Job Interview Preparation Checklist for 2023

Need help preparing for your next job interview. Check out our job interview preparation checklist!

Job Interview Preparation is Key

Interviewing for a job takes preparation. The importance of preparing for your next job interview cannot be stressed enough. Many candidates go to interviews and don’t spend time an adequate amount of time preparing for the interview. Maybe it’s because they are not sure they even want the job. But, what if during the interview process they learn something that changes their mind.

Now they want the job. Well, they may have missed the boat by not putting their best foot forward to the employer on the first interview. Don’t miss the boat…use the checklist below to organize your thoughts.

Checklist for Interview Preparation

What to research as part of your job interview preparations?

Research the hiring company, their products, and services offered. Also, look into who could be doing the interviews and gather information about their key responsibilities in relation to the sales job you are applying for.

What should I wear to a job interview?

Prepare a professional look – get a haircut if you need one, buy a suit, do whatever it takes to look the part.

Should you bring a brag book to a job interview?

Make sure as part of your job interview preparations you create a brag book or feature presentation on your past successes to showcase your accomplishments to the new employer.

Why are you the best person for the job?

As part of your interview preparations make some notes that explain why you are the best person for the job and be able to discuss these points with your interviewers.

When you should send thank you notes?

You should plan to send a thank-you note within 12 hours to each interviewer.

How long should you wait after an interview to follow up?

We suggest following up with the employer within a few days after your job interviews and making sure to show enthusiasm.

Additional Job Interview Preparation Tips

  • Write down some well-thought-out questions before each job interview.
  • Think about your answers to the following questions:
    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why do you want to work for this company?
    • What is your greatest accomplishment?
    • Why are you interested in leaving your position?
    • Why should we hire you?
    • What are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses?
  • Learn how to sell your abilities to an employer. If you need help with answers to the most frequently asked interview questions or selling your abilities to an employer during a job interview, read Interview with Desire and Get Hired.
  • For in-person interviews, print off several copies of your resume on quality stock paper.
  • Remember to ask for the job.
  • Be patient. It’s important to be patient. Patience is a virtue that many of us simply lack. We all have needs, wants, and desires. When things don’t go as planned, we become frustrated. Frustration leads to further impatience, so the issue compounds itself. Organized people like to complete tasks. Finding a job has so many outside variables beyond our control, and dealing with that aspect is hard. You will garner success by systematically approaching your employment search, but it still takes time. Time is of the essence for many, and we’re hoping you have collected some pearls along the way to help you land your dream job.

Other Areas to Consider to Find Your Dream Job

There are still other areas to consider in your quest to find your dream job. Let’s talk about a few of these and what you can do to stay positive during your job search.

Job Interview Preparation

First, don’t become defeated. As stated earlier, it’s not an easy task to find a great fit in your future employment. Days, weeks, and sometimes months can go by in which you’ve worked very hard to land a position and still not received interview opportunities. It happens to the best of candidates. Keep your spirits up and remain positive. Opportunities do not always come at convenient times nor will they come on your schedule. Be flexible, motivated, yet relaxed in your job search. Your loved ones will appreciate it.

We know that employment status doesn’t simply impact a candidate; loved ones are affected too. If you need career advice from a professional, don’t be afraid to reach out to one. Try to find a career counselor or coach who specializes in helping job seekers interested in your desired career path.

Secondly, don’t lack enthusiasm. This is truly a controllable element that should always be on your mind through every part of the interview process. Sometimes our feedback from clients includes a commentary that the candidate was not engaged or highly motivated during the interview. You have control of that aspect of your persona.

Thirdly, don’t limit the scope of your search or activities. Use all of your resources and, as the saying goes, keep many irons in the fire. Keep active in your searches and go out of your way to make yourself available for interviews. It will open you up to many more potential opportunities.

Finally, don’t lack follow-up. If you’ve interviewed or had an interaction with an influencer or decision-maker, send them an appropriate thank-you note or follow-up email.

If you approach your job search with confidence, clarity, conviction, and enthusiasm, you will see the impact that your attitude can make upon your employment outcome. Your strong motivation and interview preparations can help take you across the finish line.

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