A Pre-Interview Checklist To Get You Organized...

A pre-interview checklist will help you get everything in order before you go to your next interview. When you get properly organized beforehand, you will find that things run more smoothly and you can concentrate on giving a great performance.

There are lots of items to prepare and remembering them all can be an unnecessary stress when it is far easier to create your own checklist. The version below is an introduction to the way you should structure your checklist. To help your own administration, there is a full printable version of the checklist and interview toolkit available here.

Your Pre-Interview Checklist

Things you should do – at least a week in advance:

• Confirm your attendance at the interview;
• Choose an outfit appropriate to the organisation and the occasion;
• Take your outfit to the dry cleaners if required;
• Get your hair cut or styled;
• Decide how you are going to travel to the interview.

If you are traveling by road:

• Plan your journey – check road works or other possible delays;
• Ensure that you have enough fuel for the journey;
• Check parking arrangements at the interview location.

If you are traveling by train:

• Book your ticket in advance;
• Find out about taxi availability at the other end.

Whichever way you intend to get to your interview, you must make sure that nothing, except last minute emergencies, prevents you from attending. If a problem does arise last minute, phone ahead and explain at the first possible opportunity.

Things to do – on the evening before the interview:

• Press/iron your outfit;
• Clean your shoes;
• Cut and clean your nails;
• Avoid alcohol or spicy foods;
• Set your alarm clock.

In a pre-interview checklist, the first secret of success is to arrive on time, and the second is to dress suitably. This does not necessarily mean dressing up but you should dress smartly and conventionally. Think about the firm or organization that you are going to for your interview.

Is it an old established firm that have very strict policies on dress and appearance or is it a trendy new company that prefers its employees to be up-to-date? Whatever you decide to wear ensure that you are neat and tidy and that you feel comfortable. Record what you intend to wear on your pre-interview checklist.

Items to take with you:

• A copy of the job advertisement;
• A copy of your CV and application letter;
• A map showing the location of the interview;
• Any relevant company/product literature;
• The names and job titles of the interviewers;
• Your diary to make an appointment for 2nd interview;
• Copies of reports, or examples of your work, to refer to;
• Suitable referee details;
• Pen and paper.

Because you take all of these items with you doesn't mean that they have to be produced unless asked for. Do not start putting new papers or drawings in front of an interviewer unless they ask to see wht you have fought along.

After the Interview:

1. Make a list of any action points that were agreed in the interview.
2. Make a written evaluation of the performance of both parties (you and the interviewer).
3. Write or email (as appropriate) a letter to the interviewer, thanking them for their time and expressing a continuing interest in the position.

Written Evaluation:

• How did I do?
• What did I learn?
• What could I have done better?
• Any outstanding questions I should have asked?

Not every interview will go perfectly, but every interview is a learning opportunity so be honest with yourself when you evaluate what happened. Learn from any interview mistakes and you will improve next time.

When you use a pre-interview checklist like this it saves you from having to think about and remember all of the details for your interview. Creating a list doesn't suit everybody, but most people will find it to be quite helpful. It is also a great idea to draw up an interview profile to get the interview itself firmly fixed in your mind.

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