Interview anxiety often comes from forgotten logistics, not lack of talent. A repeatable checklist keeps you focused on what you can control. Use this before any role — software engineer, nurse, account executive, or warehouse supervisor — and adapt the technical section to your field.
Before you apply
- Tailor resume bullets to the job description keywords and outcomes.
- Save a copy of each JD you apply to (postings disappear).
- Note application date, recruiter name, and expected process steps.
- Identify 3 companies or roles you are most serious about this week.
Research (30–60 minutes per company)
- Company product, customers, and recent news (last 90 days).
- Mission and values — prepare one genuine “why here” sentence.
- Interviewer LinkedIn when names are shared (role, tenure, shared themes).
- Glassdoor / Blind themes for question types — not gospel, but useful.
- Salary range research for your market and level.
Stories and skills
- Six to eight STAR stories covering leadership, conflict, failure, and impact.
- Top five JD skills mapped to resume evidence.
- Two questions you will ask the interviewer (thoughtful, not generic).
- Thirty-second and two-minute “tell me about yourself” versions.
Mock practice
- At least one voice mock interview with role + JD + resume.
- Review transcript or recording; fix one clear weakness.
- Second mock if the interview is final round or high stakes.
- Practice salary answer range if HR screen is upcoming.
Day-before logistics
- Confirm time zone, video link, dial-in, or address.
- Test camera, mic, and internet; backup location if home Wi-Fi is flaky.
- Outfit ready; documents printed or PDFs open if needed.
- Calendar buffer before and after — no back-to-back panic.
- Sleep and hydration — performance drops when you are depleted.
Interview day
- Join video two to three minutes early; phone on silent.
- Notepad for names and follow-up items (not for scripting answers).
- Listen fully before answering; pause is allowed.
- Send thank-you or follow-up within 24 hours when appropriate.
Hyrexia fits in the mock practice section: configure your target role, paste the JD, upload your resume, and run a live AI voice session with scored feedback — then return to this checklist for the real interview.