Appendix C. Interview preparation checklist
This checklist offers a concise, practical roadmap to help you prepare thoroughly for each job interview. Its aim is to make you a more confident, compelling candidate by guiding your research, sharpening your self-knowledge, and ensuring you can communicate your fit clearly and convincingly.
It begins with targeted research: understand the company by reviewing its website and social media presence, noting how it describes its mission, values, culture, and people, and scanning recent press releases for timely context. Then study the role in depth—work through every line of the job description and consider a structured “job deconstruction” to clarify responsibilities and success criteria. Finally, learn about your interviewers by reviewing their backgrounds and looking for genuine points of connection you can use to build rapport.
The checklist then turns inward: know your own story cold. Be prepared to discuss each line of your resume, select the most relevant achievements and examples for the role, and organize them using a clear framework (e.g., PAR/STAR/SOAR). Customize and practice your “Tell me about yourself” and reasons for exploring new opportunities, distill your top 3–5 selling points, and preempt potential objections with evidence-backed responses. Close by crafting a persuasive answer to “Why should we hire you?” and preparing thoughtful questions that demonstrate curiosity, alignment, and initiative.
FAQ
What should I research about a company before an interview?
- Review the company’s website and LinkedIn page to understand its mission, values, culture, products, and people.
- Scan recent press releases and credible news for launches, funding, acquisitions, leadership changes, or market shifts.
- Note key themes you can reference to tailor your answers and questions.
How do I analyze the job description and map my experience to it?
- Read every bullet in the job description and list the skills, tools, and outcomes it implies.
- For each item, prepare a specific story that proves you’ve done it (or something closely related).
- Spot gaps and plan how you’ll bridge them with transferable skills and quick-learning examples.
- Optionally do a “job deconstruction”: break the role into core responsibilities, stakeholders, success metrics, and map your evidence to each.
How can I research interviewers and build rapport professionally?
- Review each interviewer’s LinkedIn profile: current role, background, focus areas, and shared interests or connections.
- Identify 1–2 authentic commonalities (e.g., alma mater, tools, industries) to mention naturally.
- Prepare role-relevant questions aligned to their expertise; avoid overly personal topics.
How should I prepare to discuss every line of my resume?
- For each line, be ready to explain the project, your specific actions, and measurable results.
- Emphasize relevance: clearly connect each example to this company’s needs and the role’s priorities.
- Quantify outcomes where possible and clarify your unique contribution.
What is an interview prep chart and how do I create one?
- Create two columns: Competency and Story (actions + results).
- List 6–8 competencies from the job description (e.g., stakeholder management, data analysis, leadership).
- For each, add a concise story with metrics that demonstrate impact.
- Use the chart to practice quick recall during the interview.
Which story frameworks (PAR, STAR, SOAR) should I use and how?
- PAR: Problem → Action → Result.
- STAR: Situation → Task → Action → Result.
- SOAR: Situation → Obstacle → Action → Result.
- Pick one and keep stories to 60–90 seconds. Lead with context, spotlight your actions, end with quantified results and a lesson.
How do I craft a strong “Tell me about yourself” and explain my move?
- Structure: present role/strengths → 2–3 relevant achievements → why this role/company.
- Keep it 60–90 seconds and tailored to the job’s top priorities.
- Exit story: be positive and forward-looking (seeking greater impact, scope, growth), not negative about current employer.
How do I anticipate and address potential objections in my background?
- List likely concerns (industry switch, different company size, tech stack, employment gaps).
- Prepare bridging examples showing transferable skills and fast learning.
- Offer proof: quick ramp-up stories, certifications, side projects, or measurable wins in similar contexts.
How do I identify my top selling points and use them to answer “Why should we hire you?”
- Select 3–5 differentiators tied directly to the job’s core competencies (skills, domain insight, track record).
- Back each with a one-line result (metric if possible).
- Assemble into a concise value proposition that aligns with the company’s mission and current priorities.
What questions should I prepare to ask interviewers?
- Role success: “What does success look like in 90/180 days?”
- Team/collaboration: “How does this role partner with X teams?”
- Product/roadmap: “What are the top priorities or bets this quarter?”
- Culture/ways of working: “How are decisions made and communicated?”
- Performance/growth: “How is performance measured and developed?”
- Tailor to each interviewer and avoid questions easily answered on the website.
Interview Speak ebook for free
