How to Prepare for a Scenario Task at Interview – in Advance.

For senior-level roles, interview panels often include a scenario-based task - a chance for you to demonstrate your strategic thinking, leadership style and decision-making under reasonably realistic conditions.

When you are given the scenario in advance, it is an opportunity to prepare, refine and deliver an impactful response that positions you as a confident, capable and knowledgeable strategic leader.

Understand the Purpose

A scenario task is not about catching you out; it is about seeing how you think.

The panel wants to understand how you approach complex challenges - how you prioritise, make decisions and communicate a clear path forward.

Structure Your Response

Aim to keep your presentation short, sharp and shiny - concise, engaging and powerful. Senior panels value clarity and substance over lengthy explanations.

Focus on:

• The context: Quickly frame the issue.
• Your analysis: Identify the key challenges and opportunities.
• Your approach: Outline what you’d do and why.
• The impact: Highlight the outcomes and benefits of your strategy.

Keep it interesting and solution-oriented, showing that you can balance big-picture thinking with practical action.

Prepare and Practice

At Morton Philips we firmly believe that preparation is your edge.

Once you receive the scenario, take time to structure your response logically. Practise delivering it aloud - ideally to a trusted colleague or mentor who can provide feedback. Time yourself to ensure your presentation fits within the expected window.

Your delivery should feel natural, confident and conversational - not rehearsed word-for-word, but well prepared and purposeful.

At this level, panels are looking for presence, insight and influence. A well-prepared scenario response gives you the chance to demonstrate all three - and to show, clearly and confidently, why you’re the right leader for the role.

Morton Philips – 08 8210 8510– operations@mortonphilips.com.au

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