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This guide is written for job seekers who want practical interview preparation, not generic advice. Read it once, then practice one answer out loud before moving to another topic.
Preparation checklist
Interview Preparation Checklist
Use this interview preparation checklist to research the role, choose stories, practice answers, prepare questions, and get ready for interview day.
Table of contents
Quick answer
A strong interview preparation checklist covers five things: role research, company research, flexible stories, spoken answer practice, and practical logistics. Do not spend all your time reading tips. Use the checklist to move from notes into practice.
Before the interview checklist
- Read the job description and highlight repeated skills.
- Research what the company does and who it serves.
- Write one reason you want the role.
- Choose five stories: teamwork, conflict, failure, leadership, and pressure.
- Prepare three questions to ask the interviewer.
Answer practice checklist
- Practice “Tell me about yourself” out loud.
- Practice “Why do you want this job?” with one company-specific detail.
- Practice one STAR answer for a behavioral question.
- Practice your salary expectations wording if it may come up.
- Retry the weakest answer once instead of rewriting every answer.
Final interview-day checks
- Confirm the time, timezone, link, location, or phone number.
- Test camera, audio, internet, and battery if remote.
- Keep your resume, job description, and short notes nearby.
- Plan one calm reset phrase in case your mind goes blank.
InterviewBuddy can help you complete the practice part of the checklist by rehearsing realistic questions out loud before the real conversation.
FAQ
What should be on an interview preparation checklist?
Include role research, company research, key stories, common answers, questions for the interviewer, and practical logistics.
How early should I start preparing?
Start as soon as the interview is scheduled. Even one focused practice session is better than only reading advice.
Should I print my checklist?
You can, but the important part is using it to practice, not just collecting tasks.
Practice out loud
Turn this advice into a spoken answer.
Download InterviewBuddy on the App Store and practice realistic interview questions with STAR feedback. No job-offer guarantees, just a clearer practice loop.