The Job-Seeker's Job Interview Prep Sheet

Job Interview Prep Sheet

by Louise Giordano

The Job Interview Prep Sheet helps job-seekers focus on experiences you feel are most relevant and match them to the employer's needs. Read more about interviewing success in our The Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Preparation.

Using the published job description:

List the main requirements for the job in the first column. Use bullets to pinpoint key words or phrases. Remember: the job description is the employer's "Wish List," so do not assume you are not qualified because you are lacking one or two key qualifications. Self-knowledge and the ability to effectively articulate your skills, experiences, and strengths are key to offering transferable skills in lieu of desired qualifications.
In the second column, matched to each bullet point from the first column, write your specific qualifications and experiences for the position.
The third column provides space to describe stories or anecdotes from your work, on-campus or community background that support what you say are your qualifications and experiences that meet the employer's needs. Think about these stories so that you can elaborate on them in great detail if asked. They become the basis for behavior-based interviews and help you provide concrete examples. [Editor's note: To read more about behavior-based interviews, see our article, Behavioral Interviewing Strategies]. The stories are what really count in an interview. They tell your story; they sell you to the interviewer, and they provide rich material for illustrating your ability to do the job. They also suggest follow-up questions that you can answer because you are prepared!

Job Interview Prep Sheet

Position Requirements

Your Qualifications and Experience

Your "Stories"

Example: Ability to work well with others

Example: Leadership activities on-campus

Example: Coordinated volunteers to produce on-campus event

(Fill in with details to illustrate your results and accomplishments.)

Have you taken advantage of all of our job interviewing resources? Find articles, tutorials, and more -- all written to help job-seekers learn how to succeed in all types of job interviews.

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Job Interview Prep Sheet

Job Interview Prep Sheet

Have you taken advantage of all of our job interviewing resources? Find articles, tutorials, and more -- all written to help job-seekers learn how to succeed in all types of job interviews.