Interview Practice Protocol & Checklist

A checklist for you

Whether practicing on your own or practicing with friends and colleagues, a Practice Protocol checklist will help you cover your bases and succeed in your interviews.

1.       Handshake: firm, neither fishlike nor crusher

2.       Personal presentation

          Suit: pressed; cotton shirt (men)

          Suit: women: if wearing a skirt (not too short)

          Hair: cut

          Shined Shoes

          Portfolio and pen

          No baseball caps, ever

3.       Demeanor

          Eye contact: direct

          No fidgeting, drumming on the table, leaning back in the chair

4.       Answers to questions (provide a list of practice questions)

          Clear and direct

          Thoughtful

          Complete sentences with meaningful specific information

          Never says: Ummm, and-ummm, I was like, I was like, you know

          Can discuss every resume item

          Can answer:

                   “Why do you want to work here?”

                   “Why should we hire you?”

                   “What do you know about our business?”

          Has re-read writing sample and can discuss it intelligently

          Has practiced some behavioral questions

5.       Market information

          Knows about the industry

          Knows about the business

          Knows about  business and industry problems and issues

6.       Local information

          Knows about local conditions (market, geography, cultural)

          Knows the location of the employer and can get to the office on time.