Interview Checklist

Use These 7 Tips to Prepare for Your Next Interview!

You can never be too prepared for an interview. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to interview success in no time!

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice your interviewing skills as much as you can! From your elevator pitch to your outfit, you should prepare everything ahead of time. Use friends, family, and tools like Maryland Workforce Exchange’s Big Interview program to practice interviewing.

Dress for success

Though times have changed, and you do not need to rent the runway to go to a job interview, it is still important to dress for the job you’ve applied to. Wear clothing that does not draw attention to your body, but to your face and the work you are able to put in. Wear appropriately fitting and minimally colorful clothing such as a dress, blazer, pants, or suit to give off an air of professionalism paired with appropriate (not sneakers!) shoes and limited jewelry and little to no perfumes or scented creams.

Early is On Time!

Arrive to your interview 10-15 minutes early. Plan for any possible transportation issues such as traffic, parking, and getting through security, and provide yourself with plenty of time to arrive at the specific location you will be interviewing in. If you are too early, it may be a problem for the interviewer. If you are late it could cost you the job!

Research Your Future Employer

Looking up your interviewer beforehand will give you insight into the type of workplace culture you should expect, as well as possible pay, public perception of the company, even projects the company is investing in. This will help you give honest and more thought-out answers to some interview questions. You should also compare this position to similar ones in this industry for pay and benefits.

Know Yourself

Would you hire yourself for this job? Know your interests, what makes you unique, and even what animal you think fits your workplace persona the best. Some interviewers will ask! What skills are you going to highlight in your interview? Be sure to prepare statements about everything on your resume.

Have A Resume Package

Your interviewer will likely have read your resume prior to the interview, but give them every opportunity to remember your great skills by giving them a paper copy, along with your cover letter and any other additional documents that are useful for the interview. Make sure you have enough for all interviewers and even one for yourself to take notes in.

Show Gratitude!

Not only should you act positively with a smile when meeting your interviewer(s), but you should be thanking them for the opportunity both verbally and through a thank you letter (email or on paper) within 24 hours of the interview. This way you will stay fresh in their minds and reiterates that you are actively interested in the position.

Need more interview success tips? Register for Interview LIVE! A 2-hour interview-focused course where you can practice your interview skills, get in-depth discussion on real interview questions, and connect with more FCWS services! Register for classes.