How often have you missed out on the simple things which mattered most before an interview? Do you wonder at times if you are an organized person and can remember things? Ah! Now, there’s a list going on in your mind, no doubt. But we have it all worked out. Your interview checklist for the big day is finally here. ?
We all tend to forget things. And, especially when they are important things to be remembered, we tend to forget them even more. If it is an important day or a big day like the day of your interview, you can’t afford to take chances and mess things up. You will want to make sure everything is just in place.
So here’s a handy interview checklist for your big day which you need to carry along! This job interview inventory consists of all the important and mandatory documents and also the small little things that often get neglected. Check them all and carry them along to feel the difference!
#1. Carry A Copy Of Your Resume/CV
The first and foremost thing you need to put on your interview checklist is your resume or curriculum vitae (otherwise called a CV). These days, in most job interviews, candidates send a soft copy via email to the recruiter. Yet is advisable to carry along a hard copy or two in your folder, apart from a soft copy in your phone or pen drive. Interviewers prefer to scan the resume of a candidate before they start asking questions.
#2. Carry All Certificates, Identity Proofs, And Other Documents
The second place on your interview checklist needs to be occupied by all your certificates. Your mark sheets from Xth, XIIth, graduation, and post-graduation as well as your degree certificates are a must! These are very important documents as they also double up as identity proofs and support the BGV (background verification) process. You should ideally carry photocopies along with the originals of all these, especially for the degree certificates. You can also carry along certificates of other achievements and to increase your possibilities of getting hired. You may keep copies of your government ID proofs and other identity cards like PAN and AADHAR CARD. Keep your bank account details handy as some employers hire candidates on the spot and begin their documentation on day 1. Don’t forget to keep a few passport size and stamp size photographs ready. File all of these neatly on the previous day to avoid last minute hustle.
#3 Carry Required Stationery Items
Blue and black ballpoint pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, stapler, scissors, gum stick and ruler seem silly! But these stationary items can prove to be real lifesavers! Carry them along in a pouch so that you don’t have to hunt in your backpack for them. I know this sounds boring, but I’m sure you don’t really want to look silly or embarrassed in front of your future boss. Keeping stationary handy is a sign that you are an organized person and you have taken this interview very seriously. Ultimately, it makes a good impression and portrays that you are ready to face all kinds of situations.
#4. Look Professional In A Formal Outfit
Your looks obviously play an important role in creating a first impression on the interviewer. You should find the right set of clothes and accessories for yourself when going for an interview. Ensure that you are aptly dressed, look good and feel comfortable. Keep it minimal and professional, yet elegant and formal. Do not overdress, for instance, don’t put on a blazer in summer! Team your outfit with the right accessories, like polished black shoes, white/black socks, black belt, black handbag/folder, and a formal watch. Your overall look depends on the accessories you put on. Make sure your footwear is not shabby, but polished and goes with your outfit. Ladies, please avoid high heels if you are not too comfortable carrying them on your interview day! Wear comfortable footwear so that your mind stays focused. Put all these points on your interview checklist and check them on the day before your interview.
#5. Feel Confident
Confidence is the best accessory one can wear. It enhances your personality as a whole and leaves a good impression about you. Keep yourself encouraged and motivated. Prepare your answers privately aloud in front of a mirror, well in advance. Take deep breaths and don’t fidget in front of the HR person or interviewer. Think of positive thoughts, focus and remain calm. Be prepared and sure about yourself and your facts. That’ll automatically make you more confident. Believe in yourself and face everything with a smile of confidence.
#6. Prep Yourself For Possible Questions
Each interview is different but this is also true that there are certain basic questions that are commonly asked in all interviews like ‘ Can you tell me about yourself?’, ‘ Why do you want this job’ ,etc. Sometimes you don’t get instant answers to these questions. So, it’s good to prepare yourself for these common questions and take key points that you can remember. You also need to have knowledge of everything about your job. Update yourself about the company and it’s members, profit, products, etc so you can frame your doubts as questions and pose them to the interviewers as well.
#7. Background Research About The Company
Before going for an interview, do an extensive research on the company you are going to work for. Know about their past and present involvements in things. This background check will keep you from believing in everything you are told.
#8. Your Portfolio/Projects/Internships/Past Experiences
Always remember to carry your portfolio or the projects you have worked on. Put it on the interview checklist so you can make sure you don’t forget. Your work can speak much more for you than your own self and people would like to see your work and decide to take you in or not.
#9. Sufficient Sleep
Imagine you are in a conference Hall and you are being interviewed but you can’t really keep your eyes and ears open. Scary right? This is what will happen if you don’t get a sound sleep the night before your interview. You’ll not be able to concentrate and your mind will refuse to process any answer. Also, sleeping late means high chances of waking up late and missing the interview or being late. So, the best thing is to go to bed early and set sufficient alarms in advance. This way you’re never going to be late.
#10. Check Conveyance/Commutation Facilities In Advance
If you are going for the interview in your private vehicle, make sure there’s enough petrol/diesel and everything’s fine with it so there’s no delay. If you plan to take public transport, make sure you leave early because there’s no fixed timing that you can rely on in that case.
If you plan to book a cab or auto, try booking it the previous day if possible. It’s always good to have an extra hour in hand to avoid traffic or any unforeseen circumstances.
So, these are a few basic essentials for your interview checklist. Double checking each of these points will ensure you get arrive well prepared for the interview and the whole process goes smoothly. So grab a pen and paper and make your checklist for a hassle-free interview experience. And, if there’s anything you’d like to be added to the checklist, share your views in the comments section below.
All the best! ?
