If you've been looking for an interview prep guide, then look no further! This is the interview prep worksheet you've been looking for.

I'm sure you've heard this a million times from the wiser adults in your life, but preparing for an interview is literally *SO* important.

Maybe you're super organized and like to use an interview prep checklist or you're more likely to fly by the seat of your pants! Either way, this interview prep guide will help your interviews go more smoothly and make you a more impressive candidate.

With these simple preparation ideas, you'll actually be saving yourself time by having more meaningful interviews!

This post is all about having an interview prep guide.

interview prep guide

You might be thinking to yourself, what is there to prepare for? And if that's your question, my question for you is— how many interviews have you actually felt confident about?

Preparing for an interview is more than just having answers to their questions! It's about being confident and at ease throughout the process.

Trust me, everyone notices when you're a nervous interviewer. 

And that's not the impression you want to leave them with as they wonder whether you're capable enough or not to get the job done!

So when it comes to interviews, you definitely want to have a couple of these in your back pocket—

Interview Prep Questions

There are two parts to this, you want to make sure you have answers to the interview questions they'll be asking you AND you want to have some questions ready to ask them.

Think of the interview as them feeling you out as a fit for their company but also, you feeling their company out as a fit for your life.

Seriously, take the time and figure out what's important to you!

Questions for them:

1. Work Culture - it's important to know whether this company believes in balancing the work week or working until all the work is done. Typically, if they tell you that it's all hands on deck and the day's not over until the job's complete, you know that means overtime is likely expected. They also might mention if the team is close-knit or not at all, which will definitely be good to know.

2. Company Values - now normally, most company's have a core values/mission page on their website (that you should definitely look at before the interview!). So it's nice to know what their values are and then ask the interviewer how they've personally seen those values in their work with the company.

3. Job Role and Duties - depending on what stage of interviewing you're in, you might just be talking to the recruiter who doesn't actually know a whole lot about what that roles does. Asking about the duties and what a typical day looks like is a great way to show interest and nudge that interviewer in moving you forward so you speak to the someone who knows that role better (like the manager for that team!).

4. Is there room to grow? - whether you want to grow with this company or this is your next step, this question is SO important. If your interviewer has trouble answering or thinking of if they know people that have grown within the company, that could be a red flag. Typically, you want your interviewer to say "Of course! We have annual evaluations, opportunities for X,Y,Z, etc.". If you can get specifics on what types of programs, evaluations, employee-incentives type things there are, the more the better!

It's usually a little bit easier to prepare to ask questions for the employer whereas prepping for their questions to you can be daunting.

I get it, you want to give the perfect answer to those pesky "what's your worst quality" and "when's one time you failed so bad you cried" questions.

So think about these Q's as you get your answers ready!

Questions for You:

1. Tell me about yourself. 

2. What is a challenge you have faced recently in your current role and how did you overcome it?

3. Initially, what interested you in this role? How does this new role aligns with your career goals?

4. Where do you see yourself long term?

If you are interested in working with me, I'd be happy to connect and see how I can fulfill your resume needs. Simply fill out the contact me form on the sidebar of this website.

These are a few quick reminders to have your interview go smoothly!

Interview Preparation Notes

Always be prepared to take notes during the interview because you'll want to remember what you talked about.

Having a sheet of paper and pen or using your computer both work— just make sure it's not going to distract you too much from the actual interview.

Writing out your skills beforehand is also a great way of making sure you don't freeze up or forget what you do best.

Trust me, interviewers love prepared people. They also come to the interview prepared with their questions and notes so why shouldn't you?

Having a routine to build your confidence is so important too.

Whether you find mantras and affirmations a little woo-woo or not, hype yourself up! I cannot say enough that the more cool, calm, and collected you can go into an interview, the better.

Interview Prep Guide Worksheet

And at last, your interview prep guide!

Before the interview:

• Research the company and decide questions you want to ask them.
• Think about how you will be answering their questions and what you want to highlight about yourself.
• Write a huge list of your skills and everything you've done (if there are courses you've taken, webinars you've watched, etc.), highlight the most relevant parts.
• Mentally prepare— whether that's repeating a mantra, watching a pump up video, or listening to a song.
• Dress the part, make sure that you look like you mean business whether it's a video call or in-person.

During the interview:

• Have your resume accessible so if they ask you about something on it, you know what they're asking.
• Take notes on what they're saying and if you have any questions.
• Be at ease and try to maintain appropriate eye contact (especially if it's video call! don't get lost gazing outside the window behind your computer screen).

After the interview:

• Send them a follow up email thanking them for their time and include something you talked about today (aren't you glad you took notes?!).

Now go seize the day and rock your next interview!