Searching for a job is a full-time job. When you finally land an interview, you want to be ready. To help you prepare, I’ve created a list of a few things you should do before, during, and after an interview. Hopefully, this helps!

Best ways to prep for a job interview

• Before you even think about applying for any job, make sure you clean up all of your social media. I guarantee recruiters check and don’t want to see your drunken weekend in Cabo.
• Ensure your professional website and LinkedIn are updated to match your current resume. 
• Pray and ask for clarity on the position. Make sure it’s something you want and the company’s culture matches who you are.
• Print off at least 3 copies of your cover letter and your resume. Also, bring any previous project examples if they showcase your abilities for the position. 
• Research the average salary in your area and for the position. When asked, please give a range that makes you comfortable, not a set number. For example: “based on my research, I would like a salary between $85-95,000.”
• Have 3-4 examples of your previous work history that applies to the job description. Example: I see you want someone who can run digital campaigns. In my previous position at “company,” I had a 32 % increase monthly by doing… 
• Research the company’s history and current environment and have at least 5 questions to ask. Please don’t make them generic. Be specific to the company. Example: My research shows in the past year, the company has taken “this approach” or “done this,” how do you see this affecting the company within the next 5 years?
• Research your interviewer and ask a more personal question. Example: I see you went to “this college” or you worked at “this company” how did that experience help with your current career and position? 
• Prepare your outfit the day before. Make sure you are comfortable and have a backup outfit in your car in case of an emergency. 
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early, so you’re not rushing to find the office, and you can check in, go to the bathroom, and give yourself time to breathe and relax.
• Give the office number to someone just in case there is an emergency. Leave all of your devices in the car. You do not need your cell phone.

Questions to ask during a job interview 

These questions are my secret weapon when applying for jobs, but I decided to be nice and share them with you.

• Which of my skills do you see as most important for the challenges with the position?
• How will the company help me develop?
• Can you tell me a little about the team I will work with?
• What constitutes success with this position and company?
• Do you see any gaps in my skills or qualifications that I need to fill?
• How do you see this position evolving in the next three years?
• What can I help clarify that would make hiring me easy?
• What would it be if you could improve one thing about the company?
• What’s the most frustrating part of working here?
• Who’s your ideal candidate, and how can I make myself more like them?
• What is holding the company back?
• What concerns/reservations do you have about me for this position?
• How will the work I’ll be doing contribute to the organization’s mission?
•  What KPIs and objectives would I be striving to hit within 90 days, 6 months, and 1-year?

Always send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time. Also include an interview recap, your resume, and cover letter for their convenience. Also have a Google Drive folder with all of this information plus previous work examples/projects. Share the link in the email for easy access.