Here is an checklist to ensure you are completely prepared for your interview.
- Purchase correspondence paper (stationary and matching envelopes).
- Keep enough paper stock on hand to print your resumes, cover letters and other correspondence on matching stationary and envelopes.
- Know the standards for writing cover letters, thank-you letters, and when to phone.
- Keep stamps on hand at all times!
- Keep track of all career-related written and verbal correspondence.
- Identify your basic interview wardrobe: select one or two outfits or suits that are considered fairly conservative for your field.
- Locate your local overnight or one-hour dry cleaner.
- Polish your business shoes.
- Always have extra, clean copies of your resume with you.
- Keep on file an interview folder to bring with you on interviews. It should contain: a few resumes in a plastic sleeve, some reminders for yourself about your skills and your goals, and a pen and some paper to make notes before and after the interview.
- Bring to the interview: your interview folder, the names of the people you are meeting and the address with directions. You may also want: a comb, tissues, and breath mints.
- Know where you’re going in advance.
- Leave yourself plenty of time to get there.
- You want to arrive a little bit early, not just on time and never late.
- Follow up with thank you letters immediately.
- Make sure you can be reached, whether by phone, fax or email.