban Wire has a good map on how zoning works in each state
• Accessibility – Does it meet ADA requirements?
• Costs including rent, maintenance, utilities, insurance and any buildout or remodeling costs
• Utilities – b.e.f. has a good energy calculator .

Legal Environment

The legal requirement section is focused on defining how to meet the legal requirements for your industry. A good business plan should include all of the following:

• Any licenses and/or permits that are needed and whether you’ve obtained them
• Any trademarks, copyrights, or patents that you have or are in the process of applying for
• The insurance coverage your business requires and how much it costs
• Any environmental, health, or workplace regulations affecting your business
• Any special regulations affecting your industry
• Bonding requirements, if applicable

Your local SBA office can help you establish requirements in your area. I strongly recommend using them. They are a great resource.

Your business plan should include a plan for company organization and hiring. While you may be the only person with the company right now, down the road you’ll need more people. Make sure to consider and document the answers to the following questions:

• What is the current leadership structure and what will it look like in the future?
• What types of employees will you have? Are there any licensing or educational requirements?
• How many employees will you need?
• Will you ever hire freelancers or independent contractors?
• What is each position’s job description?
• What is the pay structure (hourly, salaried, base plus commission, etc.)?
• How do you plan to find qualified employees and contractors?

One of the most crucial parts of a business plan is the organizational chart. This simply shows the positions the company will need, who is in charge of them and the relationship of each of them. It will look similar to this:

Our small business plan template has a much more in-depth organizational chart you can edit to include when you include the organizational chart in your business plan.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 8. Financial Statements 

No business plan is complete without financial statements or financial projections. The business plan format will be different based on whether you are writing a business plan to expand a business or a startup business plan. Let’s dig deeper into each.

Provide All Financial Income from an Existing Business

An existing business should use their past financial documents including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement to find trends to estimate the next 3-5 years.

You can create easy trendlines in excel to predict future revenue, profit and loss, cash flow, and other changes in year-over-year performance. This will show your expected performance assuming business continues as normal.

If you are seeking an investment, then the business is probably not going to continue as normal. Depending on the financial plan and the purpose of getting financing, adjustments may be needed to the following:

• Higher Revenue if expanding business
• Lower Cost of Goods Sold if purchasing inventory with bulk discounts
• Adding interest if utilizing financing (not equity deal)
• Changes in expenses
• Addition of financing information to the cash flow statement
• Changes in Earnings per Share on the balance sheet

Financial modeling is a challenging subject, but there are plenty of low-cost courses on the subject. If you need help planning your business financial documentation take some time to watch some of them.

Make it a point to document how you calculated all the changes to the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement in your business plan so that key team members or investors can verify your research.

Financial Projections For A Startup Business Plan

Unlike an existing business, a startup doesn’t have previous success to model its future performance. In this scenario, you need to focus on how to make a business plan realistic through the use of industry research and averages.

Mike gave the following advice in his interview:

Financial Forecasting Mistakes

One of the things a lot of inexperienced people use is the argument, “If I get one percent of the market, it is worth $100 million.” If you use this, investors are likely to file the document under bad business plan examples.

Let’s use custom t-shirts as an example.

Credence Research estimated in 2018 there were 11,334,800,000 custom t-shirts sold for a total of $206.12 Billion, with a 6% compound annual growth rate.

With that data,  you can calculate that the industry will grow to $270 Billion in 2023 and that the average shirt sold creates $18.18 in revenue.

Combine that with an IBIS World estimate of 11,094 custom screen printers and that means even if you become an average seller, you’ll get .009% of the market.

Here’s a table for easier viewing of that information.

The point here is to make sure your business proposal examples make sense.

You’ll need to know industry averages such as cost of customer acquisition, revenue per customer, the average cost of goods sold, and admin costs to be able to create accurate estimates.

Our simple business plan templates walk you through most of these processes. If you follow them you’ll have a good idea of how to write a business proposal.

How to Write a Business Plan Step 9. Business Plan Example of Funding Requests

What is a business plan without a plan on how to obtain funding?

The Small Business Administration has an example for a pizza restaurant that theoretically needed nearly $20k to make it through their first month.

In our video, How to Start a $500K/Year T-Shirt Business (Pt. 1 ), Sanford Booth told us he needed about $200,000 to start his franchise and broke even after 4 months.

Freshbooks estimates it takes on average 2-3 years for a business to be profitable, which means the fictitious pizza company from the SBA could need up to $330k to make it through that time and still pay their bills for their home and pizza shop.

Not every business needs that much to start, but realistically it’s a good idea to assume that you need a fairly large cushion.

Ways to get funding for a small business

There are a variety of ways to cover this. the most common are:

• Bootstrapping – Using your savings without external funding.
• Taking out debt – loans, credit cards
• Equity, Seed Funding – Ownership of a percentage of the company in exchange for current funds
• Crowdsourcing – Promising a good for funding to create the product

Keep reading for more tips on how to write a business plan.

How funding will be used

When asking for business financing make sure to include:

• How much to get started?
• What is the minimum viable product and how soon can you make money?
• How will the money be spent?

Mike emphasized two aspects that should be included in every plan, 

How to Write a Business Plan Resources

Here are some links to a business plan sample and business plan outline. 

• Sample plan

It’s also helpful to follow some of the leading influencers in the business plan writing community. Here’s a list:

• Wise Plans –  Shares a lot of information on starting businesses and is a business plan writing company.
• Optimus Business Plans –  Another business plan writing company.
• Venture Capital – A venture capital thread that can help give you ideas.

How to Write a Business Plan: What’s Next?

We hope this guide about how to write a simple business plan step by step has been helpful. We’ve covered:

• The definition of a business plan
• Coming up with a business idea
• Performing market research
• The critical components of a business plan
• An example business plan

In addition, we provided you with a simple business plan template to assist you in the process of writing your startup business plan. The startup business plan template also includes a business model template that will be the key to your success.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our business hub .

Have you written a business plan before? How did it impact your ability to achieve your goals?

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Business Plan Template for Interview

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ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Interview provides entrepreneurs and business owners with the essential tools to create a comprehensive and persuasive business plan for potential investors or stakeholders. Here are the main elements of this template:

• Custom Statuses: Track the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do, ensuring that every aspect is accounted for and easily managed.
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to organize and categorize important information within your business plan, making it easier to navigate and reference.
• Custom Views: Access different views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to explore your business plan from various angles, allowing you to focus on specific areas or get an overview of the entire document.
• Collaboration: Use ClickUp's collaborative features such as task assignments, comments, and notifications to streamline communication and ensure everyone involved is on the same page.
• Document Editing: Take advantage of ClickUp's Docs feature to create and edit your business plan directly within the platform, making it easy to collaborate and keep everything in one place.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Interview, you can confidently present a well-structured and organized business plan that showcases your vision and potential for success.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Interview

If you're preparing for an important interview, using a Business Plan Template can help you organize your thoughts and showcase your skills effectively. Here are six steps to use the Business Plan Template for an interview:

1. Research the company

Before you start filling out the Business Plan Template, conduct thorough research on the company you're interviewing with. Look into their mission, values, products/services, competitors, and recent news. This information will help you tailor your business plan to align with the company's goals and demonstrate your knowledge and interest.

Use the Docs feature in ClickUp to gather and organize your research about the company.

2. Define your goals

Clearly define your goals for the interview. What do you want to achieve? Are you looking to showcase your problem-solving skills, demonstrate your industry knowledge, or highlight your leadership abilities? Knowing your goals will help you structure your business plan and focus on the most relevant information.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to outline and prioritize your interview goals.

3. Structure your business plan

Use the Business Plan Template to structure your plan effectively. Start with an executive summary to provide a concise overview of your plan. Then, include sections such as market analysis, competitive analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and action plans. Tailor each section to showcase your skills and how you can contribute to the company's success.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to create a structured outline for your business plan.

4. Highlight your skills and experience

Within each section of your business plan, highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Focus on how your expertise can benefit the company and solve their challenges. Use data, metrics, and examples to support your claims and make your plan more convincing.

Use tasks in ClickUp to outline your skills and experience within each section of the business plan.

5. Practice your delivery

Once you've completed your business plan, practice delivering it confidently and concisely. Rehearse your key points, anticipate potential questions, and prepare concise answers. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to refine your delivery and boost your confidence.

Create recurring tasks in ClickUp to remind yourself to practice your business plan regularly.

6. Review and revise

Before the interview, review your business plan and make any necessary revisions. Check for grammar and spelling errors, ensure consistency in formatting, and refine your content for maximum impact. Remember to tailor your plan specifically to the company and position you're interviewing for.

Set a recurring task in ClickUp to regularly review and revise your business plan before each interview.

By following these steps and utilizing the Business Plan Template, you'll be well-prepared and equipped to impress your interviewers with a comprehensive and well-structured plan. Good luck!

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Interview

Entrepreneurs or business owners preparing for an interview with potential investors or stakeholders can use the ClickUp Business Plan Template for Interview to effectively outline their business idea, market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plan, demonstrating a clear vision and compelling value proposition for the success of their venture.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize your business plan into different sections, such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Financial Projections, and Marketing Strategies
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, whether it's Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, or To Do
• The Timeline View will provide a visual representation of your business plan's timeline, allowing you to set deadlines and milestones
• The Business Plan View will give you an overview of your entire plan, allowing you to easily navigate between sections and make updates
• Use the Getting Started Guide View to access helpful resources and tips on how to create a compelling business plan
• Utilize the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize your plan
• Collaborate with team members to gather feedback and make revisions to ensure your business plan is polished and persuasive.
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How to create a business plan for a sales interview.

Sales jobs are entrepreneurial because you generate your own leads, solicit business and close sales all on your own. Your compensation is in the form of commission. When you interview for a sales job, be prepared to explain how you will produce sales and earn commissions.

State your mission and style. Will your performance be impressive because you can attract and service a large number of customers? Will you do more business because you educate your customers? Or is your charming personality and ability to sell your greatest asset?

Estimate how many sales you need to close in order to make an average month's commission income, and infer how many customer contacts that requires if you only sell to one out of every 10 customers.

Create a table projecting monthly sales goals, the number of transactions required to meet those goals, and explain how you plan to achieve those transactions.

Outline the details of your target customers and describe what makes them want to buy. What are the features and benefits of the product that will appeal to these target customers, and how will you attract them to do business with you?

Support your plan with examples from your previous sales experience. If you have no previous experience, explain why you feel you have a talent for sales.

• Make sure you present an assertive and proactive image. The sales manager is looking for someone who analyzes what actions must be taken in order to produce a certain level of sales, and how those sales can be steadily increased over time. Demonstrate that you know how to plan a strategic sales campaign and what you will change if your production does not live up to your plan's expectations.
• Remember that sales is a social science and not a wrestling match. Do not be obnoxious instead of determined. There is a difference. Sales managers are looking for professional sales reps who will improve the image of the company and make sales without generating complaint calls from the customers.

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• AllBusiness.com, Creating a powerful sales plan, by Dave Kahle
• Victoria Duff - see comment section
• Tips on creating a professional presentation

Victoria Duff specializes in entrepreneurial subjects, drawing on her experience as an acclaimed start-up facilitator, venture catalyst and investor relations manager. Since 1995 she has written many articles for e-zines and was a regular columnist for "Digital Coast Reporter" and "Developments Magazine." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in public administration from the University of California at Berkeley.

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10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

• Vicky Oliver

Use this guide to stand out from the crowd and land the role you want.

Interviews can be high stress, anxiety-driving situations, especially if it’s your first interview. A little practice and preparation always pays off. While we can’t know exactly what an employer will ask, here are 10 common interview questions along with advice on how to answer them. The questions include:

• Could you tell me something about yourself and describe your background in brief? : Interviewers like to hear stories about candidates. Make sure your story has a great beginning, a riveting middle, and an end that makes the interviewer root for you to win the job.
• How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? : Share an instance when you remained calm despite the turmoil. If it’s a skill you’re developing, acknowledge it and include the steps you’re taking to respond better to pressure in the future.
• What are your salary expectations? : Before you walk in for your first interview, you should already know what the salary is for the position you’re applying to. Check out websites such as Glassdoor, Fishbowl, or Vault.com for salary information. You could also ask people in the field by reaching out to your community on LinkedIn.

Resignation numbers have remained abnormally high in the U.S. between July 2021 and October 2021, with millions of Americans quitting their jobs  — which also means there are millions of new openings up for grabs. If you’re entering the market for the first time, or just looking to make a change, use this guide to prepare for your next interview.

• Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-best-selling author of five books, including  301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions , named in the top 10 list of “Best Books for HR Interview Prep.” She’s a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 900 appearances in broadcast, print, and online outlets.    

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The 30-60-90 Day Plan: Your Secret Weapon for New Job Success

When you’re starting a new job, sometimes deciding whether to pack a lunch the first day is a struggle—forget about planning out the next few months. So if you’ve been asked to make a 30-60-90 day plan for your new job—or even earlier during the interview process—you might have a few questions like What? And How? And Do I really need a job or can I live off the grid in a cozy little cave?

But we promise, making a 30-60-90 day plan is possible and it can help you set yourself up for success at your new gig. We’ve got detailed instructions on when and how to make a 30-60-90 day plan, plus a template to guide you and an example to inspire you.

What is a 30-60-90 day plan?

A 30-60-90 day plan is what it sounds like: a document that articulates your intentions for the first 30, 60, and 90 days of a new job. It lists your high-level priorities and actionable goals, as well as the metrics you’ll use to measure success in those first three months. Done well, it will help you make a positive first impression on your new employer—or the hiring manager you hope will be your future boss.

Download The Muse’s 30-60-90 day plan template here .

When to make a 30-60-90 day plan

Many 30-60-90 day plans follow a similar structure, but the level of detail may vary depending on your situation. There are two main times when you might make one: preparing for an interview or starting a new job.

Note: If you’re a manager who wants to make an onboarding plan to help your new hires hit the ground running (without constantly having to ask you what they should do next), you should consider using our self-onboarding tool , a template for outlining your month-one goals for a new hire, as well as creating a week-by-week plan with a thorough list of meetings, readings, and tasks they should tackle in their first month on the job.

For an interview

If you’ve made it to a late-stage job interview, you may be asked something along the lines of, “What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?” It’s a good idea to prepare to answer this regardless of what level role you’re interviewing for, but it’s more common for higher-level positions.

With interview questions  like this, the hiring manager is likely trying to understand your thought process going into the job more than anything. They want to know: Do you understand the role and what it would require of you? Can you get up to speed quickly and start contributing early on? Do your ideas show that you’re the right candidate to fill this particular position?

Even if you’re not explicitly asked this interview question, coming prepared with a plan can help you wow the hiring manager and stand out among other applicants. “Employers are looking for people who are agile and proactive,” says leadership consultant Michael Watkins, author of The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter . “By talking about how you would approach your first 90 days, you demonstrate agility and proactiveness.”

In other cases—more commonly for higher-level management or executive roles—you may be asked to do an interview presentation . Creating a 30-60-90 day plan to present is a great way to show the hiring manager that you understand the challenges a company or department is facing and you have a clear plan for tackling them.

Be sure to include a few specific ideas in your interview presentation—depending on the role you’re interviewing for, that could be suggestions for ways to cut costs, increase sales, or improve customer satisfaction. You want to convey: “I’ve got five good ideas, and when you hire me, I’ve got 50 more,” says career coach Eliot Kaplan , who spent 18 years as Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Hearst Magazines.

For a new job

If you’re starting a new job, your new manager may explicitly ask for a 30-60-90 day plan in writing, or you may want to create one for yourself to help ease the transition to your new role. In either case, the goal is to set yourself up to hit the ground running—and to be sure you’re running in the right direction.

“If you come in without a game plan and try to tackle everything, you’re going to get nothing done,” Kaplan says. “Come up with a couple things you can accomplish successfully.”

If you’ve already started the position, you’ll have access to internal resources and your new coworkers, which will make it easier to create a detailed, realistic plan. If there are things you’re unsure about—like goals, expectations, or typical benchmarks—ask! You’ll likely impress your new colleagues with how proactive you are, but more importantly, you’ll gather the information you need to be successful.

Elements of a 30-60-90 day plan

Before you’re ready to get down to the details of your 30-60-90 plan, you’ll want to think about the high-level elements it needs to include. As the name suggests, you want to think of your plan in three 30 day phases that translate to your first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job. For each phase, you’ll need to:

• Determine a specific focus
• Set your top priorities
• Make concrete goals that support those priorities
• Determine how you’ll measure success

Here’s how to fill in the major parts of your plan for each of the first three months: 

Your specific monthly focus might change based on your role and the company, but typically, the broad focus of each 30-day period will look similar:

• The first month (days 1-30) of a new job is about learning.
• The second month (days 31-60) is about planning and beginning to contribute
• The third month (days 61-90) is about execution and—when applicable—initiating changes to the status quo.

Within those broad monthly buckets, outline your high-level priorities for each phase. For instance, your priorities for different phases could include learning internal processes, performing your role independently, or proposing solutions to a problem facing the company. Your priorities should be more specific than your focuses, but broader than individual goals.

Setting goals is all about making a plan for how you’ll achieve your overarching priorities. For each phase, set goals that ladder up to your stated focus and priorities. (See our example 30-60-90 day plan below for inspiration.) If it’s helpful, break your goals into categories like learning, performance, and personal goals.

• Learning goals: To set these, ask, “What knowledge and skills do I need to be successful? How can I best absorb and acquire that information and those abilities?”
• Performance goals: These are concrete things you want to accomplish or complete as part of your new role. To set these, ask yourself, “What progress do I hope to make within the first 30/60/90 days?”
• Personal goals: These goals are more about getting to know the people you’ll be working with and finding your place within your new company or team. To set these, ask, “Who are the key people I need and want to build relationships with? How can I establish and foster those relationships, so that I’m seen as trustworthy and credible?”

For each goal, determine at least one metric you’ll use to track your progress. Ask yourself, “What does success look like and how will I measure it?” Not sure how to do that? Keep reading!

6 tips for writing a 30-60-90 day plan

So how do you figure out your focus, priorities, goals, and metrics for a brand new role? You’ll need to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that the company or department is trying to solve and reflect on how you can make a positive impact within the first 90 days. Here are six tips to make that easier:

1. Think big picture .

Before you start writing out specific goals and metrics, reflect on your overall priorities. “Start with what’s important to you and work out from there,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens . “What are the things you’re going to need to know in order to be successful? Use [those] as your compass.” Identify why they hired (or are looking to hire) you, and set priorities that deliver on that purpose. For mid- and high-level roles, you’re likely being brought in to solve a specific problem or lead a particular project. For more junior roles, your priority can be getting up to speed on the basics of your role and how the company works.

2. Ask questions .

Whether you’re new to a company or still in the interview stage, asking questions is crucial. In order to set realistic goals and metrics that ladder up to your high-level priorities, you’ll need a baseline understanding of the status quo. Ask things that start with, “What’s the average…” or “What’s typical for…”

You can ask your new coworkers these questions or use early stage interviews to ask questions that could help you make a 30-60-90 day plan later on. Muse career coach Tamara Williams  suggests asking up front, “What can I tackle in the first 90 days that will allow me to hit the ground running as well as make a significant impact in the organization?”

3. Meet with key stakeholders.

Establishing healthy working relationships is key to success in any role. If you’ve already started the job, set up meetings with the following people within the first 30 days:

• Your manager
• Other coworkers on your team with whom you’ll work closely
• Other colleagues who are in your role or a similar one
• Any cross-functional partners (on other teams) you’ll work with regularly
• Any external partners (outside of the company) you’ll work with regularly
• Your new direct reports (if you’re a manager)

In each meeting, learn about your coworkers’ roles within the company—and also get to know them as people. Ask lots of questions about the company culture, internal processes, reporting structures, team and company challenges, and other questions that come up as you’re learning the ropes. It’s important to have these conversations before you make plans to change the way things are currently run.

“Too many times, [people] come into the role and say, ‘At my last company, we did it this way,’” Williams says. “That turns people off. You need to be a student before you become a teacher.”

4. Set SMART goals .

Once you’re clear on your high-level priorities, set specific goals that ladder up to your priorities for the 30-, 60-, and 90-day phases. These goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.

For example, instead of “Understand our SEO,” a SMART goal would be, “Within the first 30 days, identify our top 10 target keywords and assess how we’re currently ranking for them.”

5. Determine how you’ll measure success.

This will likely be different for each of your goals. Metrics are often quantifiable (revenue, pageviews, etc.), but some goals might have more qualitative metrics, like positive customer feedback. However, try to make even qualitative metrics measurable—for instance, the number of five-star reviews you receive.

6. Be flexible.

Don’t worry if you don’t end up following the plan precisely. Every job is different, so tailor your plan based on what you know about the role and organization, but accept that it will likely change. Ask for feedback throughout your first 90 days (and throughout your tenure at the company). If you have to course-correct as you go, that’s totally fine.

If you’re a team lead or executive, consider adding, “Conduct a SWOT analysis of my project, team, the department or the company as a whole,” to your plan during month two or three. SWOT simply stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Once you complete this exercise it might help you adjust the rest of your plan as well as set longer-term goals and strategies.

Also, don’t stress about the length of your written plan—it’s the quality that counts, Kaplan says. “I've gotten [90-day plans] that were two pages long and were perfect, and ones that were 40 pages long and were useless.”

30-60-90 day plan template

If all that feels a bit overwhelming, or you’d just like some more guidance, check out our (free) downloadable 30-60-90 day plan template .

Not a fan of our formatting? (Or just need the words and nothing else?) Copy and paste the text below for each month of your plan.

My 30-60-90 Day Plan

Prepared by: [Your name] Prepared for (optional): [Hiring manager or manager’s name, Company Name] Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

Days [1–30/31–60/61–90]

Focus: [Your focus for your first month]

Priorities: [Your priorities for your first month]

Learning Goals

• [Your first goal.] ( Metric:  [How you’ll measure your first goal])
• [Your second goal.] ( Metric: [How you’ll measure your second goal]
• [Your third goal.] ( Metric: [How you’ll measure your third goal])

Performance Goals

• [Your first goal.] ( Metric: [How you’ll measure your first goal])

Personal Goals

30-60-90 day plan example

Use our 30-60-90 day plan template to start creating your own plan. If you’re stuck on how to fill it in, this example can provide some inspiration.

Focus: Learning

Priorities: Get up to speed on my role, team, and the company as a whole. Understand the expectations my manager has for me, learn how the internal processes and procedures currently work, and start to explore some of the challenges facing the company and my role.

Learning goals:

• Read all of the relevant internal materials available to me on the company wiki or drive and ask my manager for recommendations of articles, reports, and studies I should review. ( Metric: Reading completed)
• Get access to the accounts (email, task management software, customer relationship management platform, etc.) I’ll need to do my job. Spend time familiarizing myself with each of them. ( Metric: Task completed)
• Listen to five recorded sales calls by seasoned teammates. ( Metric: Five sales calls listened to)
• Meet with someone on the account management team to learn about what new clients can expect from the onboarding process. ( Metric: Task completed).

Performance goals:

• Make my first sales calls to key clients and prospects. ( Metric: Three sales calls completed)
• Ask my manager for feedback on my output and performance. Document the feedback so I can incorporate it in my future performance. ( Metric: Task completed)

Personal goals:

• Meet with my manager and as many other new coworkers as possible. Introduce myself and learn about their roles within the organization. ( Metric: Five meetings held)
• Set up recurring meetings with everyone I’ll need to work with on a regular basis—including cross-functional and external partners. ( Metric: Regular meetings set and attended)

Focus: Contributing.

Priorities: Perform my role at full capacity, with a decreased need for guidance. Start to explore how I can make a unique impact within my role and the company.

• Complete an online training course to learn how to better use our customer relationship management platform. ( Metric: One course completed)
• Shadow a seasoned member of the team, listen in on at least three of their sales calls, and document what I learn from observing their approach. ( Metric: Task completed)
• Make five sales calls a week to key clients and prospects. ( Metric: 20 calls completed)
• Ask a seasoned member of the team to observe at least one of my sales calls and give me feedback about how I can improve. ( Metric: Task completed)
• Listen to at least four of my own recorded calls and note self-feedback ( Metric: Four calls listened to)
• Ask for feedback from my manager and coworkers, and document the feedback so I can incorporate it in the future. ( Metric: TBD)
• Schedule coffee or lunch with someone from the company I haven’t gotten to know yet. ( Metric: Task completed)

Focus: Taking initiative.

Priorities: Start assuming more autonomy and finding small ways to practice leadership skills. Start to explore goals for the rest of the year.

• Identify and sign up for a conference, webinar, or online course that will aid in my professional development. ( Metric: One conference, course, or webinar signed up for)
• Analyze my performance so far and establish key metrics I care about (sales, leads, revenue, etc.). Implement a test to try to improve that metric. ( Metric: Task completed)
• Perform my core responsibilities at a higher level based on the metrics I outlined. (Close more sales, increase revenue, etc.) ( Metric: TBD)
• Develop an idea for a new project or initiative I can spearhead, and pitch it to my manager. ( Metric: Task completed)
• Complete the project or initiative I outlined and get feedback from key stakeholders. ( Metric: Project/initiative completed and feedback received from three key stakeholders)
• Get involved extracurricularly within the company by signing up for the corporate volunteer day or a company-sponsored club or sports team. ( Metric: Task completed.)

With our 30-60-90 day template, examples, and guidelines, you’re well-equipped to land the job you’re after or tackle your first 90 days in your new role. Happy planning!

Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

9 Tips to Write a Great Action Plan for your Virtual Interview

“A goal without a plan is a daydream.” – Rick Conlow

We all have goals…whether to run a marathon, learn a new language, or land the dream job. And there are always steps we have to take in order to achieve them. Sometimes we make lists, do research, or set dates on a calendar. Regardless, we move forward with the end in mind. Whatever the goal, an action plan creates a clear path to success.

While creating an action plan for your job interview process seems like a no-brainer – you want the job after all – you need to take the necessary steps to be sure you’re fully prepared. That is why we made a list of our top tips for writing a successful interview action plan to help you get started.

We included some important tips that are applicable to our current remote environment. Since 74% of hiring managers feel that virtual interviews have made their jobs easier, we will all continue to participate in virtual interviews for the foreseeable future.

9 Tips to Write Your Job Interview Action Plan

• Do your research
• Sell yourself
• Test your interview technology
• Dress for success
• Be conscious of body language
• Eliminate distractions
• Prepare for common interview questions
• Practice, practice, practice
• End on a positive note

1. Do your research

On both the company and the industry at large. The first step in your action plan should always be research. Showing knowledge of the company, its objectives, culture and values, and the industry is crucial and shows that you are serious and passionate about the role. Your understanding of both could also set you apart from other candidates.

This could be brought up via a direct question like “What do you know about us?” or “What do you know about the consulting industry?”  Even if the question is not asked, your insight will shine through the entire interview.  So, keep your research focused so your action plan is concise and your interview is smoother.

2. Sell yourself

It is pretty common for an interview to begin with “tell me about yourself.”  Although it may be interesting that you are an equestrian in your spare time, keep it relevant. Your action plan should include your selling points – from your education, personality, and professional accomplishments to how your experience will help the company accomplish its goals .

3. Test your interview technology

Think about your equipment AND your location. Test drive your computer’s speakers and mic capabilities to ensure they work well. If they don’t, consider buying new ones or borrowing some from family or friends. Ensure your wifi capabilities are up to speed by running a speedtest.   Studies show that even a 1.2 second lag can impact a person’s impression of you.

4. Dress for success

Just because you are not meeting in person, does not mean your presentation is less important. They say dress for the job you want. Regardless of whether you are meeting in person or virtually, dress to impress.

One study actually showed that the clothes you wear can actually boost your abstract thinking and broaden your perspective. So, dig through that closet, hit the mall or hit up your favorite clothing retailer site and plan an outfit that both looks great and makes you feel confident.

5. Be conscious of body language

Although you can’t wow them with your long, confident stride or your firm handshake, your body language still plays a huge role in your first impression. And since 33% of interviewers decide whether or not to hire someone in the first 90 seconds (crazy, right?!), that first impression better be a good one!

So sit up straight, make eye contact (practice looking at your webcam and not just the screen) and be conscious of what you are doing with your hands. These are items that should be included in your action plan and can be practiced ahead of time.

6. Eliminate distractions

When prepping for a virtual interview, consider the space in which you will be sitting and make sure it is free of distractions, for both yourself and the interviewer. You want to choose a space that is quiet, clean, and comfortable.

Make sure it is not up against the wall where you constantly hear your neighbor’s dog barking. And clear your surroundings of clutter. A neat, neutral backdrop is best. Your interviewer does not need to see your extensive doll collection or your collection of shot glasses from around the world.

7. Prepare for common interview questions

Both common interview questions that will be asked of you and questions that you have for the interviewer. Just because you are sitting down at a computer for an interview does not mean you should be actively searching during the process. You need to be focused and appear prepared.

Be ready with answers to common interview questions like:

• Tell me about a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it.
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Tell me about a time when you had a conflict and how you resolved it with both your peers and your boss.

Avoid memorizing your answers. A good solution is to jot down high-level thoughts that you can easily reference. And be prepared with strong questions to ask the interviewer such as:

• What are the company’s goals this quarter and for the next 24-36 months?
• How would you describe the ideal candidate?
• How are decisions made and how do approvals work?
• How will my success be measured in this role?

8. Practice, practice, practice

All of it. Run an interview technology test by having a short video chat with a friend. Make sure you are looking into your camera, are sitting at the appropriate level and your lighting doesn’t leave you looking like a fuzzy shadow. Try your outfit on. Review your notes. Practice your questions and responses by taking a quick glance at your notes. The more you practice, the more prepared you will be and in turn, the more confident you will be during the interview.

9. End on a positive note

Make sure your action plan has a powerful ending. Think of it as a story. The best stories leave you wanting more. You set the scene, navigated through the entire interview while selling yourself and now you need to close it. Tell your interviewer how much you want the job and why, while conveying your passion for the position. Create an ending to the interview that is so memorable that they have to hire you.

Virtual interviewing can be a bit intimidating. But if you design a strong action plan and follow it through, it is not hard to make a good impression in a remote interview. As with any interview, do your homework and come to the computer screen prepared.

And remember, every interview experience you have leaves you with something learned. Embrace those takeaways and adjust your action plan accordingly so you can keep taking the steps forward to achieve your goal. Looking for more ways to prepare? Check out these 6 tips for acing your next on demand video interview .

About The Author

Nick is an Account Executive at interviewstream. He’s a Chicago native through and through -- at any given time, you’ll probably find him watching one of the Windy City’s pro sports teams, or rooting for his alumnus, University of Illinois.

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September 30

Writing an Action Plan for Your Job Interview

30-60-90-Day Plan , 30/60/90-Day Action Plans for Non-Sales , Finding a Job , Getting Hired , Interviewing Skills and Tips , Job Interview Advice , Job Interview Preparation , Job Interview Skills , Job Search , Job Search Success , Job Search Tips , Jobseekers

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How do you write an action plan?

Just like with any big goal, the best place to start is to break it down in to smaller, more specific goals.  So, with an action plan for the first 90 days on the job, you’d break it up into smaller sections:  the first 30 days, the next 30 days (60 day) and the last 30 days (90 day).

Then you’d think about what specifically you’d need to take action on in each of those time frames.

In the first 30 days, you’d probably want to focus on how you’d get familiar with the company and your job, and get settled in.  So one of your goals in this first 30 days might be to attend training, get up to speed on the software system, or introduce yourself to your key customers.

In the next 30 days (60 days), you’d dig in a little deeper.  Maybe you’d spend this time evaluating changes that need to be made, getting to know your customer base, or getting feedback from your supervisor on how you’re doing and what you could do better.

In the last 30 days (90 days), you would focus on more independent actions.  Maybe you’d be going after a key customer, implementing a program to save time, or taking action on a key initiative.

When writing an action plan for your job interview, be as specific as you can to this job and this company.  Be as specific as possible by naming names of training, clients, competitors, etc., and add as many details as you can.  Each 30 day section of your plan should be at least 1 page long .  That’s a lot, so you really have to think critically about this job and all of the steps it would take to be successful in it. Then write those steps down, give yourself a strategic plan, and have a great interview.

**If you need more help, here are a couple of articles you should see:

How to Write a 30-60-90-Day Plan for Job Interviews

30-60-90-day plan: how to create and use it to knock their socks off in the job interview.

**If you want a 3-page action plan template, examples and expert coaching on creating and presenting your plan in the interview, get my 30-60-90-Day Action Plan .  

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You a Job Interview

Learn to avoid the biggest mistake job seekers make and write a cover letter that truly makes an impact.

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Most job seekers don’t know how to write a proper cover letter. They believe a cover letter is just a “here is my resume” note. This is a wasted opportunity!

In this article, you’ll discover the secret to writing a professional cover letter that’s truly effective. It’s not hard to do and will give you a significant edge over the competition. We’ll walk you through the process in a few straightforward steps and provide examples to help you along the way.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and create a cover letter that opens doors to your next opportunity.

What is a cover letter and do you really need one?

A cover letter is a short document (around 300 words) that accompanies your resume. Your cover letter should not simply repeat what your resume says . Instead, it should complement your resume, highlight your personality, and potentially address any weaknesses that could otherwise prevent you from getting an interview.

But do you really need a cover letter in 2024? The short answer is YES.

“Over 80% of hiring managers read a cover letter and 60% of applications require one as part of the application,” says career coach Madelyn Mackie . “Even hiring managers and recruiters who say they never read cover letters may find themselves drawn in by a particularly compelling letter.”

In fact, Jobscan analyzed nearly 1 million job applications and found that including a cover letter with your resume makes you  1.9 times more likely  to be invited for an interview compared to those who left out a cover letter.

What’s the biggest cover letter mistake?

The biggest mistake job seekers make when writing their cover letter is to focus only on themselves .

“It’s not about you,” says career coach Susan Schwartz . “It’s about what you can do for them. Talking to them about what they care about—not about what you want—is what’s going to make them want to read your letter. And to hire you!”

According to Schwartz, this is the best way to write a cover letter:

Paragraph 1. A single sentence (maximum two) stating the PROBLEM that the company faces. What is the issue/need/opportunity that this role will address?

Paragraph 2. what solution do you offer how are you the answer to their need again, keep it to a sentence or two., paragraph 3. explanation: what experience do you have that supports your assertion that you can help this paragraph can be 3-4 sentences, but keep it short., paragraph 4. call to action: suggest next steps. not “thank you” but let’s plan to discuss this next week..

Since hiring managers often spend less than 20 seconds on an application, your cover letter needs to grab their attention and get them to look at your resume. By highlighting how your experience matches the job, you make it easier for them to see you as a great fit for the role.

Now let’s examine each of these steps in more detail.

How to write a strong cover letter step-by-step

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, research the company to understand its current challenges and goals. Visit the company website, read their latest news and press releases, and follow their social media channels.

Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for writing a cover letter that truly resonates with a potential employer and sets you apart from other candidates.

After you’ve researched the company, carefully read the job description. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What specific problems or challenges is this role designed to address?
• How do my skills and experiences align with the job requirements?
• Am I a good fit for the role?
• What unique value can I bring to the company in this role?
• Are there any keywords or phrases that I should incorporate into my cover letter?

After researching the company and the role, you’re ready to start writing your cover letter.

2. Write your opening paragraphs

Many job seekers make the mistake of being too wordy in their cover letters. You’re not writing a novel. Use short words in short sentences. Remember, a hiring manager is going to quickly scan your application, so you need to get right to the point.

Here are some examples of how to start a cover letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’ve noticed that NexGen is working hard to stand out in a crowded digital market, and keeping your brand top-of-mind for customers can be tough.

That’s where I come in—I specialize in creating engaging content and smart SEO strategies that boost online presence and drive customer engagement.

I understand that Weissman is seeking to maintain its innovative edge in the dancewear industry while consistently meeting sales and margin targets.

I am confident that my experience and passion for design can help Weissman continue to create stunning, market-leading dancewear.

I understand that Timmons Company needs motivated individuals to manage sales territories and boost product visibility in retail grocery stores around Quincy, IL.

I am excited to bring my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset to your team, ensuring your products not only maintain their shelf presence but also thrive.

3. Prove you can do the job

Now you need to provide evidence that you’re the right person for the job. The best way to do this is to highlight your relevant experience and achievements. Here are some things you should focus on:

• Specific Accomplishments : Share examples of your successes, such as increasing sales, leading projects, or improving processes.
• Relevant Skills : Highlight the skills that match the job requirements, like planning, organizing, technical proficiencies, or specific industry experience.
• Problem-Solving : Discuss times when you successfully tackled challenges, such as resolving issues, managing conflicts, or implementing solutions.
• Industry Knowledge : Demonstrate your understanding of the field and awareness of current trends and standards.
• Team Collaboration : Mention how you’ve effectively worked in teams, mentored others, or collaborated across departments.

Remember to keep it concise. Your letter isn’t meant to tell your whole story; it’s about making a compelling case that you understand the key aspects of the job.

Your goal is to leave the reader eager to learn more about you. Here are some examples:

“Over the past five years, I’ve led digital marketing campaigns that ramped up organic traffic by 40% and bumped up conversion rates by 25%. I’ve worked with diverse teams to create compelling content that resonates with audiences and used data analytics to refine strategies for maximum impact. My experience with social media management and email marketing also ensures a holistic approach to your digital marketing needs.”

“With over ten years in apparel design, specializing in activewear and dancewear, I have a proven track record of developing designs that resonate with customers and drive sales. My expertise includes conducting global trend research, selecting inspiring materials, and leading teams to transform creative concepts into market-ready products. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience with CLO3D, ensuring that my designs are both innovative and technically sound. My leadership skills have been honed by mentoring junior designers and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient design process.”

“With several years of experience in CPG retail sales and merchandising, I have successfully managed sales territories, maintained product placements, and executed promotional strategies. My ability to plan and organize, combined with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with iPads, positions me well to contribute effectively to your sales team. I am adept at thinking on my feet and delivering results in dynamic environments, ensuring that products are always tagged, rotated, and optimally displayed.”

4. Conclude with a call to action

When wrapping up your cover letter, it’s crucial to include a strong call to action in your closing paragraph. This isn’t just about expressing gratitude—it’s about setting the stage for the next steps in the hiring process.

Instead of a simple “thank you,” aim to propose a specific plan, such as scheduling a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company.

Here are some examples of how to end a cover letter :

“Let’s discuss how I can help NexGen Creative Agency achieve its sales goals next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

“How about we chat next week about how I can help Weissman shine even brighter? Let me know when you’re free.”

“Let’s plan to discuss how my self-motivation and sales-oriented mindset can boost product visibility for Timmons Company next week. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.”

There is no need to add anything more. Time is valuable, so hiring managers won’t spend it on a cover letter that isn’t concise and to the point.

Expert tips for writing a cover letter

We’ve gone over the basics of how to write a good cover letter. Here are some expert tips for formatting and how to make your cover letter even better.

Format your contact information correctly

Before diving into the content of your cover letter, it’s important to format the contact details and header correctly. You’ll need to include your name, full address, phone number, and email address.

Here’s an example:

Personalize your greeting

To whom should you address your cover letter to? “For maximum impact, see if you can find the hiring manager or recruiter for the role, and send your letter to them,” says career coach Susan Schwarz . “Addressing your letter to a specific person will significantly increase the likelihood of someone reading it.”

Check the company’s website or LinkedIn profile to find the name of the hiring manager. However, if you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.

To end a cover letter, you can use “best regards” or “kind regards” followed by your full name.

Show your personality

While it’s important to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. But remember, you don’t want to overdo it—keep it concise and relevant .

Here are some ways to show your personality in your cover letter:

• Briefly mention a specific project or experience you enjoyed.
• Highlight a distinctive skill or trait that sets you apart.
• Talk about how your values align with the company’s mission or culture.
• Describe a unique volunteer experience.

Emphasize your adaptability

According to LinkedIn , the top “skill of the moment” is adaptability . This means being open to new ideas, ready to pivot when needed, and always looking for ways to improve. In a world where the only constant is change, being adaptable can set you apart.

Here’s an example of how to incorporate adaptability into your cover letter:

“In my previous role as a CPG retail sales merchandiser, I consistently demonstrated my ability to adjust to changing market conditions, customer preferences, and sales strategies. This adaptability allowed me to increase sales by 25% in a highly competitive market.”

Show enthusiasm

Research shows that 40% of employers would not hire a candidate if they lacked enthusiasm. Remember, you’re much more attractive to employers when you’re on fire .

Here’s an example of how to show enthusiasm for the company you’re applying to:

“I’ve long admired Weissman’s commitment to the dance community and the artistry of your costumes. Your dedication to empowering performances and celebrating creativity is inspiring, and I’m excited about the opportunity to join your passionate team.”

Balance professionalism with friendliness

Try to strike a balance between a professional and friendly tone. Don’t use overly formal language, but make sure your writing is polished and error-free. Use humor sparingly, as it can be easily misinterpreted.

This approach helps you come across as both competent and personable, making you an ideal candidate.

Cover letter do’s and don’ts

• Do personalize . Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible.
• Do be concise . Keep your cover letter to one page.
• Do show enthusiasm . Mention specific reasons why you want to work there.
• Do include measurable accomplishments . These are achievements that can be quantified , such as increasing sales by a percentage.
• Do show your personality . Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• Do be professional yet friendly . Avoid overly formal language.
• Do proofread your cover letter. A single mistake can damage your chances of getting an interview.
• Do include a call to action. Suggest scheduling a meeting or a call.
• Don’t be too formal . Strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness.
• Don’t overuse humor . Humor can be easily misinterpreted or come off as unprofessional.
• Don’t repeat your resume . Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it.
• Don’t include irrelevant information. Focus only on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Don’t use clichés . Phrases like “I am a hard worker” or “I think outside the box” are overused and add little value.
• Don’t make excuses . Avoid explaining gaps in employment or other potential negatives.
• Don’t forget to tailor each letter . Customizing each cover letter will help it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Cover letter examples

Here are a few cover letter examples that show how to highlight your skills, show your personality, and match your experiences with the job.

Cover letter example for someone with no work experience

Starting your career can be challenging, especially when you don’t have much experience to showcase. But don’t worry—a well-written cover letter can highlight your strengths and potential.

• Addresses the company’s needs : The letter begins by acknowledging the challenges the company faces, demonstrating an understanding of the industry and the company’s needs.
• Offers a solution : The candidate clearly states how they can provide value by offering a fresh perspective and innovative ideas.
• Highlights relevant experience : Even with limited work experience, the letter mentions a successful internship project that aligns with the job’s requirements.
• Shows enthusiasm and passion : The mention of a passion for sustainability and eagerness to contribute to the company’s efforts showcases the candidate’s genuine interest.
• Proposes next steps : The call to action is clear and professional, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute, which shows initiative and confidence.

Cover letter example for someone changing careers

Changing careers can be a bold and exciting move, especially when you have a strong foundation of transferable skills. The following example of a cover letter demonstrates how to effectively highlight your previous experience and enthusiasm for a new industry.

• Engaging opening : Starts with a bold question that captures attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Clear value proposition : Quickly establishes how the candidate’s project management skills can benefit the finance industry.
• Relevant experience : Highlights a specific project that showcases the candidate’s ability to improve efficiency and manage complex tasks.
• Expresses enthusiasm : Shows genuine excitement about the career change and the specific company.
• Call to action : Concludes with a clear and confident call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Cover letter example for someone re-entering the workforce

Re-entering the workforce after a significant break can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your resilience and the valuable skills you’ve developed during your time away.

The following cover letter example demonstrates how to effectively address employment gaps while highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm for the role.

• Strong opening statement : The cover letter begins with a compelling statement about the importance of adaptability and innovation, setting a positive and forward-thinking tone.
• Addresses employment gap : It acknowledges the employment gap upfront, providing context without dwelling on it, which demonstrates honesty and transparency.
• Highlights relevant experience : The letter emphasizes past accomplishments and specific projects, showcasing the candidate’s skills and ability to deliver results.
• Shows enthusiasm for the role : The candidate expresses excitement about re-entering the workforce and aligns their values with the company’s mission.
• Proposes next steps : It ends with a clear call to action, suggesting a meeting to discuss how the candidate can contribute to the company’s success.

Generate a perfectly crafted cover letter in seconds

If you’re still having trouble writing your cover letter, try Jobscan’s AI cover letter generator . It analyzes both your resume and the job ad to create a completely original cover letter customized for the job you’re applying for.

To learn more about how the cover letter generator works, watch this brief video:

You can try Jobscan’s cover letter generator for free below:

Key takeaways

Follow these key takeaways to write a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other candidates and opens doors to new career opportunities.

• Write with the employer’s needs in mind. Explain how you can address their specific challenges and contribute to their goals.
• Keep it brief . Use short sentences and paragraphs to make it easy for hiring managers to scan quickly.
• Address your letter to a specific person . If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
• Showcase your relevant experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.
• Inject your personality. Share brief anecdotes or unique experiences relevant to the job.
• End with a strong call to action . Suggest a meeting or a call to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.
• Proofread your letter. A single error can torpedo your chances at getting an interview.
• Show enthusiasm. Showing excitement and a willingness to learn can make you a more attractive candidate.

A cover letter should be one page long, consisting of three to four paragraphs. The total word count should be around 250-400 words.

When you don’t have a specific name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern,” as it is considered old-fashioned.

When emailing a cover letter, use a clear subject line like “Application for Content Developer – [Your Name].” Paste your cover letter into the email body. Attach your resume.

Yes, a cover letter is necessary because good first impressions are important. By highlighting your qualifications and showing enthusiasm for the role, you can gain an advantage over someone who doesn’t send one.

Employers look for personalization in a cover letter, showing that it’s tailored to the specific job and company. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Include specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities and contributions.

Yes. Providing specific examples of your achievements helps demonstrate your skills and qualifications, making your application more compelling to employers.

A cover letter starts with your contact information, first and last name, the date, and the employer’s details. Begin with an introduction about your suitability for the role. Include a brief section highlighting relevant experience and skills with examples. Conclude by asking for an interview.

The primary goals of a simple cover letter are to make a good impression, get someone to read your resume, and offer you a job interview. It also shows you have good communication skills, which are highly valuable in today’s workforce.

The opening sentence should state the problem the company faces or pose a thought-provoking question to grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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How to Write a Job Proposal (and Land the Role You Want)

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A job proposal is a detailed document, typically three to six pages, that outlines why you’re a good fit for a role. It’s different than a cover letter in that it’s typically not a part of a formal application process.

• A job proposal is something you write and share with the hiring manager, or another contact you’ve made at the organization, either to get your foot in the door or to secure a job after a round of interviews.
• You can also use this technique if you already work at a company and want to transition laterally, be promoted, or propose an entirely new role.
• Your proposal should include: Why you want the role and why you have the skills and experience to add value. It should also signal how deeply you have thought about the organization, its needs, and how to address them.
• It’s typically best to send it to a direct contact at the organization, either along with your thank-you notes after an interview, or to a recruiter or employee you’ve connected with via LinkedIn.

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Strategies for Acing the Most Common MBA Interview Questions

Your responses to common MBA interview questions can define the outcome of your business school application.

So you made it to the business school interview stage: Cause for celebration, or last-minute panic? The way you approach the MBA interview can directly impact admission decisions, so it’s important to dedicate time and attention to this important component.

The most effective, time-tested strategy for approaching an interview is to imagine the questions you’ll be asked and to practice your delivery . Below, we’ve detailed some of the most common questions asked during MBA interviews so you can begin developing your unique responses (although there can be some tricky MBA interview questions, too ).

Question 1: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

A safe place to start, use this question to talk briefly and concisely about your background, experience, and accomplishments. Limit your answer to 2-3 minutes and identify key talking points that relate to the school or program. Plan to discuss topics such as:

• Your undergraduate education and why you chose the major you did
• Your past and present work experience and accomplishments
• Your career goals, and your journey to discovering what matters most to you in your chosen industry

💬 Read More:  Five Questions to Ask During Your MBA or Master's Admissions Interview

Question 2: Why do you want to earn a graduate business degree?

Next, interviewers may seek to understand why you’ve chosen this particular course of action as part of your larger career plan. Explain, in detail, your motivations for pursuing a graduate business degree and how the degree will further your career goals. Emphasize the specific skills that you hope to achieve and how these apply to the field, job function, or industry that interests you. What motivated you to pursue the degree now? Interviewers are looking for a well-researched, thoughtful consideration of the endeavor you’re about to undertake.

Question 3: Why are you interested in this school?

At some point, the interviewer may ask why you’re interested in this particular program or location. Comprehensively discuss all the reasons the school or program is ideally suited for you. Include factors such as faculty, culture, curriculum, industry connections, and job placement. Talk about any aspects that make the school or program unique and why, in particular, that interests you. Your response will help the interviewer picture you as part of the community going forward.

Question 4: Why should we admit you?

Interviewers may put you on the spot by asking, point blank, why they should choose you for the program. Use this MBA interview question as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to address topics directly and with supporting evidence. Cite your accomplishments, highlight the skills you’ve strengthened so far during your career, and reveal how your academic and professional experience will enrich the program for others.

Question 5: Talk about your accomplishments as a leader.

All business school interviewers are interested in identifying strong future leaders. Prepare several examples of times you demonstrated leadership in professional settings as well as volunteer and community roles. Talk about the initiatives you led and the results you achieved. How did your skills influence the situation? Did you learn any lessons along the way that improved your qualities as a leader?

Question 6: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

You may be asked about your strengths and weaknesses in two separate questions, or in one combined question. Either way, the interviewer typically aims to measure your humility and self-awareness. Start with describing your weaknesses, like telling a story about how you’ve improved a personal shortcoming. From there, addressing strengths is fairly easy: Pick one or two that you feel set you apart from the competition and validate with concrete examples. For example, start with an observation about a personal quality and how it contributes to tangible positive results.

❌  Read More:  Business School Application Mistakes to Avoid

Question 7: Do you have any questions about the school or program?

When given the opportunity to ask about the program or the admission process, be sure to prepare at least one or two concrete questions for the interviewer . Genuine questions help convey your interest and thorough research so far. If possible, return to topics that arose during the discussion to ask elaborative questions, which in turn demonstrates active listening during your time together. Avoid questions that are easily addressed by reviewing the school’s website or marketing materials—these can have a negative impact on your interview if they make you seem like you haven’t adequately prepared.

Although there are many variables to the MBA interview, you can come prepared by reviewing these common questions and practicing succinct responses that allow the interviewer to get to know you as a person and as a candidate. Finally, don’t forget to prepare for other elements of the interview, including these five must-dos for your MBA interview .

Your MBA interview responses should be an extension of your MBA story

Our free guide,  Tell Your Story: Personal Branding for MBA Applications , provides you with step-by-step, expert guidance on how to position your personal brand in your applications to ensure you tell an authentic and compelling narrative that differentiates you from other qualified applicants and sticks in the minds of the admissions committees.

Get insider advice on how to:

• Reflect on your personal journey and express who you are
• Clearly articulate your goals in a way that will check the boxes admissions staff are trained to look for
• Have a rock-solid answer to the key questions of “why an MBA?” and “why now?”
• Tie your MBA story together in a way that elevates your personal brand

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Sir Keir Starmer stressed the need to "maintain high alert" for more disorder as he chaired another emergency COBRA meeting. Meanwhile, new polling suggests support for Nigel Farage has plummeted since the unrest began last week.

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• Farage accused of helping spread conspiracy theories
• London mayor 'astonished' by Tory leadership hopeful's comments
• Listen: How well has the PM handled riots?
• Mhari Aurora: Starmer can't be sure he's out of woods just yet
• Darren McCaffrey: Farage may struggle to have his cake and eat it
• Explained: Robert Jenrick and the Allahu Akbar row | What does 'two-tier policing' mean - and does it exist?
• UK riots latest: Follow updates on arrests and sentences

Our  political correspondent Darren McCaffrey has spotted some interesting polling about Nigel Farage.

According to YouGov, the Reform leader's favourability ratings have fallen since the start of the riots in the UK.

He is viewed unfavourably by every voter group in the UK except Reform backers.

This includes Leave voters - his score with them going from +7 to -4.

The proportion of 2024 Tory voters that have a negative view of him has risen from 52% to 61% - and 47% of the public believe he holds some responsibility for the rioting.

Farage under fire from multiple sides

Darren said: "I think he's trying to strike this balance between trying to lean into some of the causes potentially behind at least the protests, if not the violence, but at the same time trying to condemn them. 

"The question is, can he have his cake and eat it? Can he effectively walk that fine balance?"

Mr Farage questioned the initial police response to the stabbing in Southport, accusing them of withholding information.

The Reform leader has since condemned the violence on the streets - but made allegations of " two-tier policing ", claims which have been denied and criticised by the prime minister and Met Police chief.

Mel Stride, the Tory leadership hopeful, was heavily critical of Mr Farage this morning when speaking to Sky News - and it could be that more Tories come out to attack him.

With yet another COBRA meeting in the bag for the prime minister, the Politics Hub is signing off for the evening.

For continued coverage of the response to the riots, including the latest arrests and court hearings, check out our dedicated blog below:

As things stand, the Politics Hub won't be running tomorrow, so any political news, reaction, and analysis relating to the unrest will be in the above blog - do follow along for the latest updates.

Thanks for joining us today, and have a good evening.

Sir Keir Starmer has told his ministers and police chiefs they need to "maintain high alert" despite last night's anticipated wave of far-right unrest failing to materialise.

Sky News understands that was the PM's main message from tonight's COBRA meeting - his third of the week.

Sir Keir thanked the police and wider criminal justice system, saying the high levels of policing in key areas last night helped deter rioters - as did the swift sentencing of those convicted so far.

The prime minister has condemned a "deeply concerning" rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK this year.

Charity CST, which is dedicated to protecting Jewish communities, reported almost 2,000 cases in the first half of 2024 - a record high.

There were at least 200 every month - something which had only happened five times prior to October 2023.

That marks the point that Hamas launched its brutal attack on Israel, which was followed by the now 10-month bombardment of Gaza.

Sir Keir Starmer thanked the CST for its work and said: "Jewish people, and all those from faith communities, deserve to feel safe on our streets. 

"We will work together to eradicate discrimination of any kind."

While last night didn't see the unrest many had feared, tonight's COBRA meeting comes ahead of what ministers fear could be days of further protests and disorder.

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed he will not "let up" so far as responding to threats from those bent on violence, and has held talks with police chiefs again this evening to discuss what could happen.

Our crime correspondent Martin Brunt has reported there are fears the new football season kicking off this weekend could spell trouble.

It comes after policing minister Dame Diana Johnson told Sky News earlier that intelligence points to more potential protests.

Read more from our political reporter Alix Culbertson  👇

We've been reporting in the Politics Hub today on the arrest of a Labour councillor over comments he made at one of the counter-protests that took place around the country last night.

First came footage from the event, which appeared to show a man calling for "fascist" rioters to have their throats "cut".

Nigel Farage was among those who shared it, and called on police to arrest the man responsible.

He was named online as Dartford Labour councillor Ricky Jones, and the party moved quickly to suspend him.

We then heard from the Met Police, who said they were urgently investigating the video - and later came an arrest on suspicion of encouraging murder.

For the full story and where we've got to as of tonight, our political reporter Faye Brown has you covered 👇

Sir Keir Starmer was in the West Midlands earlier before returning to London for tonight's COBRA meeting.

The PM visited a mosque in Solihull, and has just put out a post on X thanking local leaders he met there - and the police - for "keeping our communities safe".

Our team have spotted cabinet ministers leaving the COBRA meeting in the last few minutes, so hopefully we'll get an update on what was discussed from Downing Street before too long.

We'll bring it to you if and when we do.

By Faye Brown , political reporter

Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has knocked back claims of "two-tier policing" as "complete nonsense".

He said such claims - pedalled online by Nigel Farage and Elon Musk - put officers dealing with the ongoing riots at risk.

The phrase is used to describe the impression that some protests and demonstrations are dealt with more harshly than others.

What are the origins of 'two-tier' policing?

The term has been used to suggest police are more heavy-handed with people on the right of the political spectrum than the left.

Even before the current rioting in the UK, the idea was propagated by the likes of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, actor-turned political activist Laurence Fox, and former ex-minister Robert Jenrick.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage summed up the sentiment when he claimed that "ever since the soft policing of the Black Lives Matter protests, the impression of two-tier policing has become widespread".

'Difference between riot and protest'

However, critics of those who have used the term say there is a clear difference between legal protests and the riots, which has seen mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers attacked, police officers hospitalised, and shops smashed and looted.

One of the strongest rebukes came from Dame Priti Patel, who was home secretary during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020.

She told Times Radio: "What we saw during the pandemic, we saw protest. We believe in free speech. We saw protests being policed.

"What we're seeing right now is thuggery and disorder and criminality. There is a complete distinction between the two."

What is the law on protests in the UK?

Protest is legal in the UK and the right to freedom of expression is also protected under the European Convention of Human Rights.

However, this only applies to peaceful protest and does not extend to any violence inflicted or damage caused during a protest.

As pointed out by Chris Hobbs, a former Special Branch officer writing for the  Police Oracle website , arrests have been made at pro-Palestinian protests when there has been suspected criminal offences, as has been the case during climate protests and BLM demonstrations.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is banking on the rapid sentencing of convicted rioters putting people off committing more disorder.

There have been more arrests today - not just over the violence we've seen over the past week, but also inaccurate information about the Southport attack shared online.

False claims about the suspect helped ignite the riots.

People have been sentenced today, too - some to several years in jail.

For the latest on the response of the police and the courts, head to our dedicated live blog:

The unrest of the past week has seen members of the far right target Muslim communities and mosques.

It's reignited calls for the government to adopt an official definition of Islamophobia, with the hope it could help educate sections of the public and clamp down on violence and abuse.

Rishi Sunak's government refused to adopt one, suggesting it could negatively impact freedom of speech, and instead referred to cases of "anti-Muslim hatred".

And it appears the new government won't be quick to adopt one either.

Asked directly on Sky News if it would consider one, communities minister Alex Norris danced around the question.

'Still people out there who want to cause disorder'

"Our focus is on the next few days," he said, adding there'll be "plenty of other things we can look at" when the risk of more unrest has passed.

Mr Norris said while there are "still people out there who want to cause violent disorder", the government's focus is on ensuring police "have the powers they need" and that "swift justice" can be delivered.

We've spotted cabinet ministers and police chiefs arriving for tonight's COBRA meeting in Whitehall.

Met boss Sir Mark Rowley and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are among those we've seen.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will discuss what happened last night and what may still be to come - the government has suggested more protests could be in the offing this week.

We'll bring you updates from the meeting whenever we can.

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