Quick Interview Preparation Checklist

Blog October 24, 2016

Interview

Research the company and person or persons (if you know or can find out) who will interview you.
Practice your responses to questions on the interviewing websites provided in my book Get the Job • Done or on the Internet.
Link your job skills and experience to the job requirements and qualifications provided in the job announcement.
Telephone Interviews:

Get up and get dressed at least two hours before the interview.
Drink a hot beverage to clear your throat.
Stand up during the interview—your voice is stronger this way.
Don’t do anything during the telephone interview that you wouldn’t do during an in-person interview. Remember that the person who used the bathroom during a telephone interview didn’t get the job.

Several days before the interview research what is appropriate to wear to the interview.

Have a friend contact HR to ask what applicants should wear.
Ask someone you know who works there and who, because of his or her role with the business, has reliable information about the organization.
Try on what you plan to wear to the interview to make sure that it’s clean, pressed, fits, and you feel comfortable wearing it.
Conduct a dry run to the interview location, ideally at the same time of day you will actually leave for the interview. You want to confirm that you know where to go, how to get there, where to park, and how much time it will take for you to arrive at the interview site with thirty minutes to spare.

Extra copies of your résumé even if you’ve already e-mailed your résumé to HR
Business cards
Work-writing samples, artwork, etc.
List of references that includes contact information
An umbrella (just in case it rains)
Tissues
Tide to Go or Shout in individual packets (you may spill something on your outfit)
Money (for emergencies)
Medication (if you take any)

As soon as you arrive for the interview, go to the rest room to inspect your appearance and pull yourself together visually and psychologically.

Now, take a deep breath, relax, and be confident. If you’ve done the work, you’re ready for your interview. Go get that job!

Beverly Williams

multifaceted employment professional, author and lecturer

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