Interview Preparation Checklist

So, you’ve done it! You decided it’s time to make a career change, you updated your resume, applied for the job, and you landed an interview - woo-hoo! But, wait…crap…you’ve landed the interview and you’re feeling a bit like this: 🤗😳😬. 

Now it’s time to polish up and put your best foot forward. With these interview preparation tips, you’re sure to leave the best impression!

7 Interview Preparation Tips

1. Research the Company.
   Now, don’t go full Joe Goldberg mode, but do your due diligence. Take time to Google the company, get to know their mission and background, and even check out their social media profiles or podcasts. This will not only give you extra insight into what and who they are, but will also help you with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to Google News them to see if there is any recent big news about the company, too. 
   

2. Review Your Own Resume.
   Hooray! They liked something on your resume - otherwise, you wouldn’t be having an interview. They are likely to ask you about certain pieces of information from your resume. Be ready to “sell” yourself to them. Remember, every question they ask is driving to a point so give examples that really answer their question. Brush up on the S.T.A.R. technique to keep your answers concise & on track!
   
   P.S. They’re likely to ask why you’re leaving your current role (even if you took the interview because a recruiter reached out to you directly), so think of how you want to frame that answer. Pro-tip: do not speak poorly of your current (or most recent) employer. Instead, frame the response about what drew you to apply to their company.
   

3. Brush Up on Interview Etiquette.
   Is it okay to bring a cup of coffee or your cell phone? How should you greet the interviewer? What other information needs to be brought with you - just yourself, cover letter, resume, references, supporting materials? It’s always better to be over prepared than under! 
   

4. Review the Job Description & Prepare Your Questions.
   While you often think about what the interviewer is going to ask, it’s important to prepare what you’re going to ask them, too! The job description is one of the most important parts of any job interview preparation checklist. Go read the job description and see what the company mentions most often, and what they emphasize or mention first in the bullets and requirements. What is unclear? What do you want to know about the company or position you are applying to?
   

5. Look the Part!
   While we want to believe in the saying “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” that unfortunately is not realistic to us as people. The image you present is really important as this is what makes the first impression on the interviewer; that first impression is the one that sticks, so it's important to dress appropriately when interviewing. And if you’re not sure what to wear, lean toward something more formal rather than less.
   

6. Get Directions.
   When the interview is in person, it’s important to know where to go and when to be there for your interview! No one wants to be frazzled or show up late. Clarify where the office or building is located, where is the nearest parking, if there are any special check-in instructions, and more. It’s best to arrive early with time to spare than to be on-time or late, but frazzled and out of breath. 
   

7. Test Your Tech.
   If you’re interviewing remotely, test your tech. Make sure you have the appropriate software & it’s up to date. Double check your display name - especially if you’ve been going to some virtual happy hours lately.
   

8. Bonus: Send a Thank You Note!
   Following up with a thank you note is the icing on the cake! Taking time to say thank you not only shows that you appreciate the interview, but it also gives you an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job. You can also take this opportunity to refer back to anything the interviewer mentioned and summarize why you're a strong candidate for the job.

Want a little more practice or a custom mock interview? Our coaches are here to help!

The first interview you go on may not be “the one,” and that’s okay! This checklist will make sure you are prepared for every interview that you enter. The job you are looking for and want will happen.