Interview Checklist 4 U

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 follow-through etiquette.
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.

Have your interview attire cleaned, pressed, and ready to wear.
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, breath mints.

Know where you're going in advance; have a test-drive the day before.

Leave yourself plenty of time to get there.

You want to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Follow up with thank-you letters within 24 hours.

Make sure you can be reached -- whether by phone, fax or email.

Don't assume the interviewer remembers everything you said or has an accurate picture of who you are. When three candidates are interviewed and compared, some of the highlights you hoped would be considered may be lost or forgotten.

The follow-up letter is more than a nice way of saying, "Thank you for the interview." Take advantage of this second chance to sell yourself. It is one more opportunity to tell them what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

Expect more soon...