Quick Reference Checklists

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Preparation is important, but organization is what separates nervous candidates from confident ones. When you have a clear checklist, you move through interview preparation systematically instead of worrying whether you’ve forgotten something important.

In this section, you’ll find practical, printable checklists for every stage of the interview process. Save these, print them, and use them as your roadmap. These checklists are designed for maximum usability—simple, comprehensive, and focused on what actually matters.

CHECKLIST 1: Two Weeks Before Your Interview

Research Phase

✓ Company research
- Visit company website (homepage, about, mission, values)
- Read latest 3-5 blog posts or news items
- Check LinkedIn company page (recent updates, employee posts)
- Look for recent awards, partnerships, or announcements
- Research company leadership (CEO, your potential manager)
- Understand their main products/services
- Identify 2-3 things you genuinely like about the company
✓ Role research
- Understand the role’s key responsibilities
- Identify 5-7 key competencies mentioned in job description
- Research reporting structure (who you’d report to)
- Understand how this role impacts business
- Identify potential challenges in this role
✓ Industry research
- Know current trends in your industry
- Understand market challenges
- Know top 3 competitors
- Understand regulatory or compliance issues (if applicable)

Know key industry metrics that matter

CHECKLIST 2: One Week Before Your Interview

Story Development Phase

✓ Identify your 5-7 core stories
- Story 1: Your biggest achievement/impact
- Story 2: A time you overcame a significant challenge
- Story 3: A time you failed and what you learned
- Story 4: A time you led or influenced others
- Story 5: A time you worked in a team effectively
- Story 6: A time you learned something new quickly
- Story 7: A time you handled conflict
✓ For each story, document:
- Specific situation (2-3 sentences)
- Your task/responsibility
- Your actions (what you did specifically)
- Measurable results (numbers, outcomes)
- What you learned
- Time it takes to tell (should be 2-3 minutes)

Answer Preparation Phase

✓ Prepare answers to common questions
- “Tell me about yourself” (2.5-3 minutes)
- “Why do you want to join our company?” (1.5-2 minutes)
- “What are your strengths?” (2 minutes)
- “What is your biggest weakness?” (2 minutes)
- “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” (2 minutes)
- “Tell me about a time when…” (have 3 ready)
- “What would you do if…” (have 2 ready)
✓ Prepare your questions to ask them
- Question 1: About the role or team
- Question 2: About company culture or values
- Question 3: About growth opportunities
- (Prepare 2-3 more as backups)

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Technical Preparation Phase

✓ Resume verification
- Review your resume for accuracy
- Check for typos or formatting issues
- Ensure all dates are correct
- Print copies (have 3-4 physical copies)
- Have digital version ready
✓ If video interview
- Test your internet connection (at least 2 Mbps)
- Test video/audio on your device
- Test your camera angle (eye level)
- Check your background (clean, professional)
- Ensure lighting is good (face clearly visible)
- Close unnecessary browser tabs/apps
- Have backup WiFi option (hotspot ready)
✓ If in-person interview
- Know exact address and parking details
- Plan travel route and timing
- Know building entrance and reception
- Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early

Know your interviewer’s name and title

CHECKLIST 3: Three Days Before Your Interview

Practice Phase

✓ Mock interview practice
- Practice with a friend (ask for feedback)
- Record yourself answering common questions
- Review recording (watch for filler words, pace)
- Practice your self-introduction (should sound natural, not scripted)
- Practice timing (aim for 2-3 minute answers)
- Do a full mock interview (60 minutes of practice)
✓ Delivery polish
- Reduce filler words (“um,” “uh,” “like”)
- Work on pacing (not too fast, not too slow)
- Practice making eye contact (if video/in-person)
- Practice smiling naturally while speaking
- Work on confidence in your voice tone

Mental Preparation Phase

✓ Mindset work
- Review your value proposition (why you’re strong)
- List 3 reasons this role excites you
- Identify 3 things you’ll offer the company
- Recall past successes to build confidence
- Reframe: “I’m assessing fit” not “begging for job”
✓ Logistics finalization
- Confirm interview date/time/location
- Confirm interviewer’s name and title
- Know how to reach interviewer (phone, Zoom link)
- Have backup contact numbers

Know parking/transportation plan

CHECKLIST 4: Day Before Your Interview

Final Review (30-45 minutes total)

✓ Company/role review (15 minutes)
- Reread the job description
- Review 3 things you learned about company
- Reread 2-3 recent company news items
- Review your list of questions to ask
✓ Answer review (15 minutes)
- Review (don’t memorize) your self-introduction
- Do 1-2 practice runs of common questions
- Glance through your stories (don’t re-memorize)
- Review your strengths/weaknesses responses
✓ Final logistics (5 minutes)
- Confirm date/time/location is correct
- Know how to contact interviewer
- Have all materials ready (resume, portfolio, etc.)

Evening Before

✓ Physical preparation
- Lay out interview clothes (pressed, professional)
- Verify clothes fit and look appropriate
- Check shoes are polished/clean
- Prepare any accessories (pen, notepad)
- Verify phone is charged
✓ Mental preparation
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Avoid heavy meals before bed
- Avoid last-minute studying (causes anxiety)
- Do something relaxing (walk, reading, yoga)

Go to bed at normal time

CHECKLIST 5: Morning of Interview (2 hours before)

Personal Preparation (30 minutes)

✓ Physical readiness
- Shower and basic grooming
- Eat a light breakfast (avoid sugar crash)
- Drink water (stay hydrated)
- Get dressed in planned outfit
- Check appearance in mirror

Mental and Material Preparation (20 minutes)

✓ Mental prep
- Review self-introduction once (lightly)
- Recall your 3 best stories
- Take 3 deep breaths
- Repeat: “I’m prepared. I have value. This is a good fit.”
- Visualize the interview going well
✓ Material prep
- Gather resume copies
- Gather notepad and pen
- Gather portfolio/samples (if applicable)
- Have phone on silent (in bag)
- Have company/interviewer information handy

Departure (10 minutes)

✓ Travel timing
- Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early
- Account for traffic/delays
- Know exact location/parking
- Have backup route planned

Check weather and adjust if needed

CHECKLIST 6: During Interview (In the Room/On Video)

First 5 Minutes

✓ Entry/greeting (if in-person)
- Walk in with confidence (shoulders back, head up)
- Smile genuinely
- Shake hands firmly (if offered)
- Make eye contact
- Greet with “Good morning/afternoon, [name]”
✓ Entry/greeting (if video)
- Be visible and ready when they call
- Smile and greet warmly
- Make eye contact with camera
- Ensure good lighting on your face

Throughout Interview

✓ Body language (in-person)
- Sit upright (good posture)
- Make eye contact 60-70% of time
- Lean forward slightly when listening
- Avoid crossing arms
- Keep hands visible (not fidgeting)
- Smile when appropriate
✓ Body language (video)
- Position camera at eye level
- Make eye contact with camera (not screen)
- Minimize background movement
- Keep hands visible when gesturing
- Nod occasionally to show engagement

During Answers

✓ Speaking quality
- Speak clearly (not too fast or too slow)
- Avoid filler words (um, uh, like)
- Pause between thoughts (shows thoughtfulness)
- Use specific examples (not vague claims)
- Include numbers/metrics when possible
- Keep answers to 2-3 minutes
✓ Content quality
- Answer the question asked (don’t deflect)
- Show you’ve done research (mention company specifics)
- Demonstrate relevant experience
- Show enthusiasm appropriately
- Connect answers to role requirements

Your Questions

✓ Asking questions
- Ask 2-3 thoughtful questions
- Ask about role/team/company culture
- Show you’ve researched (reference specifics)
- Avoid questions answerable by Google
- Avoid salary/benefits in first interview

Closing

✓ Final impression
- Thank them for their time
- Express genuine interest
- Ask about next steps
- Clarify timeline for decision
- Get contact information

Shake hands firmly (if in-person)

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CHECKLIST 7: Post-Interview (Same Day)

Immediately After

✓ Document details
- Write down interviewer’s name/title
- Note key topics discussed
- Note any questions you didn’t fully answer
- Note any personal details they shared
- Note timeline for next steps

Within 24 Hours

✓ Follow-up actions
- Send thank-you email (within 24 hours)
- Personalize it (mention specific conversation points)
- Reiterate your interest
- Add any points you missed
- Proofread carefully before sending
- Use professional email address

Follow-Up Email Template:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name] – [Position]

Body:
“Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking time to speak with me yesterday about the [Position] role at [Company]. I genuinely enjoyed learning more about your team and the company’s mission.

Our conversation about [specific topic they discussed] particularly resonated with me because [your relevant perspective]. I’m confident my experience in [relevant skill] would allow me to contribute meaningfully to that area.

I’m very interested in this opportunity and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can add value to your team.

Thank you again for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]”

CHECKLIST 8: Question Categories Quick Reference

Keep This Handy During Prep

Background/Experience Questions

Tell me about yourself
Walk me through your resume
How has your experience prepared you for this role?
Why are you interested in this company?
Why are you leaving your current role?

Behavioral Questions (Use STAR Method)

Tell me about a time when you failed
Tell me about a time when you handled pressure
Tell me about a time when you led a project
Tell me about a conflict and how you resolved it
Tell me about a time you learned something quickly

Situational Questions (What Would You Do If…)

What would you do if you had conflicting priorities?
What would you do if a colleague was giving wrong information?
What would you do if a client complained?
What would you do if you missed a deadline?

Strengths/Weaknesses Questions

What are your greatest strengths?
What is your biggest weakness?
What’s your greatest achievement?
What do you like least about your current role?

Motivation Questions

Why do you want to join us?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What drives you?
What’s your ideal work environment?

Culture Fit Questions

Describe your ideal work environment
How do you handle feedback?
How do you work in teams?
What are your work values?

CHECKLIST 9: Self-Assessment Before Interview

Rate Yourself (1-5 scale, 5 being excellent)

✓ Knowledge and Preparation
- How well do you know the company? ___
- How clear are you on role requirements? ___
- How well can you articulate your value? ___
- How prepared are your stories? ___
✓ Communication Skills
- How confident are you in your speaking? ___
- How clear is your self-introduction? ___
- How good is your listening? ___
- How comfortable are you with eye contact? ___
✓ Mindset
- How confident do you feel? ___
- How excited are you about the role? ___
- How prepared for tough questions? ___
- How comfortable with pausing before answering? ___

If any rating is below 3:

Spend extra time on that area before the interview

CHECKLIST 10: Post-Interview Evaluation

After 24 Hours, Reflect:

✓ What went well?
- Which questions did you answer powerfully?
- Which stories resonated?
- What feedback did you get (verbal or non-verbal)?
- Which part felt most natural?
✓ What could improve?
- Which questions were you unclear on?
- Where did you ramble?
- What didn’t you explain well?
- What would you answer differently?
✓ Learning for next interview
- What will you practice more?
- What new stories will you develop?
- How will you improve weak areas?
- What feedback will you act on?

“Explore More Interview Checklists & Career Preparation Guides”

Master Interview Day Timeline

Print and Follow This Timeline

Time	Action
-120 min	Wake up, shower, breakfast
-90 min	Get dressed, final appearance check
-60 min	Light review of self-intro and stories
-45 min	Take 3 deep breaths, mental prep
-30 min	Gather materials, final bathroom break
-20 min	Leave for interview location
-10 min	Arrive and settle in (don’t rush)
-5 min	Take deep breaths, review body language
0 min	Check-in at reception
+5 min	Greet interviewer, small talk
+10-50 min	Main interview questions and answers
+50-55 min	Ask your questions
+55-60 min	Closing, thank them, confirm next steps
+60+ min	Leave professionally
+same day	Document details, send thank you email

Essential Items Checklist (What to Bring)

In-Person Interview

3-4 printed copies of resume
Notepad and pen (quality pen)
Portfolio/work samples (if applicable)
Phone (on silent, in bag)
ID/driver’s license
Water bottle or gum/mints
Directions/address written down
Interviewer’s name and title written down

Video Interview

Laptop/desktop with webcam (charger nearby)
Good lighting (lamp facing you)
Notepad and pen (visible to you, not camera)
Water (just out of camera view)
Background clear and professional
Phone on silent
Backup WiFi (hotspot ready)

Headphones (if using external)

30-Day Post-Interview Action Plan