Preparing for an interview is more than practicing your answers the night before. The small things you do ahead of time can make a huge difference in how confident and professional you look. That’s why having a simple interview checklist matters.
Below, you’ll find 12 important steps to follow before any interview. These tips will help you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and walk in ready to make a great first impression.
TOP Interview Checklist Tips
1. Review Your Résumé
Take a few minutes to read through your résumé before the interview. Make sure you can clearly explain each job, skill, and accomplishment. This will help you give strong answers backed up with specific examples from your past work experience.
2. Bring a pen
- I know this sounds obvious, but think of all the times you needed a pen and didn’t have one. You may need to write down some contact information at the end of the interview, and you will look unprepared if you ask the interviewer for a pen.
3. Know Where You Want to Be in Five Years
- We all need career goals. If you don’t have a career goal, you will sound unambitious.
- If you don’t have a five-year career plan, then browse jobs on popular employment websites and find something you would love to do in five years.
4. Bring three copies of your résumé.
- Eventually, they will want to go through your previous work experience. The interviewer may or may not have a copy of your résumé, so why not bring one?
5. Pick out what clothes to wear.
- If possible, check out what clothes your potential coworkers are wearing and dress a step above them. Again, do this the night before so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute. You should always dress formally for the interview.
6. Do Research on the Company
- Make sure you use the company’s actual website. Wikipedia is a good source, but it can contain outdated information about the company you are interviewing with.
7. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
- Stay away from alcohol and don’t exercise too late at night. Try to reduce any caffeine intake as well.
8. Research Salary Information
- Search the internet for salary ranges in your field. If the job pays minimum wage, you are not in a position to negotiate.
9. Turn off your Smartphone
- Imagine being on an interview and your smartphone goes off. Do yourself a favor and turn off your cell phone.
10. Set an Interview Goal
You need to convince the interviewer why you are the best person for the job.
Keep these three points in mind
- Why do you have the right skills for the job?
- You have the right experience for the job.
- Why do you have the right personality for the job?
11. Plan Your Route and Travel Time
- Make sure you know exactly how long it will take to get to your interview. Check the route the day before and look for potential delays, such as traffic, construction, or bus schedules. Always aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early. Planning your route ahead of time helps you stay calm and shows you are reliable and prepared.
12. Bring the Job Description
Print out the job description and bring it with you. It helps you remember the key skills and duties the employer is looking for. You can also use it to match your answers to what the company wants. Reviewing it right before the interview keeps the role fresh in your mind and strengthens your answers.