We’ve all been there – the night before an interview, stomach doing flips, wondering if we’re prepared. Whether it’s your first job interview or your fifteenth, knowing what to do before an interview can make the difference between landing your dream job and walking away disappointed. Let’s break down exactly how to prepare, so you can walk in feeling confident and ready to shine.
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Research Like a Detective
Think of company research like studying for an open-book test – you want to know enough to have a real conversation. Go beyond the “About Us” page. Check their social media, recent news, and LinkedIn updates. Who are their competitors? What challenges are they facing? What exciting projects are they working on? Understanding these details helps you ask intelligent questions and show genuine interest. Plus, it gives you conversation starters if there’s an awkward moment.
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Practice Your Greatest Hits
Just like a musician prepares for a concert, you need to practice your key stories. Think about your proudest achievements, biggest challenges, and most valuable lessons learned. Write them down using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice telling these stories out loud – yes, actually out loud, not just in your head! Record yourself on your phone if you’re feeling brave. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll sound when sharing these stories in the interview.
One of the most important things to know what to do before an interview is planning your route. Nothing spikes anxiety like running late! Do a practice run to the interview location if you can, especially if you’re taking public transport. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early – this gives you time to use the restroom, check your appearance, and calm your nerves. If it’s a video interview, test your tech the day before and have a backup plan (like your phone) ready just in case.
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Dress for Success (And Comfort)
Choose your outfit at least a day ahead – and try it on! Make sure everything fits comfortably and looks professional. Iron or steam your clothes if needed. Pick shoes you can walk in. If you’re not sure about the dress code, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. And here’s a pro tip: lay everything out the night before, right down to your socks and any accessories. The last thing you need is a morning panic about missing buttons or runs in your stockings.
Pack Your Interview Kit
Think of this like packing for a day trip. You’ll need:
- Several copies of your resume (yes, even if you emailed it)
- A notepad and pen
- Any portfolio items or work samples
- A water bottle
- Breath mints (not gum)
- Directions and contact information
- A small umbrella (hope for the best, prepare for the worst!)
Pack everything the night before – it’s one less thing to worry about when considering what to do before an interview.
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Knowing what to do before an interview includes taking care of yourself physically. Eat a good meal – something substantial but not heavy. Avoid anything too spicy or greasy that might upset your stomach. Skip that extra shot of an intoxicating drink if you’re already nervous. And please, eat at least an hour before the interview. Nobody wants to answer tough questions while hungry!
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Review Potential Questions
While you can’t predict every question, you can prepare for the most common ones. Beyond the standard “tell me about yourself,” think about industry-specific questions they might ask. Practice explaining any gaps in your resume or career changes. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask them – remember, you’re interviewing them too! Write these questions down in your notepad so you don’t forget them when nerves kick in.
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Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
Knowing what to do before an interview includes checking your online presence. Google yourself and see what comes up. Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume. Set personal social media accounts to private if needed. Think of it as tidying up your digital house before having company over.
The night before isn’t the time for a Netflix marathon! Set yourself up for a good night’s sleep – limit screen time, avoid heavy meals late at night, and try to stick to your normal bedtime routine. If nerves are keeping you up, try some gentle stretching or deep breathing exercises.
The morning of the interview, take a moment to remind yourself why you’re a great fit for this role. List three of your top achievements in your head. Stand in front of the mirror and practice your smile. Remember – they called you in because they saw potential in your application. You’ve done the preparation, now it’s time to show them what you’ve got!
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Final Thoughts
Knowing what to do before an interview is half the battle. The other half is doing it! Start your preparation early, take it step by step, and walk into that interview ready to show them your best self. You’ve got this!
Featured Image Source: Workit Daily
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