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The interview isn't won in the interview room - it's won in the preparation. Most candidates walk in underprepared and it shows. You won't be one of them.

This checklist covers everything from the moment you schedule the interview to the follow-up that seals the deal.

Phase 1: Research (1 hour)

Company Research

Read the company's About page and mission statement

Check recent news and press releases

Review their social media presence (LinkedIn, Twitter)

Understand their products/services and target customers

Research their competitors and market position

Look up the company on Glassdoor for culture insights

Find recent company achievements or challenges

Role Research

Re-read the job description thoroughly

Highlight key requirements and responsibilities

Identify 3-5 skills they're looking for

Research typical salary range for this role

Understand where this role fits in the organization

Interviewer Research

Look up your interviewer(s) on LinkedIn

Note their background and career path

Find common connections or shared interests

Understand their role in the company

Pro Tip: Mentioning something specific about the company shows genuine interest. "I was impressed by your recent expansion into the European market" beats "I like your company."

Phase 2: Prepare Your Stories (45 minutes)

The STAR Method

For behavioral questions, structure your answers:

Situation: Set the context

Task: Describe your responsibility

Action: Explain what YOU did

Result: Share the outcome (use numbers when possible)

Prepare These Stories

A time you overcame a significant challenge

A time you led a team or project

A time you failed and what you learned

A time you handled conflict with a coworker

Your proudest professional achievement

A time you went above and beyond

A time you had to learn something quickly

Mistake: Giving vague answers like "I'm a team player"

Instead: Tell a specific story that SHOWS you're a team player

Phase 3: Practice Common Questions (30 minutes)

Questions to Practice

"Tell me about yourself" (2-minute professional summary)

"Why do you want to work here?"

"Why are you leaving your current job?"

"What are your greatest strengths?"

"What is your biggest weakness?" (choose a real one you're improving)

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

"Why should we hire you?"

Practice Tips

Say answers out loud (not just in your head)

Record yourself and watch it back

Time your responses (aim for 1-2 minutes per answer)

Practice with a friend for feedback

Prepare 3-5 questions to ask them

Warning: Memorizing answers word-for-word makes you sound robotic. Know your key points, but speak naturally.

Phase 4: Prepare Your Questions (15 minutes)

Always have thoughtful questions ready. It shows engagement and helps you evaluate the opportunity.

Great Questions to Ask

"What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?"

"What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?"

"How would you describe the team culture?"

"What do you enjoy most about working here?"

"What's the typical career path for someone in this role?"

"Is there anything about my background that concerns you?"

Mistake: Asking about salary or vacation in the first interview

Instead: Save compensation questions for later rounds or when they bring it up

Phase 5: Logistics (Day Before)

Outfit Preparation

Choose professional attire appropriate for company culture

Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle-free

Polish shoes if wearing leather

Keep accessories minimal and professional

Have a backup outfit ready

Materials Preparation

Print 3-5 copies of your resume on quality paper

Bring a professional notepad and pen

Prepare a portfolio of work samples if relevant

Have references ready (don't offer unless asked)

Bring breath mints (not gum)

Route Planning

Confirm interview address and parking/transit options

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early

Save interviewer's contact info in case of emergency

Know the name of who you're meeting and where to check in

Phase 6: Interview Day

Morning Of

Eat a good breakfast (not too heavy)

Review your prepared stories one more time

Check the news for any company-related updates

Do a final outfit check

Leave with plenty of buffer time

Right Before

Arrive 10-15 minutes early

Use the restroom before checking in

Silence your phone completely

Take deep breaths to calm nerves

Smile - it actually reduces stress

During the Interview

Give a firm handshake and maintain eye contact

Listen carefully before answering

Take a moment to think if needed - silence is okay

Use the interviewer's name occasionally

Show enthusiasm - energy matters

Be honest - don't oversell or lie

Ask your prepared questions at the end

Pro Tip: Treat everyone you meet with respect - the receptionist's opinion can matter.

Phase 7: Follow-Up (Within 24 Hours)

Send Thank-You Emails

Email each interviewer individually within 24 hours

Reference something specific from your conversation

Reiterate your interest in the role

Keep it brief (3-4 paragraphs max)

Proofread carefully before sending

Thank-You Email Template

Red Flags to Watch For

These might indicate the job isn't right for you:

High turnover mentioned casually

Vague answers about role expectations

Interviewer speaks negatively about current employees

Unrealistic expectations or promises

Your direct questions are avoided

After the Interview

Send thank-you emails within 24 hours

Connect with interviewers on LinkedIn (with a note)

Note what went well and what to improve

Follow up after one week if you haven't heard back

Continue applying to other opportunities

Mistake: Putting all your eggs in one basket

Instead: Keep interviewing until you have a signed offer letter

Final Confidence Boost

Remember:

They invited YOU - they already see potential

Interviews are two-way - you're evaluating them too

Nervousness shows you care - channel it into energy

Even if you don't get this job, every interview is practice

You've done the work. Now go show them what you've got.

Good luck - you're more prepared than 90% of candidates!

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Job Interview Preparation Checklist