An interview cheat sheet is a document that you can use to prepare for an interview and to refer to during a phone interview. It can help you remember important information about the company, the role, and yourself, and to answer common interview questions with confidence. Here are some steps on how to create an effective interview cheat sheet:
1. Write down your interviewer's name and contact details. This will help you address them properly and follow up with them after the interview.
2. Research the company, the industry, and the competition. Write down some key facts, such as the company's mission, vision, values, products, services, customers, achievements, challenges, and goals. This will show that you have done your homework and that you are interested in working for them.
3. Write a brief statement about yourself. This is your elevator pitch that summarizes who you are, what you do, what you have accomplished, and what you can offer to the company. This will help you introduce yourself and highlight your strengths and skills.
4. Prepare for common interview questions. Write down some possible questions that the interviewer may ask you, such as "Tell me about yourself", "Why do you want to work here?", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "What are your salary expectations?", etc. Then write down some bullet points for each question that outline your main points and examples. This will help you structure your answers and avoid rambling or forgetting important details.
5. Draft notes about your professional experiences. Write down some success stories that demonstrate your achievements, skills, and abilities in relation to the job requirements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe each story in a clear and concise way. This will help you provide evidence of your value and potential to the company.
6. Prepare a desired salary range. Write down a realistic and reasonable salary range based on your research of the market value of the position and your own qualifications and expectations. This will help you negotiate your compensation if the interviewer asks you about it.
7. List questions to ask the interviewer. Write down some relevant and insightful questions that you want to ask the interviewer about the job, the company, and the industry. This will show that you are curious and engaged, and that you want to learn more about the opportunity.
Conclusion:
An interview cheat sheet is a useful tool that can help you prepare for an interview and impress the interviewer with your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm. By following these steps, you can create a cheat sheet that covers all the essential information that you need to know and communicate during an interview.
FAQs:
Q: How long should an interview cheat sheet be?
A: An interview cheat sheet should be concise and easy to read. Ideally, it should fit on one or two pages of paper or on your phone screen.
Q: How should I use an interview cheat sheet during a phone interview?
A: You can use an interview cheat sheet as a reference during a phone interview, but do not read from it word for word or rely on it too much. You should still sound natural and conversational, and be able to adapt to different questions and scenarios.
Q: How should I update my interview cheat sheet for different interviews?
A: You should update your interview cheat sheet for each interview that you have with different companies or roles. You should tailor your information and answers to match the specific requirements and expectations of each employer.