Interview Checklist
Interviews involve many small tasks: confirming details, researching the role, preparing examples, choosing clothes, planning travel or technology, remembering documents and recovering afterwards. This checklist turns those tasks into manageable stages so you do not have to hold everything in your head at once.
Try words such as travel, clothes, documents, notes, online, adjustments, after or recovery.
Showing all checklist sections.
Research the Organisation
- Read its website and recent public information.
- Understand its services, values and customers.
- Note two or three genuine reasons you want to work there.
Review the Role
- Highlight the main duties and required skills.
- Match your experience to the important requirements.
- Identify strengths and transferable skills you can discuss.
Prepare Examples
- Use work, study, volunteering, projects or daily-life examples.
- Use Situation, Task, Action and Result where useful.
- Prepare examples about teamwork, problem-solving, learning and managing challenges.
Practise Without Over-Scripting
- Say answers aloud or practise with someone supportive.
- Use brief keywords instead of memorising full paragraphs.
- Practise asking for clarification or thinking time.
Prepare Your Own Questions
- Ask about the team, training, expectations or next steps.
- Choose two or three questions that genuinely matter to you.
- Avoid questions clearly answered in the vacancy information.
Plan Adjustments & Support
- Identify what helps you participate fairly.
- Ask about written questions, processing time or clearer instructions if useful.
- Plan sensory, communication and executive-function supports.
Support Your Body & Energy
Eat and drink if appropriate, follow your usual medication routine, reduce unnecessary demands and wear clothing that feels suitable and comfortable.
Complete Your Final Check
Confirm the details, check documents, use the bathroom, silence notifications and take a few slow breaths if that helps.
Give Yourself Settling Time
Aim to arrive around 10–15 minutes early unless instructed otherwise. Arriving much earlier can sometimes create extra waiting pressure.
Reduce Last-Minute Overload
Review only a few key reminders. Ground yourself rather than trying to relearn everything at the last minute.
At the Beginning
- Greet the interviewer in a manageable way.
- Listen to introductions and note names if helpful.
- Put belongings somewhere they will not distract you.
When Answering
- Listen to the whole question.
- Pause before responding.
- Ask for repetition or clarification when needed.
- Use a relevant example and explain your contribution.
If Your Mind Goes Blank
- Take a breath and ask for a moment.
- Repeat or rephrase the question to organise your thoughts.
- Ask to return to it later if appropriate.
Before Finishing
- Ask your prepared questions.
- Confirm the next stage and likely timeframe.
- Thank the interviewer for their time.
Checklist Cat
You do not have to remember the whole interview process at once. Follow the checklist, complete the next useful step and let each checked box reduce what your brain has to carry.
Things That Help Me
Add sensory supports, communication strategies, reminders, scripts or practical help that makes interviewing more manageable.
Things I Need to Avoid
Notice triggers such as rushing, skipping food, uncomfortable clothing, too much last-minute practice or leaving no recovery time.
People Who Can Help
Record who can practise questions, check transport, review clothing, provide encouragement or support you afterwards.
My Final Three Reminders
Keep these very short — for example: breathe slowly, ask for clarification, use specific examples.
These resource types fit this page well and can live in the central Work & Employment resource system rather than appearing here as unfinished placeholder blocks.
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Start as soon as you receive the invitation if you can. Short preparation sessions across several days may be easier than trying to do everything the night before.
What should I bring to an in-person interview?
Useful items may include the interview details, copies of your CV, requested documents, a pen, water, your phone and any medication or discreet support items you may need.
Is it acceptable to use notes?
Expectations vary. Brief notes can be useful for examples or questions you want to ask. If you are unsure, ask the employer before the interview.
What if I forget something on the checklist?
Many forgotten items are manageable. Contact the interviewer if the issue affects attendance or a requested document. A small oversight does not automatically ruin an interview.
Can someone help me prepare?
Yes. A trusted person, employment adviser, support worker, mentor or careers service may help with practice, documents, travel planning or identifying useful supports.
Should I disclose autism, ADHD or another condition?
Disclosure is a personal decision. You can focus on the support or adjustment you need, remembering that workplace processes and legal requirements vary by location.
What should I do after the interview?
Recover first, then record key details, complete any promised follow-up and note the expected decision date. Reflection is usually easier once your energy has settled.
Checklist selections are for the current browser session only and are not saved by this page.