Checklist
Interview preparation checklist
Preparation is mostly small, boring tasks done early. Work down this list and the interview itself gets calmer.
A week before
- Re-read the job description and mark the skills it asks for most.
- For each marked skill, write down one real example from your work or studies.
- Choose four to six stories for behavioural questions (see the STAR guide).
- Look up the organisation's own public materials: what it does, who it serves, how it describes itself.
- Do at least two full practice interviews out loud, not only in your head.
The day before
- Prepare three or four questions to ask the interviewer.
- Check the time, time zone, format and who you are meeting.
- Test your camera, microphone and internet connection if it is a video call.
- Lay out what you will wear and anything you need to bring.
- Stop practising early and sleep.
The hour before
- Have water, a notepad, your resume and the job description to hand.
- Close other apps and silence notifications.
- Read your story list once, then put it away.
- Join a few minutes early and take a few slow breaths.
During the interview
- It is fine to pause for a few seconds before answering.
- Ask for the question to be repeated or rephrased if you need it.
- Keep answers to about two minutes and let the interviewer ask for more.
- Take brief notes on anything you want to follow up on.
After
- Write down the questions you were asked while you remember them. Use them to practise.
- Send a short thank-you message if it suits the setting.
- Note what to improve, then practise that one thing.
Try it out loud
Reading helps; saying answers aloud helps more. Practise with Ava and get feedback on structure and evidence.