I learned a favorite new tool when it comes to interview preparation and am amazed I haven’t done this myself for job interviews. Here it is for when you are vying for your next new position:

Create a spreadsheet. (I personally like Google Docs spreadsheets because you can open them anywhere). In column one, pull out bullets from the actual job description on what the company states it is looking for. In your second column, state what skills, experience or qualifications you offer that directly speak to the job deliverable. You may end up using more than one cell per job item.

Finally, provide specific examples that illustrate your relevant background for each deliverable. When the time comes for your phone or in-person interview, you will have already thought through systematically the company’s areas of greatest concern.

This process does not replace your other interview preparation which will include talking to people at sister companies who do the same type of role and practicing out loud your responses either alone or with a friend. It will allow you to more confidently enter into the interview having thought through step-by-step what you offer complete with specific examples. This will go a long way toward getting the job.