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THE CAREER COMPASS
Building Career-Ready Professionals

Interview Readiness Checklist

Curated by Manoj Kumar — Founder & Mentor, The Career Compass.

Purpose & Overview

Prepare for the Conversation, Not Just the Questions. Purpose: Prepare to communicate experience, thinking, motivation and suitability professionally.

Key Checkpoints & Action Plan
24 Items
Know Yourself
I can explain my background concisely.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can identify 2–3 genuine strengths.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can discuss an area I am improving.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have examples showing teamwork, problem-solving or ownership.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can explain important projects or experiences.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Know the Role
I understand the role.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know the main responsibilities.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I understand the skills likely to matter.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can explain why it interests me.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Know the Organisation
I know what it does.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I understand its main products/services or business.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have researched enough to ask relevant questions.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have not relied only on promotional material.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Practise Communication
I can answer without unnecessarily long responses.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I use examples for important claims.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I listen before answering.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I avoid memorised answers that sound unnatural.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I maintain professional body language and tone.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can honestly say when I do not know something.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Before the Interview
I know the time and format.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have checked technology/location.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have my resume and documents ready.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I have prepared 2–3 sensible questions.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know what I want the interviewer to remember.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

My Next 3 Priority Actions
Personal Reflection
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The Career Compass • Real-World Career & Industry Readiness

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