Interview Check List

Dear ,

Every time you fly in an airplane your pilot is using check lists to ensure your safety. Check lists can also be used to ensure you are prepared and ready to be at your best during your interviews.

Create your own check list of items you'll need before, during and after the interview. Your list should include many of the following items:

1. Company Address & Directions
Be certain you have the correct address. Many companies have multiple locations and often have several buildings at one location. Also consider driving to the company a couple days before the interview (if practicable). Knowing how to get there is just one way to minimize your stress before the interview.

2. Contact Person
Make sure you know whom to ask for when you arrive. This should include their name and contact information. This may be the first interviewer, the hiring manager or the internal recruiter. When you are called for the interview you can request the names of the interviewers and their titles. This can help you prepare for the interviews by researching each interviewer by searching for them on search engines and social networking web sites. You are likely to find background information about the interviewers that will help you establish rapport with them. You might discover that an interviewer attended the same school as you, worked at the same company earlier in their career or has similar outside interests as yourself.

3. Medication
Bring any medication you might need. Do not assume the interview will only take a couple hours. It is common for interviews planned for 1-2 hours to turn into all day events. You'll need to be prepared for the interview day to go longer than expected. Companies often ask candidates to stay longer and meet more people when the interview is proceeding well.

4. Writing Pad & Pen
Bring something to write on and something to hold the documents you are bringing with you.

5. Resumes
Bring 3 copies of the resume you submitted for this position. Many interviewers are unprepared and ask if you have an extra copy of your resume just as they begin the interview.

6. Cover Letter
Like the resume, also bring extra copies of the cover letter you submitted for this position.

7. Work Samples, Portfolio or Visual Aids
Many occupations lend themselves to work sample portfolios. Even professionals that traditionally do not produce work samples can benefit by bring work samples to an interview. Bring items that will help communicate your talents and the quality of your work. Many of the most memorable candidates I've interviewed used visual aids to communicate their value and talents.

8. References
During the hiring process you will be asked for references. Bring a list of pre-qualified references most appropriate for this position, company and industry. Having your references with you can accelerate the interview process and give you a competitive edge over other less prepared candidates.

9. Questions
Prepare your questions in advance. Every interview ends with the interviewer asking if you have any questions. Prepare a list of five or more questions you will ask. This demonstrates you are thoughtful, professional and prepared.

10. Employment & Salary History
Completion of a detailed employment application is often the first thing you will have to do when you arrive. Applications ask you for specific dates and salary history. Bring this data with you just in case you have to complete an application before the interview begins. If you do not have all the data you need you can ask to complete the application at home and return later that week.

11. Transportation
Make sure you not only have directions, but your transportation needs are ready. If driving, make sure the tank is full and the tires are inflated. The last thing you want is a car problem on the day of your big interview.

Anticipate traffic delays and allow double the normal driving time. It is much easier to have extra time waiting in the parking lot compared with sitting in a traffic jam. If you are taking public transportation, make sure you have the bus or train schedule and you allow extra time for unexpected delays.

Using check lists can significantly improve your chances of getting the job by ensuring you are prepared. The next interview can change your life. Shouldn't you prepare as if your career depended on it.

To learn more about performing at your best when it matter most, go to http://www.interviewmastery.com . Please feel free to write me directly if you have any comments about this article or my product.