Preparing for an interview, especially for high-stakes scenarios such as the EIC Accelerator pitch, requires a strategic and well-thought-out approach. This guide distills the wisdom from our knowledge sources into a comprehensive, actionable bullet-point list to ensure you're fully prepped and ready to impress.

Pre-Interview Preparation

  1. Understand the EIC Rules and Objectives:
    • Familiarize yourself with what the jury looks for and the specific criteria of the EIC Accelerator.
  2. Script Your Pitch:
    • Prepare a word-for-word script for your pitch. Practice until you can deliver it naturally within the 10-minute limit.
  3. Refine Your Q&A Skills:
    • Dedicate a significant portion of your preparation time to practicing for the Q&A session, which can be up to 35 minutes long.
  4. Know Your Application Inside Out:
    • If you didn’t write the application yourself, study it thoroughly. Understand all numbers, strategies, and partners mentioned.

Practice Makes Perfect

  1. Engage in Pitch Practice:
    • Utilize professional writers or consultants to extensively practice your pitch.
  2. Simulate the Interview Environment:
    • Practice with rapid-fire questions and immediate follow-ups to simulate a high-pressure environment.
  3. Prepare for All Team Members to Answer:
    • Ensure all team members are accustomed to answering questions smoothly and cohesively as a unit.

Day of the Pitch

  1. No Operational Tasks Before the Pitch:
    • Focus solely on the interview; no distractions.
  2. Revisit the Big Picture:
    • Go through your presentation slides, focusing on the key messages and visions you want to communicate.

Handling the Q&A Session

  1. Expect Rapid-Fire and Follow-Up Questions:
    • Be prepared to answer quickly and concisely. Practice with a stopwatch for timing.
  2. Develop Standard Answers:
    • Script out responses to highly likely questions and those identified as critical during practice sessions.
  3. Adopt the Right Demeanor:
    • Practice maintaining a composed and confident demeanor, regardless of the question's difficulty.

Mock-Jury Practice

  1. Create Stressful Questioning Sessions Internally:
    • Use mock juries within your team to ask challenging questions and provide immediate follow-ups.
  2. Integrate Critical Questioning:
    • Select mock questioners who can play the devil’s advocate, applying pressure through interruptions and difficult questions.

Final Tips

  • Understand and Articulate Your Unique Selling Points (USP):
    • Be clear on what sets your project apart and be ready to articulate it compellingly.
  • Prepare for Unpleasant Experiences:
    • Sometimes, interactions can be stressful or unpleasant. Prepare mentally for such situations.
  • Avoid Red Flags:
    • Do not give the jury any reason to reject you. Stay away from topics that could lead to negative scrutiny.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll not only boost your confidence but significantly increase your chances of success in any interview scenario, particularly in high-stakes environments like the EIC Accelerator pitch. Remember, under pressure, you won't rise to the occasion; you'll fall to the level of your training. Prepare accordingly.