THINGS TO DO THE NIGHT BEFORE AN INTERVIEW

In the days leading up to an interview, you should be preparing as much as possible. It is the night before; however, that will decide just how well you do the next day. 

To help you nail the meeting with your next potential employer, here are the top things to do the night before an interview.

1. Pick Out Your Outfit and Pack Your Bag

The night before your interview, be sure to plan out what you’re going to wear. This way, you can check if the outfit needs cleaning ahead of time and that it fits comfortably. It would also help if you took this time to pack your bag with everything you’ll need. Even if you have a morning interview, you’ll be ready to go. If your interview is in the middle of the day or in the evening, you may need to pack for your full work day.

 2. Plan Your Journey

Depending on how far away your meeting is, you should take some time to plan the journey. Planning is especially crucial if you live in a high-traffic area, or if you need to take public transport. Plan all of this ahead of time so that you have ample time to get where you’re going. It’s best to try and arrive 10-15 minutes early, so you will still be on time if you hit obstacles along the way.

3. Review Your Questions and Answers to the Most Common Questions

It’s always smart to prepare yourself for some of the questions you might have to answer. This way, you won’t be thrown off or give an unsatisfactory answer. Go over the most popular interview questions in your field, and have a basic answer for each. It would help if you also had some questions planned out to ask your interviewer, as well. This will demonstrate your interest in the company and your thoughts on how you could contribute. 

4. Review Your E-Mail Conversations with the Contact Person

If you’ve been in conversation with the interviewer, be sure to go through these discussions again. They might include important information about the interview, such as what you should bring or what to expect. Never go to an interview without going through this information beforehand.

5. If You Haven’t Done It Before, Research the Company and the People You Will Be Meeting With

Doing research shows that you are interested in the company and passionate about getting the job. Find out who you’re meeting with, and search for them on LinkedIn. Learn about the company’s goals and successes, so that you know what you’re walking into. Someone who has little knowledge about the job they’re applying for will not do well in an interview. 

6. Create a Cheat Sheet with the Questions You Want to ask; the Names of the People You’re Meeting with and Their Job Title

Type or write out the questions you want to remember, as well as the people you’re meeting with. Your interviewer is guaranteed to be pleased to know that you’ve taken the time to learn about your potential employer. Use the cheat sheet to study names and memorize their job titles, so you know who is who, and who to direct questions towards. This is best done a few days in advance of your interview to memorize everything perfectly.

7. Stay Calm

 Interviews can be stressful, but the key is to stay as calm as possible. The night before your meeting, do something that de-stresses you, such as exercising or reading a book. As long as you are as prepared as possible, there is nothing more you can do. Stay calm and enjoy the process.

8. Print Your Resume

You should always have printed resumes on hand; however, if you don’t, make sure to print a few copies the night before. Doing so will ensure that if you lose or drop one, you have another clean copy ready to go.

9. Plan Your Pre-Interview Meal

Before you go into an interview, you must eat enough and feel good. However, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that have a strong odor, or which generally upset your stomach. The night before an interview, plan out what you’re going to eat the next based on your schedule. If your meeting is in the morning, wake up a little earlier to get in a balanced breakfast. If it is in the middle of the day, consider smaller meals or snacks to keep you energized.

10. Rehearse Your Body Language

Your body language says a lot about your confidence. If you struggle with good posture, practice sitting with a straight spine, and your shoulders back. It would also help if you focused on having good eye contact with your interviewer and produce a strong, firm handshake. These things will demonstrate a level of self-assurance that will make you stand out from the others.

11. Set Your Alarm and Get Plenty of Sleep

You need to get an acceptable amount of sleep before an interview so that you are clear-headed and energized. If you are a night owl, try to limit screen time and do something calmer like reading a book.

Prepped for Success

Your interview is important to you, so make your efforts count! Take care of all of these tips the night before your interview, and you are sure to set yourself up for success.