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checklist_Interview

The document provides a comprehensive checklist for interview preparation, covering essential steps before, during, and after the interview. Key areas include researching the company, customizing your resume, preparing STAR stories, dressing appropriately, and following up with a thank-you email. It emphasizes the importance of confidence, engagement, and reflection to enhance interview performance.

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yadavpriya7703
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3 views

checklist_Interview

The document provides a comprehensive checklist for interview preparation, covering essential steps before, during, and after the interview. Key areas include researching the company, customizing your resume, preparing STAR stories, dressing appropriately, and following up with a thank-you email. It emphasizes the importance of confidence, engagement, and reflection to enhance interview performance.

Uploaded by

yadavpriya7703
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Ultimate Interview Preparation

Checklist:

Before the Interview:

1. Company Research

Visit the company’s official website: Read the mission, values, and recent updates.
Check out their social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for company culture
insights.
Research their competitors: Know the industry landscape and how the company
differentiates itself.
Understand the company’s financial health (if applicable): Look up recent earnings
reports or news.

2. Review the Job Description (JD)

Highlight key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities from the JD.


Match your skills with the listed requirements—prepare examples from your experience.
Note any “nice-to-have” skills and plan how you’ll address any areas you’re still learning.

3. Customize Your Resume

Update your resume: Tailor it specifically to the role you’re applying for.
Print 3 copies of your resume (on clean, high-quality paper).
Keep a digital version open for easy access during the interview (especially for virtual
interviews).

4. Prepare STAR Stories

Identify 4-5 STAR stories that cover key competencies (e.g., leadership,
problem-solving, communication).
Quantify your results whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 25%” or “Cut project
timelines by 20%”).
Practice delivering these stories smoothly and confidently.

5. Craft Your Elevator Pitch


Write a 30-60 second pitch that introduces you, highlights your skills/experience, and
explains why you’re excited about the role.
Practice it until it sounds natural (not memorized).

6. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Ask insightful questions like:


○ “What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing?”
○ “How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term goals?”
○ “What’s the company culture like here?”
Avoid questions that can be easily answered by looking at their website or a job posting.

The Day of the Interview:

7. Dress for Success

Choose professional attire based on company culture (formal or business casual).


Groom yourself: Hair neat, nails clean, and shoes polished.
Avoid excessive cologne/perfume and distracting accessories.

8. Check Your Body Language

Sit up straight with good posture—avoid slouching.


Make eye contact during conversations (but don’t stare).
Offer a firm handshake (if in-person).
Smile and nod occasionally to show engagement.

9. Be Prepared for Virtual Interviews

Test your tech: Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working.
Choose a clean, quiet background—no distractions or clutter.
Dress professionally from head to toe, even if the interview is virtual.
Look at the camera (not the screen) to create a sense of eye contact.
Have a backup plan: Know how to reach the interviewer in case of technical issues.

10. Arrive Early

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early (whether in-person or virtual).


Have a notepad and pen to jot down key points or questions during the interview.
Turn off your phone or set it to silent to avoid distractions.
During the Interview:

11. Nail Your Elevator Pitch

Start the interview by delivering your 30-60 second pitch with confidence and clarity.
Use it as a way to set the tone and lead the conversation.

12. Answer Behavioral Questions Using STAR

Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions clearly and
effectively.
Always conclude with a measurable result (e.g., “Achieved a 30% increase in sales” or
“Reduced customer complaints by 40%”).

13. Stay Calm and Confident

If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to take a moment to think or ask for
clarification.
If asked a difficult question, respond positively and show your problem-solving skills.

14. Show Enthusiasm

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role by referencing specific
details you learned during your research.
Smile and engage actively throughout the conversation.

15. Ask Questions

Don’t forget to ask your prepared questions to show interest and get insights into the
team and company culture.
Ask about next steps and what the hiring timeline looks like.

After the Interview:

16. Follow Up with a Thank-You Email

Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.


Reference specific moments from the interview (something you discussed or a question
they answered) to show engagement.
Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and how your experience makes you a great fit.

17. Reflect on Your Performance


Review your answers to see if you could improve on any responses.
Think about areas where you felt strong and others where you could have been clearer
or more confident.
Use this reflection to improve for future interviews.

18. Prepare for the Next Round (If Applicable)

If there’s a second round, make sure to review feedback (if given) and prepare
accordingly.
Refine your responses based on what you learned from the first round.

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