Interviewing Checklist
Many employers view the interview as the most important part of evaluating a candidate. If you are offered an interview, it means that the interview committee saw something they liked in your cover letter or resume. Everything you do and say is being evaluated so look and act your best to give yourself the best chance for getting the job.
Keep in mind that in the competitive business world, there are sure to be dozens of other highly qualified candidates going after your job. It’s important to make yourself stand out from your competition. Now is the time to practice exactly how you will sell yourself to a prospective employer during that crucial first meeting. Preparation is essential to remaining calm under pressure and is the first step toward a successful interview.
Follow these tips to increase your interviewing effectiveness:
- Do your homework
- Know where you’re going
- Look the part
- Rehearse beforehand
- Secure your references
- Arrive early
- Be professional and courteous
- Items to bring
- Employment applications…
- Demonstrate interest
- Sell yourself
- Don’t neglect to ask questions
- Interview Don’ts
- Closing the interview. Be proactive.
- Follow up
Do your homework
Research the company beforehand so that you can showcase that knowledge during the interview. This will boost your credibility with the interviewer and will help you to formulate intelligent questions to ask him or her.
Know where you’re going
Make sure to find out where the office is, how to get there, how long it will take to get there, and parking availability? Do you have the name (including correct pronunciation), title and phone number of the person you’ll be meeting with? Save time and unnecessary stress by knowing these things before heading to the interview.
Look the part
Your clothing should be neat, pressed, and professional looking. As it can be difficult to know the culture of the office environment beforehand, err on the side of conservative. Even if everyone’s wearing jeans when you arrive, you’re still probably better off having shown up in a suit.
Rehearse beforehand
Prior to your interview, prepare answers to common questions the interviewer is likely to ask. Conduct a mock interview with a trusted friend, practicing can help you be calm and confident during the interview.
Secure your references
Find at least three key people – former supervisors, colleagues, or instructors – who are willing to serve as your professional references. Be sure to secure their permission beforehand, and be certain that they will speak highly of you if contacted by a potential employer.
Arrive early
Arrive poised and confident. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview. Visit the restroom and check your appearance in the mirror. Announce yourself to the receptionist to let him or her know that you have arrived and that you have an appointment.
Be professional and courteous
Turn your cell phone off so it doesn’t ring during your meeting. Remember to be very polite; employers will often ask the receptionist for their first impressions of interviewees.
Items to bring
Ensure you have necessary items with you before leaving home.
- A list of questions to ask prospective employer.
- Appointment book.
- Business references from former supervisors, colleagues, or clients.
- College transcripts (if you are a recent graduate).
- Extra copies of your resume.
- Folder or small briefcase.
- Identity and employment eligibility documentation.
- Memos or letters confirming past achievements.
- Notepad and pen.
- Personal compensation history.
- Portfolio of nonproprietary writing samples or other professional work.
Employment applications…
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely. Don’t attach your resume unless requested. Your resume is generally considered a supplement to the application, not a substitution.
Demonstrate interest
Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and an enthusiastic smile.
- Maintain eye contact with your interviewer; show you want the job with your interest.
- Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills and accomplishments that relate to the position.
- Be enthusiastic. Show that you are willing to take on the necessary job functions. If you are lacking necessary skills, show that you are willing to learn these skills to help you do the job.
- Remain positive and avoid negative comments about past employers.
- Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately. Look the hiring manager in the eye while speaking.
- Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific professional achievements that relate to the position.
- Relate your responses to the interviewer and his/her company by focusing on achievements relevant to the position.
- Encourage the interviewer to share information about his/her company by asking appropriate questions.
Sell yourself
The interview is your chance to shine, so now is not the time to be humble. Develop your elevator speech, a compelling 30-second sales pitch outlining why you should be selected. It should include your strengths, your abilities, and what sets you uniquely apart from other applicants.
Don’t neglect to ask questions
Based on your earlier research, ask how the responsibilities of the open position relate to the company’s goals and plans for the future. Candidates who show interest by asking knowledgeable questions about the organization often favorably impress interviewers.
Interview Don’ts
Keep the following in mind during your interview:
- Don’t answer with a simple “yes” or “no.” Explain whenever possible.
- Never pretend to know something or someone when you don’t. If you don’t understand a question – or need a moment to think about it – say so.
- Don’t rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you. Interviewers will want you to be convincing.
- Don’t make negative remarks about present or former employers. When explaining your reasons for leaving, communicate your rationale professionally.
- Don’t over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into controversial – or even illegal – topics, try to do more listening than speaking. Keep your responses non-committal.
- Don’t inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate that you’re more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and professional development than in a specific salary.
Closing the interview. Be proactive.
- Reiterate your interest in the job and the company by asking about the next step in the process.
- If you get the impression the interview is not going well, don’t let your discouragement show. Remain poised, upbeat and professional. There may be other opportunities in the company that would be a better fit.
- Be enthusiastic about the job and the company. The people you meet during your job search and at your interviews can become valuable networking sources, even if you don’t get the job.
Follow up.
After the interview, send a handwritten note or friendly email thanking the interviewer for his or her time and consideration, as well as restating your interest and commitment to the position. About a week after the first interview, call the employer to check on the progress of the job search. Take the extra time to make this final impression a positive one.
Through proper preparation and conduct, you can be at your best during the interview, giving yourself the best chance for success!