Interview Checklist

To help you in pre-interview, interview, and post interview planning, I have developed an interview checklist.

TIMING AND ADVANCED PLANNING

• Try to schedule the interview for the last available day at your best time of day keeping in mind that the last person interviewed has an advantage.


• Get a good night’s rest the day before.


• Try to work out in the morning to help improve your alertness and relax you.


• Create a contact sheet for each company with names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.


• If a recruiter is involved, arrange a pre-meeting to help prepare you for the interview.


• Review your videos of your simulated interviews (if you have them).


• If any forms are needed, complete them in advance.

WHAT TO AND NOT TO WEAR

• Shine shoes and check fingernails.


• Get a haircut or a style … bring a comb or brush.


• Wear a suit with shirt and tie or blouse. Don’t dress casually, even if they tell you it is casual Friday. First impressions really count and it isn’t casual for you until you get the job.


• Coordinate accessories (including watch, umbrella if necessary, etc.).


• Wear a minimal amount of jewelry (watch, wedding ring).


• Don’t wear cologne (your interviewer might be allergic or just intensely dislike it).

RESEARCH / PREPARATION

• Read recent articles on the prospective company.


• Research the company web site for latest news and press releases.


• Know the company’s most recent annual and quarterly sales and profits.


• Google people you will be meeting for background on them.


• Know how to pronounce the names of people who you will meet.


• If possible, learn the names of the receptionist and administrative assistants.


• If this is a second interview, review notes of past meetings.


• Review the day’s business news so you have something to talk about.


• Create a list of good questions you will ask the interviewer.


• Check e-mails for any last minute rescheduling just before leaving.
  
  

THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU TO INTERVIEWS

• Cell phone – turn off before interview, or even better, leave it in your car.


• Portfolio or padfolio.


• Resume copies on quality paper (at least 6).


• Copies of reference list (6) and letters.


• Business cards.


• Blank paper or notebook and pens.


• Breath mints or spray.


• Your personal calendar for scheduling follow-up meeting.
  

ARRIVING ON TIME

• Plan to arrive several minutes early.


• Check the weather report in case you need to plan on extra time.


• Google a map and either pre-drive or investigate road congestion.


• Investigate parking practices.


• Identify the correct building entrance.


• Anticipate going through security and having to wear a visitor badge.
  
  

MEETING OVER A MEAL

• Eat something like a power bar or piece of fruit beforehand.


• If possible, know the menu in advance.


• Don’t order an alcoholic beverage or food that is difficult to eat.
  

PRIOR TO INTERVIEW

• Do a once over in the mirror for hair, makeup, teeth.


• Pay attention to your posture.


• Have an idea of appropriate, positive opening comments.


• Put on a warm, relaxed smile.


• Prepare to give a firm, dry handshake.


• Take a deep breath and believe in yourself.
  

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Give a firm handshake and warm smile.


• Never put anything on the interviewers desk.


• Respond with problem, action, result statements whenever possible.


• Try to keep your answers no longer than 2 minutes.


• Turn negatives into positives when asked about weaknesses.


• Have good eye contact.


• Be prepared to ask questions.


• Thank the interviewer for the opportunity to meet with him or her and express your interest in the position.


• Ask when the decision will be made and what is the next step.


• Give a warm smile and a firm handshake.
  

POST-INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP

• Anticipate beforehand how and where you will debrief yourself.


• Have stationery and postage ready for handwritten thank-you notes. Send thank you notes to everyone with whom you have interviewed, and, if possible the receptionist or gatekeeper. Even if you e-mail a thank you, send a handwritten note within 24 hours.


• If a recruiter is involved, know how to reach this person for a debriefing.


• Keep written records of how the interview went, what your strengths and weaknesses were, and how you might address some of the questions in the future.


• Follow-up with a phone call.

For more information visit http://www.aresumes.net/ or check out Use Your Head to Get Your Foot in the Door by Harvey MacKay.

Don't Try to Fool Resume Scanners (Applicant Tracking Systems)

One of my clients recently asked me about loading her resume with keywords in white at the top and bottom of her resume. Apparently some outplacement firms are recommending this to achieve higher placement when scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Be aware that resume scanning equipment is extremely sophisticated. You will be caught, your resume will be sent to the bottom of the pile, you will be seen in a bad light, and probably will be prevented from ever getting an interview with this employer or recruiter.

All of the keywords that are important or your resume should be clearly stated in your profile, core competencies, value offered, experience, and/or education sections of your resume. Don't be fooled into trying to fool a system that is extremely sophisticated. If you have a really good resume that quantifies skills and accomplishments and provides Problem-Action-Results (PAR) statements you should not need to try to trick the system.

If you follow the guidelines of good job searching, you probably won't be sending your resume to screening software as much as others. You will be networking by phone and in person. Y ou will be talking, communicating, building relationships, gaining leads and getting your foot in the door through referrals, recommendations, and the personal interest and assistance of those who know and respect you.

Remember, an honest resume that focuses on your skills and accomplishments combined with networking and making personal contact with people who you know or want to know, is your greatest technique for finding your next job.

Job Search Dangers in Social Networking

If you are using social networking on sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter be aware that anything you communicate online can and often will be accessed by current and future potential employers. Words are powerful tools, and they can be powerful in preventing you from getting your next job.

If you are seeking employment or will at any time in the future, do not undermine your chances by:

• Complaining about your boss, coworkers, or customers
• Expressing feelings of being overwhelmed by your work
• Using unprofessional language, including swearing
• Exhibiting obnoxious or drunken behavior
• Discussing activities that are illegal or show bad judgment
• Providing questionable photos of you and your friends

Remember anything you write on these sites is accessible to employers forever and will be used to determine your desirability for a position. Don't hurt your chances of getting the job you really want.