Interview prep checklist

Interviews reward preparation more than talent. Work through this checklist in the two days before, the night before, and the morning of.

Two days before

• Re-read the job posting. Highlight every requirement and write one example from your experience that proves it.
• Research the company: what they do, who they serve, anything recent (a new location, a new service). One genuine detail impresses.
• Prepare answers for the classics: "Tell me about yourself" (90 seconds: past → present → why this job), "Why should we hire you?", "Tell me about a hard situation at work" (situation → what YOU did → result).
• Prepare three questions to ask them: about the team, the schedule, and how success in the role is measured.

The night before

• Lay out clean, tidy clothes — one notch more formal than the everyday uniform of the job.
• Print two copies of your resume, even if you already sent it.
• Plan the trip: route, parking or transit, and a arrival time 10–15 minutes early.
• Charge your phone, then set it to silent for the interview.

The morning of

• Eat something. Bring water. Arrive calm, not rushed.
• Greet everyone like they matter — reception staff are often asked their impression.
• During: listen fully before answering, keep answers concrete, and it is fine to take two seconds to think.
• Close with: "Thank you for your time — I would really like to do this job well." Simple and memorable.

After

• Send a short thank-you message the same day: thanks + one thing you discussed + your enthusiasm. Three sentences is plenty.
• Write down the questions you were asked while they are fresh — your prep file for next time.