The Ultimate Interviewing Checklist: Research, Prepare, & Practice

Landing the job starts well before the interview. Whether you’re applying for a federal agency, a nonprofit, or a private-sector role, a well-prepared interview is your chance to stand out. Use this detailed checklist to ensure you’re ready to impress your interviewers with research, confidence, and clarity.

✅ Interview Preparation Checklist

🔍 Research the Organization

• Have you explored the agency, company, or organization thoroughly?

• Look up strategic planning documents, mission, vision, values, and any recent news or key challenges they’re facing.

• Identify current priorities and be ready to weave these into your interview responses to show you’ve done your homework.

👤 Know Your Interviewers

• Did you ask for the names of your interviewers in advance?

• Research them on the agency’s website and LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and perspectives.

📄 Study the Job Posting

• Review the original vacancy announcement line by line.

• Prepare talking points for each qualification listed and think about how your experience aligns.

🗣️ Craft Your Elevator Pitch

• Do you have a 30-second elevator speech ready?

• Summarize your background, highlight your strengths, and explain why you’re excited about this role and organization.

⭐ Use STAR Examples

• Are your examples ready for behavioral interview questions?

• Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate key competencies clearly and effectively.

❓ Prepare Thoughtful Questions

• Have 3–4 insightful questions ready for the end of the interview.

• Focus on questions that stem from your research or areas you’d like to know more about, such as team culture or strategic priorities.

🧩 Demonstrating Fit & Value

• Can you clearly connect your qualifications to the specific needs of the position?

• Can you share what you’re most proud of in your career, and explain how it aligns with this opportunity?

• Can you articulate how you can help the organization solve urgent problems?

• Do you understand their industry, sector, or business model?

• How will you demonstrate that you’d thrive in their workplace culture?

• Have you thought about how to show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the job?

Be ready to answer the three essential questions every interviewer wants to know:
Why you? Why now? Why them?

🎥 Virtual Interview Prep

Most interviews today are conducted virtually. Make sure your tech and setting reflect the professionalism you want to convey.

💻 Checklist for Virtual Interviews

• Ensure your image and first impression are polished—dress appropriately and maintain good posture and eye contact.

• Know the platform (Zoom, WebEx, Skype) and test it ahead of time.

• Choose a quiet, well-lit location with strong Wi-Fi and a reliable device.

• Minimize distractions and eliminate background noise.

With the right preparation, your interview can become a powerful storytelling opportunity. Use this checklist to walk in (or log in) with confidence, purpose, and a clear understanding of how to show you’re the best fit for the role.