If the fact that I run an Excel blog wasn’t a dead giveaway, I clearly have somewhat of an obsessive compulsive nature. I try my best to channel this into positive behavior and an interview preparation checklist was one of the outputs. Having a checklist of items and knowing that I was as prepared as possible definitely helped calm me down during stressful interviews.
Below is the checklist I used to prepare for all of my MBA interviews.
Research
- Company Latest Annual Report and 10K
- Datamonitor Company SWOT analysis
- S&P Industry Report (if available)
- IBIS World Industry Report (if available)
- Google New Search (last 10 articles)
Networking
- Review contacts and references
- Review statements in cover letter
- Reverse Linked in search (if you know the interviewer’s name)
Logistics if Traveling
- Print Google Maps to and from
- Get change for parking
- Load address on phone
Hygiene
- Shave
- Trim nails
- Deodorant
Suit & Attire
- Iron suit
- Use lint roller
- Pick out shirt
- Pick out tie
- Shine dress shoes
- Clean glasses
Locker
- 5 Hour Energy
- Visine
- Breath mints
- Tissues
- Extra tie
Bring
- Identification
- Padfolio w/ pen
- 2 copies of resume
- Interview notes
Right Before
- Turn off cell phone
- Take breath mint
- Pencil in mouth trick
- Single run through of “tell me about yourself”