Must-Have Essentials for a Job Interview

Are you currently in the midst of seeking a new job, or perhaps you just started your job search? Here are some tips that can give you a leg up as you navigate this tricky process. 

A Reliable Binder

The first step in preparing for a job interview is to pick a reliable binder to keep everything organized. Think of it as your job search command center. This binder will be your go-to point of reference for every aspect of your job search. We recommend the Zippered Faux Leather 3-Ring Binder - it comes with a front cover pocket to store any loose documents you may collect and two clear business card holders in the back!

Application Spreadsheet

Keep an active record of the jobs you are applying to. There’s nothing worse than getting a call back from a potential employer and not remembering who they were or why you applied. When you receive a call, you can simply flip open your binder, and you’ll be ready to jump right into a conversation. With your application spreadsheet, you’ll want to create a grid with the following headers in the top row: 

• Company Name 
• Position Applied To 
• Contact Name 
• Date Applied 
• How You Applied (their website, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.) 
• Follow Up Date 
• Interview Date(s) 
• Notes 

Here’s an example of what this might look like:

 An alternative setup is creating one page per job with the same information along the top (Company Name, Position Applied To, etc.), then you can utilize the rest of the blank page for any notes you want to take while talking to the company! DocuCopy Paper works wonders for this section. 

Alphabetical or Numerical Listing of Each Job 

Depending on your preference, you can store information on each job that you apply to in chronological order or alphabetically. I personally prefer alphabetically since your Application Spreadsheet will already have each job in chronological order. We have some great index tabs you can pick from for either option.

This section gets into the nitty-gritty of each job and will be the most beneficial to you if you get a follow-up call. Include a quick summary of the job you applied to, along with one to two sentences about how you specifically qualify for this job. Mention a fact about the company that piques your interest. If you have a connection at the company, keep that information here as well. End this section by listing five unique questions you can ask during an interview. Preparedness is key, and having thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest and commitment. Don’t worry, you got this! 

Resumes

In a binder envelope, keep at least ten printed copies of your resume in your binder. You might even want a couple of different versions that highlight specific aspects of your experience for various types of jobs. 

It’s best practice to bring at least a couple of copies of your resume to an interview. While they most definitely will be able to access your resume online, technical difficulties could still arise. You might be meeting in a conference room without a large monitor. Or maybe their computer has issues connecting. You will look beyond prepared when you say, “Don’t worry about it”, and hand out a printed resume to everyone in the room. How could they not hire you?! 

Common Interview Questions

Create a section where you can continually practice answering common interview questions. You can come back time and time again to practice giving answers to potential interview questions. Here are a few to get you started: 

• Tell me about yourself (don’t just keep it professional, add a fun fact as well)
• Why do you want this job (look back at your facts about the company)
• What are your strengths and weaknesses (try to turn challenges into opportunities for growth)
• Walk me through your resume (practice makes perfect with this one)
• What motivates you (think about how you accomplish your best work)

Having well-thought-out responses at your fingertips will boost your confidence and make you stand out during interviews. 

By creating a dedicated space that houses all this information, you can streamline your job search process and focus on showcasing your authentic self during interviews. Remember, you've got this