| This pre-job interview checklist will aid you in feeling | | | | Before you leave for the interview |
| prepared and ready. This feeling will boost your | | | | Appearance — check yourself in the mirror |
| confidence and you will be able to be more relaxed | | | | — if you feel good about yourself and the way |
| and make a positive impression. | | | | you look, others will return that feeling. |
| Copyright (c) 2007 Carole Martin, The Interview Coach | | | | Items to carry to the interview |
| Some people are more organized than others, but it | | | | *** Several copies of your resume |
| never hurts to have a checklist to make sure you're | | | | ***Copy of your references |
| prepared for your upcoming interview. | | | | *** Pad of paper to take notes (notes are optional) |
| Preparation for the interview | | | | *** Directions/map to the interview site |
| Read the job posting over several times — | | | | Upon Arrival |
| read between the lines — what will it take to do | | | | Arrive early so that you are on time. Don't enter |
| this job? Personality traits, skills, knowledge and | | | | the building until 10-15 minutes before your appointment. |
| experience? | | | | (Don't appear overly anxious.) |
| Take a piece of paper and write, "What they are | | | | Review your preparation stories and answers. |
| looking for." Compare that against your qualifications | | | | Go to the restroom and check your appearance |
| — "What you have to offer." | | | | one last time. |
| Research the company, and the industry, and the | | | | Cool your hands down — run cold water on |
| competition. | | | | the insides of your wrists |
| Prepare a "personal statement" summarizing what | | | | Greet the receptionist in a professional manner |
| you have to offer. This information can be used to | | | | — don't underestimate the importance of |
| answer open-ended questions like "Tell me about | | | | anyone you come in contact with — always be |
| yourself" | | | | courteous |
| Write at least five success stories to answer | | | | Stand and greet your interviewer with a confident |
| behavioral interview questions. ("Tell me about a time | | | | handshake. |
| when
," or "Can you give me an example of a | | | | Smile and look into the interviewer's eyes — |
| time
.") | | | | note the color of his or her eyes. |
| Answers to the 10 most common interview | | | | During the Interview |
| questions Tell me about yourself. | | | | Try to focus on the points you have prepared |
| -- Why did you leave/are you leaving your last | | | | without being rehearsed or stiff. |
| position? | | | | Relax and enjoy the conversation. Learn what you |
| -- What do you know about this company? | | | | can about the company. |
| -- What are your goals? | | | | Ask questions and listen - read between the lines. |
| -- What are your strengths/weaknesses? | | | | Ask if there is any additional information needed to |
| -- Why do you want to work for this company? | | | | prove that you are the right person for the job. |
| -- What has been your most significant achievement? | | | | Thank the interviewer and find out what the next |
| -- How would your last boss/colleagues describe you? | | | | step in the process will be. |
| -- Why should we hire you? What is your salary | | | | Ask for the interviewer's card (to send the follow |
| expectation? | | | | up letter). |
| Make a list of 5-10 questions to ask the interviewer | | | | After the Interview |
| about the job; the company; the industry. | | | | As soon as possible, write down what you are |
| Research salary data — know your worth | | | | thinking and feeling. |
| and the "going" rate for your position. | | | | Later in the day, look at what you wrote and |
| Know your salary needs, based on your living | | | | assess how you did. |
| expenses — your bottom line. | | | | Write a follow up/thank you letter. Remind the |
| Get permission from your references to use their | | | | interviewer of your qualities. |
| names. | | | | This checklist will aid you in feeling prepared and ready. |