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10-Step Job Interview Preparation Checklist
Unexpectedly, an awesome opportunity to interview for the ideal internship lands right in your lap. Or, perhaps, you’ve been waiting a long time for an opportunity to interview at a company that’s always making the local “best places to work” list, and you finally have the chance.
1. <b>Arrive early</b>. Fifteen to 20 minutes is sufficient. As you wait, you can observe employees coming and going, which can give you some insight into the work environment.
2. <b>Dress and act professionally</b>. Even if you know that the dress code is business casual, kick it up a notch up. During the interview, speak positively and make eye contact.
3. <b>Bring multiple copies of your resume</b>. You might end up in a group interview situation, so bring at least six.
4<b>. Remember paper and pen. </b>Take a few notes during the interview. This will demonstrate that you’re engaged and interested. Jot down the names of everyone who interviews you. (You can verify correct spellings later.)
5. <b>Take documentation from home</b>. In case you need to fill out an application, have some legal documentation with you such as a driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, or voter’s registration card.
6. <b>Have some cash on hand</b>. You may have to pay for parking or a valet.
7. <b>Practice answering questions. </b>Certain questions are inevitable. “What is your greatest strength/weakness?” “What motivates you?” “Why do you want this job?” Be ready to talk about two achievements you’re proud of, a time when you took a risk, and what makes you a good team member. And remember, when they say, “Tell us about yourself,” what they really what to know are the skills and experience you bring to the position.
8.<b> Prepare questions.</b> When asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” it’s the kiss of death to say, “No, I think you’ve covered everything.” Have at least three questions ready. Ask about the corporate structure and culture. What specific challenges you might face in this position. What a typical day will be like. And, of course, at the end of the interview remember, “What is the next step in the interview process?”
9. <b>Say thank you.</b> Send thank you notes. Nothing fancy or lengthy. Just a few sentences of appreciation. Send an individual note to each person you met with, making sure names are spelled correctly by calling HR or checking the website.
10. <b>Follow-up</b>. If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe discussed during the interview, call. If a decision is yet to be made, ask when you could call back.
<b>Finally, smile! </b> Smiling not only relieves stress, but makes you <b>appear more confident.</b>
This creates a private checklist in your account.