Interview Preparation: Complete Checklist

A week before, dive into research. The more you know, the more confident you'll be.

About the company:

• [ ] Website: mission, values, products/services • [ ] Recent news (Google News, press releases) • [ ] Social media (LinkedIn, Twitter): tone, culture • [ ] Glassdoor: employee reviews, recruitment process • [ ] Financial results if available • [ ] Main competitors and positioning

About the position:

• [ ] Reread the job posting in detail • [ ] Identify key skills required • [ ] Understand main responsibilities • [ ] Research market salary for this position • [ ] Identify likely challenges of the role

About the interviewers:

• [ ] LinkedIn of people interviewing you • [ ] Their background and tenure • [ ] Any publications or interviews • [ ] Potential common ground (school, previous companies)

Questions to prepare for them:

Note 5-7 relevant questions: • About team/company strategy • About current challenges • About expectations for the role • About company culture

Tip: Create a summary document of all your research. Reread it the night before.

Anticipate questions and prepare structured answers.

Classic questions to prepare:

"Tell me about yourself" • Your 2-minute pitch (see dedicated guide) • Adapted to the target position

"Why this position / this company?" • Link between your aspirations and the position • What specifically attracts you to the company • Avoid generic answers

"What are your strengths?" • 3 strengths relevant to the position • Illustrated with concrete examples

"What are your weaknesses?" • 1-2 real weaknesses (not "perfectionist") • What you're doing to address them • Show your self-awareness

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" • Vision consistent with the position • Realistic ambition • Avoid "in your seat"

Behavioral questions (STAR method):

Prepare 5-6 situations illustrating: • A major success • A failure and what you learned • A resolved conflict • A challenge overcome • An initiative taken • Successful teamwork

STAR format: • Situation: context • Task: your mission • Action: what you did • Result: the impact (quantified if possible)

The day before, handle all practical details to be calm on the day.

Logistics:

• [ ] Confirm time and location (or video link) • [ ] Prepare route (allow 30 min buffer) • [ ] Check transportation / parking • [ ] Prepare outfit (clean, ironed) • [ ] Print 3 copies of your resume • [ ] Prepare notebook and pen • [ ] Charge your phone

For a video interview:

• [ ] Test internet connection • [ ] Test camera and microphone • [ ] Check lighting (light facing you) • [ ] Neutral and tidy background • [ ] Warn housemates • [ ] Have a backup plan (phone if disconnected)

Mental preparation:

• [ ] Reread your research notes • [ ] Practice your pitch out loud • [ ] Visualize the interview going well • [ ] Plan a relaxing activity for the evening • [ ] Go to bed early (8 hours sleep minimum)

What to avoid the night before: • Alcohol • Late night screens • Stressful new research • Ruminating worst-case scenarios

Mantra: "I'm prepared. I have the skills. I'm going to show who I am."

On the day, optimize your physical and mental state.

Morning:

• [ ] Wake up with enough buffer • [ ] Balanced breakfast (not too heavy) • [ ] Shower and usual routine • [ ] Quick review of key points (10 min max) • [ ] Final outfit check

1 hour before:

• [ ] Arrive in the area (if in-person) • [ ] Locate the building entrance • [ ] Use the restroom • [ ] Drink water • [ ] Deep breathing (4-7-8)

4-7-8 breathing technique: • Inhale for 4 seconds • Hold for 7 seconds • Exhale for 8 seconds • Repeat 3-4 times

15 minutes before:

• [ ] Check in at reception • [ ] Turn off phone • [ ] Smile and greet politely • [ ] Observe the environment (cultural cues)

Power pose (2 min):

Before entering, isolate yourself and adopt an open posture: • Standing, feet apart • Hands on hips or arms raised • Head high, looking straight ahead

This boosts confidence and reduces cortisol.

Reminder: You're there because they saw something in you. You deserve to be there.

The interview starts as soon as you walk through the door. Stay attentive at all times.

The first 30 seconds:

• Firm handshake (neither limp nor crushing) • Direct eye contact • Natural smile • "Pleased to meet you, thank you for seeing me" • Wait to be invited to sit

During the exchange:

Active listening: • Let them finish questions • Take 2-3 seconds before answering • Rephrase if needed ("If I understand correctly...")

Non-verbal communication: • Open posture, slightly leaning forward • Regular eye contact (not staring) • Hands visible on the table • Nodding to show listening • Avoid crossing arms

Effective answers: • Structured (announce the plan if long answer) • Illustrated with concrete examples • Concise (2-3 minutes max per answer) • Honest (don't make things up)

If you don't know: • "That's an excellent question, let me think about it..." • "I don't have direct experience, but here's how I'd approach it..." • Never pretend to know

Your questions for them: • Ask 3-4 prepared questions • Show your interest and research • Avoid salary questions in 1st interview (unless they bring it up)

Some questions aim to destabilize you. Here's how to handle them.

"What is your biggest failure?"

✅ Good answer: • A real failure (not false modesty) • What you learned • How you bounced back • What you'd do differently

❌ Avoid: • "I've never really failed" • A failure that questions your key skills for the role

"Why are you leaving your current job?"

✅ Good answer: • Positive reasons (seeking growth, new challenge) • What you're looking for (not what you're running from)

❌ Avoid: • Criticizing your current employer • Mentioning personal conflicts

"What are your salary expectations?"

✅ Good answer: • Give a range based on your research • "Given my experience and the market, I'm in the X to Y range" • Turn it around: "What's the planned range for this position?"

❌ Avoid: • Giving a precise number too early • Undervaluing yourself out of fear

"Do you have other opportunities?"

✅ Good answer: • Be honest (without details) • Show you're active but selective • "I have some leads, but this position interests me particularly because..."

"Any questions?"

✅ Always say yes. Prepare 3-4: • "What are the main challenges for this role in the first 6 months?" • "How would you describe the team culture?" • "What are the next steps in the process?"

The interview doesn't end with the final handshake.

Immediately after (30 min):

• [ ] Note your fresh impressions • [ ] Questions asked (to remember) • [ ] What went well • [ ] What you could have done better • [ ] Information learned about the position

Within 24 hours:

• [ ] Send a thank you email

Email template:

"Subject: Following our interview • [Position]

Hello [First name],

I wanted to thank you for the time you gave me yesterday.

Our conversation confirmed my interest in the [X] position. I particularly appreciated [specific point discussed].

I remain convinced that my experience in [key skill] and my ability to [added value] would be assets for [team objective].

I remain available for any additional information.

Best regards, [Your name]"

If no news after the announced deadline:

• Wait 2-3 more days • Follow up politely by email • Only one follow-up, no harassment

Post-interview analysis:

Whatever the outcome, note: • What worked well • What you'll improve for the next one • Questions you weren't prepared for

Every interview is training for the next one.