Making a List and Checking it Twice

by Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

Some people are more organized than others, but it never hurts to have a checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your upcoming interview.

Preparation for the interview

• Read the job posting over several times – read between the lines – what will it take to do this job? Personality traits, skills, knowledge and experience?
• Take a piece of paper and write, “What they are looking for.” Compare that against your qualifications – “What you have to offer.”
• Research the company, and the industry, and the competition.
• Prepare a “personal statement” summarizing what you have to offer. This information can be used to answer open-ended questions like “Tell me about yourself”.
• Write at least five success stories to answer behavioral interview questions.

• Answers to the 10 most common interview questions

  Tell me about yourself.

  Why did you leave/are you leaving your last position?

  What do you know about this company?

  What are your goals?

  What are your strengths/weaknesses?

  Why do you want to work for this company?

  What has been your most significant achievement?

  How would your last boss/colleagues describe you?

  Why should we hire you?

  What is your salary expectation?

• Make a list of 5-10 questions to ask the interviewer about the job; the company; the industry.
• Research salary data – know your worth and the “going” rate for your position.
• Know your salary needs, based on your living expenses – your bottom line.
• Get permission from your references to use their names.

Before you leave for the interview

• Appearance – check yourself in the mirror – if you feel good about yourself and the way you look, others will return that feeling.
• Items to carry to the interview

Several copies of your resume

Copy of your references

Pad of paper to take notes (notes are optional)

Directions/map to the interview site

Upon Arrival

• Arrive early so that you are on time. Don’t enter the building until 10-15 minutes before your appointment. (Don’t appear overly anxious.)
• Review your preparation stories and answers.
• Go to the restroom and check your appearance one last time.
• Cool your hands down – run cold water on the insides of your wrists.
• Greet the receptionist in a professional manner – don’t underestimate the importance of anyone you come in contact with – always be courteous.
• Stand and greet your interviewer with a confident handshake.
• Smile and look into the interviewer’s eyes – note the color of his or her eyes.

During the Interview

• Try to focus on the points you have prepared without being rehearsed or stiff.
• Relax and enjoy the conversation. Learn what you can about the company.
• Ask questions and listen - read between the lines.
• Ask if there is any additional information needed to prove that you are the right person for the job.
• Thank the interviewer and find out what the next step in the process will be.
• Ask for the interviewer’s card (to send the follow up letter).

After the Interview

• As soon as possible, write down what you are thinking and feeling.
• Later in the day, look at what you wrote and assess how you did.
• Write a follow up/thank you letter. Remind the interviewer of your qualities.