EXPECT the unexpected!
I made a checklist to help me feel more prepared for interviews. I hope it helps you as well!
Ask yourself, did you...?
-Research the company’s culture, etc... and the role you are applying for? -Pick out your interview clothes and make sure they are wrinkle free? -Practice your pitch to friends, family and to yourself in the mirror? -Go over some common interview questions? -Make a list of your strengths and the job’s role and connect the two to see how you fit? -Remind yourself of why you are amazing? -Pack a notebook, copies of your resume, a pen, and some business cards?
...Tips for that morning...
-Make sure to get a good night’s sleep. I know you may be nervous, but just relax and think about other things if you can. Read a book, listen to some music that you love before bed and then try to put yourself in a positive place. The same goes for the morning, just relax and take deep breaths.
-Eat some protein. Nothing is worse than your stomach grumbling loudly smack dab in the middle of the interview. Plus you will have more energy if you eat breakfast which will help you to think clearly.
-Leave yourself enough time to arrive 30 minutes early if not more. Once you get there do not go in but instead find a local coffee shop or just relax in your car while you wait. The stress of being late will be alleviated if you arrive early.
Remember to be yourself, be confident and show that to the employer.
How do you guys prepare? Use any of these?
I love this! Thank you so much.
I used these when I first saw them a few days back before my interview and they really helped. Thanks Andy.
This is great! As someone who is a huge believer in checklists, this is a great way to utilize them for interviews and the prep. Thanks for sharing!
This is great and very helpful!
Thanks for sharing this interview check list !I always struggle with getting a good night's sleep the evening before the interview. A tip that I use to help me with this is to drink some sleepy time tea which you can buy at Target or most grocery stores. It has chamomile in it which naturally creates a sense of calm. I drink this when I am stressed about 20 minutes before bed. It helps a ton!
I definitely have practiced my pitch to my friends...once to my dog! I will have to remember to pack a notebook in the future. I totally have been THAT guy who asks for a piece of paper (bad I know). Good stuff, thanks Andy.
Good point about breakfast, I almost passed out once when I had stupidly skipped dinner and was nervous the next day and didn't eat that morning. I could barely think that day...not good. Make sure you eat!!! Also another tip I think that's good is to bring some headphones with you so you can listen to some music if you want like Jess said. I always seem to forget mine at home : (
Music helps me prepare mentally. I pick out one or two songs that get me motivated and help me visualize what my performance would look like during the interview.
I never dreamed I would be interviewing in a circle w 3 employers in room. Like an interrogation. Could not prepare for that kind.