Are you ready for your interview?Answer Yes or No to

the following questions and tally your Yeses.

Can you talk the talk of the industry, using buzzwords, jargon, and acronyms that are common to the company?

Can you give the interviewer at least three reasons why you’re interested in his or her company?

Can you list 15 common interview mistakes?

Can you readily give at least three examples of items when you did work that wasn’t included in your job description?

Can you identify three prominent employment-related successes or achievements you’ve had and talk about your role in them?

Can you comfortably give the interviewer at least five good reasons why his or her company should hire you?

You should hire me because I have …I can …..I will …..

Do you have a 60-second promotional presentation ready to respond to the question, “Can you tell me a little about yourself?”

Do you have a job description for the position and are you able to give three examples of when you’ve used each skill and strength listed in it?

Are you confident that you can answer technical questions interviewers ask or pass an employment test?

Have you researched the pay scale and benefits packages for people with your skills and experience working in similar positions in your locale?

Have you anticipated 10 questions you’ll be asked at the interview and made notes about how you’ll answer them?

Do you have a rational and acceptable set of reasons for leaving, or wanting to leave your last job?

• Have you practiced negotiating a higher salary and answering the pay expectations question?

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Do you understand the interview methods, styles, and protocols for your particular industry?

Can you list 15 of your marketable skills, abilities, and personality traits that make you a good hiring risk?

If the interviewer asks you to take a drug test “right now,” would you be willing to do so and would you pass it?

Have you researched the company and can you comfortably talk about it’s products, services, goals, and competitors?

Will you immediately follow up after the interview with a thank-you note, letter, or e-mail?

Do you have a list of at least five intelligent questions you want to have answered at the interview? (Pay and benefits don’t count.)

Do you have a business card that highlights your achievements to leave with the interviewer at the end of the interview?

1 – 5 Yeses,You’re on the porch with the puppies! Better bone up.

6 – 12 Yeses.You’re average. Remember average doesn’t stand out in an interview. Take some time to improve and step out front.

13 – 20 YesesBe confident! You’re

running with the big dogs.

Interview Success

• What you know of the employer, the field, and the company.• Knowing yourself, what you have to offer a potential employer, and why

you’re a great fit.• How you present the above information in the pressured environment

called the interview.

ReferenceNext Day Job Interview