How to prepare for an interview: The best interview prep timeline for you

You are just a few days away from a job interview that you have always dreamed about. You are confident in your abilities, but the nerves are beginning to flare up. Tell those butterflies in your stomach to settle down, because Resume Mansion is here to the rescue with the best interview preparation timeline!

24 hours before the interview

Research the employer

Dedicate an hour or two to research the employer. Use the company website, social media pages, and insider contacts to learn more about them.

Practice your answers

Prepare yourself to answer common interview questions. You can even use artificial intelligence to assist with your interview prep.

Get your body language right

Find out how to give positive cues through your body language. You don’t want to seem arrogant or distant during the interview because of a careless pose.

12 hours before the interview

Prepare your outfit

Ensure that your clothes are neatly pressed and are wrinkle-free. You can also try it on to make sure that you don’t meet any nasty surprises like torn hems on the following day.

Groom yourself

Grooming yourself before an interview will give you a great boost of confidence. It doesn’t have to be anything big. After all, you are not getting ready to hit the runway.

Sleep well

Ensure that you get eight hours of good sleep before the interview. A well-rested mind will help you face challenges better.

3 hours before the interview

Get printouts

It’s customary to carry a hard copy of your resume to an interview. If you are facing a panel, get multiple copies. Prepare a copy of your portfolio if the job requires a physical one.

Organize your things

Prepare your bag. You don’t need to carry a lot of stuff in your hands. Add a few copies of your resume, a few business cards, a notepad, a pen, a bottle of water, and documents of identification to your bag.

Get in front of the mirror

Rehearse your introduction in front of the mirror. Ensure that you don’t get stuck in the middle of a sentence. Use the free time to go through your notes once again.

1 hour before the interview

Leave home

Allocate ample time for the commute to make up for the distance and any mishaps you may meet along the way. Plan your journey to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

Find the names

Take a few minutes to go through your notes and memorize the names of the interviewer and employer. You will need this info when you get there.

Boost your confidence

One effective way to give your confidence a boost is to visualize your success at the interview. Imagine yourself in the interview room, answering interview questions confidently.

10 minutes before the interview

Arrive at the venue

You should be at your interview location at least 10 minutes before the starting time. Check-in at the reception and inform the employer that you have arrived.

Put your phone on silent

Or turn off the device. Whatever you are comfortable with. You just need to make sure that the ringing or vibrating of your phone won’t disturb you during the interview.

Calm your nerves

You have done a lot of preparation for this moment. There is no need for you to panic because you have done your homework and can respond to any curveballs thrown your way. Take a minute to focus on your breathing and calm down. You got this!