The document provides a checklist of questions to assess interview readiness. It asks the reader to answer "Yes" or "No" to 20 questions about their preparation and tally their Yeses. Based on the number of Yeses, it evaluates the reader's readiness as being with the puppies (1-5 Yeses), average (6-12 Yeses), or running with the big dogs (13-20 Yeses). Interview success depends on knowledge of the employer, your skills, and presenting yourself well under pressure.

1. Are you ready for
your interview?
Answer Yes or No to
the following
questions and tally
your Yeses.

2. Can you talk the talk of
the industry, using
buzzwords, jargon,
and acronyms that
are common to the
company?

3. Can you give the interviewer at
least three reasons why
you’re interested in his or
her company?

4. Can you list 15 common
interview mistakes?

5. Can you readily give at least
three examples of items when
you did work that wasn’t
included in your job
description?

6. Can you identify three
prominent
employment-related
successes or
achievements you’ve
had and talk about your
role in them?

7. Can you comfortably give the interviewer at
least five good reasons why his or her
company should hire you?

8. Do you have a 60-second
promotional presentation
ready to respond to the
question, “Can you tell me a
little about yourself?”

9. Do you have a job
description for the
position and are you
able to give three
examples of when
you’ve used each skill
and strength listed in it?

10. Are you confident that you can answer
technical questions interviewers ask or pass
an employment test?

11. Have you researched the pay
scale and benefits
packages for people with
your skills and experience
working in similar
positions in your locale?

12. Have you anticipated 10 questions you’ll be asked at the
interview and made notes about how you’ll answer them?

13. Do you have a rational and
acceptable set of reasons for
leaving, or wanting to leave your
last job?

14. • Have you practiced negotiating a higher
salary and answering the pay expectations
question?
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15. Do you understand the
interview methods, styles,
and protocols for your
particular industry?

16. Can you list 15 of your marketable skills, abilities, and
personality traits that make you a good hiring risk?

17. If the interviewer asks you to take a drug test “right now,”
would you be willing to do so and would you pass it?

19. Will you immediately follow up after the interview with a thank-you
note, letter, or e-mail?

20. Do you have a list of at least five intelligent questions you want to have
answered at the interview? (Pay and benefits don’t count.)

21. Do you have a business card that highlights your achievements to leave
with the interviewer at the end of the interview?

22. 1 – 5 Yeses,
You’re on the porch with the puppies! Better bone up.

23. 6 – 12 Yeses.
You’re average.
Remember average doesn’t stand out in an interview. Take some time to
improve and step out front.

24. 13 – 20 Yeses
Be confident! You’re
running with the big
dogs.

25. Interview Success
• What you know of the employer, the field, and the company.
• Knowing yourself, what you have to offer a potential employer, and why
you’re a great fit.
• How you present the above information in the pressured environment
called the interview.

26. Reference
Next Day Job Interview