Interview Checklist

So, you have your resume ready and you’ve prepared for possible interview questions you may be asked. There are a few more things to keep in mind during the interview process.

BE PREPARED.

* Research the prospectiv

e company through newspapers, annual reports and websites.
* Demonstrate you’re motivated, hard working and proactive by being thoroughly prepared and showing an interest in the company.
* Practice for the interview as if you were giving major presentation to a large audience.

ANSWER KEY QUESTIONS WITH CONFIDENCE.

* Rehearse responses to likely questions (link to Interview Questions).
* Show confidence and competence with well thought-out answers.
* Interject your own relevant ideas or insights…successful interviews are a two-way conversation.

ASK GOOD QUESTIONS.

* Prepare two or three strategic questions from the research you’ve conducted to demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills, and interest in the company and the position.

SELL YOUR STRENGTHS.

* Identify five or six past accomplishments and be prepared to talk about them in very specific terms (e.g., cost saving or revenue growth initiatives, training efforts, etc.).
* This is often the defining reason one person gets hired over another.
* The strengths you focus on should be relevant to the job requirements.

OFFER BRIEF, FOCUSED RESPONSES.

* Answer questions briefly, yet thoroughly, providing specific examples about your experience, skills, etc.
* Stay on target, maintain eye contact and show enthusiasm.

DRESS ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY’S CULTURE.

* Determine the company’s dress code prior to the interview.
* If you’re not certain, formal business attire is the safest choice.

ARRIVE EARLY.

* Arrive 15 minutes early — punctuality tells a prospective employer that you’re conscientious and dependable.
* Early arrival also gives you a few minutes to relax before the interview.

BE FRIENDLY AND ENTHUSIASTIC.

* Smile and say hello to company employees.
* Leave a positive impression with everyone you meet. You never know who may have influence hiring decisions.

KEEP A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE.

* Never talk negatively about prior employers or co-workers.
* Maintain a positive attitude to show that you’re a team player.

STATE YOUR INTEREST.

* Show interest in the position and inquire about next steps.
* Ask questions such as, "Do my qualifications match the needs of your company, or is there anything you would like me to elaborate on?" to let the interviewer know you’re serious about employment.

DON’T FORGET THE THANK-YOU LETTER.

* Send a prompt thank-you letter to demonstrate professionalism and interest
* Write a letter to the company’s key decision-makers as well as to the person with whom you’ve interviewed.
* Emailing a thank-you letter has the benefit of immediacy, but some managers prefer a more traditional approach of mailing a letter.
* A short, hand-written note demonstrates your sincere appreciation for the time taken during the interview, and is also another point of contact with the hiring manager.