Job Interview Checklist

Congratulations! You've received the call or letter for the interview. No doubt you are already working on questions you want to ask in the interview. In addition, it is important to make other preparations for that specific day so you can give an interview without having anything to worry about. The checklist below suggests things you might consider keeping with you on the day of the interview. Being prepared is key

Extra copies of your resume

You never know when those extra copies will help you. On occasion the hiring manager will forget to print your resume. In this case, if you provide a neat and clean copy of the resume it will leave the impression that you are well prepared for the interview.

Professional notebook

Keep a professional notebook or work diary with you. You may need it during or after an interview to jot down notes and a few facts you want to recall about the interview. If you want to take notes during the interview, be sure to ask permission of the interviewer before assuming it is okay to take notes. Most interviewers are happy to oblige.

A few extra pens

Many of us have the habit of forgetting this writing essential, so have a few extra pens with you. These extra pens could save you from the embarrassing “Can I borrow your pen?” moment prior to the interview. It can also leave a good impression if you offer a pen to your interviewer when s/he runs out of ink or forgets their pen.

List of questions to ask interviewers

You should prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer. Often an interviewee will go blank when the interviewer asks them if they have any questions. Being prepared with your own questions shows you are truly interested in the job. Keep the list to 5 to 10 questions regarding the specific position and the company.

Directions / map and contacts of interviewers

No one wants to be late to an interview. Make sure you have a proper address and directions to the interview location. Also, decide the medium and time of travel a day before the interview. You might even consider doing a test run if you are unfamiliar with where you are going. Keep contact information for the interviewer handy so you can contact them if something goes wrong.

Sample of your work / portfolio

If you are going for a position that might require examples of your work, keep your samples handy in a portfolio that you can leave behind with the interviewer. This will help you explain your work more easily. Even if a portfolio is not mandatory, it is handy to have some documentation put together that you can leave behind after the interview. Make sure you have a well-arranged portfolio.

Small touch-up kit

Have a small kit with you containing mints, tissues, a hairbrush, a lint roller, and any other items you might need throughout the day. This will help with any mishaps that occur before the interview, and keep you fresh throughout the day (important for multiple interviews in the same day). A bottle of water is another handy item to have available.

Only one bag

Often people have a habit of carrying too many bags with them to an interview (e.g., a small purse, a laptop bag, a large portfolio case). You are going for the interview, not to show off your latest bag collection. Try for one bag in which you can pack all things needed for the interview – one that is easy to transport and that won’t get in the way.

Hard copy of the job description

Having a physical copy of the job description will allow you an opportunity to review it one final time prior to the interview. This will help you better explain your skills and experience by associating them with the job description.

Anything you have been asked to bring

In most cases the interview letter (or phone call) specifies the things you need to present when you report to the interview. Check the interview letter carefully before leaving for the interview, as forgetting anything requested may cost you the job.