10 Things to Do Before a Job Interview to Land the Job

Don’t go into an interview blind – do the work ahead of time and you’ll come across as more professional, polished and prepared during the meeting. Knowing the basics about both the company and role you are applying to will demonstrate your interest in the job, and let your potential employer know you are already invested in this opportunity.

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Punctuality is key, so avoid having to tell your interviewer you “got lost on the way” and look up directions to where you’re headed the night before. Screenshot them on your phone and pre-program them into your car’s GPS if possible to make extra sure you know exactly where you’re going once you get on the road.

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One more way to ensure you aren’t running late is by giving yourself plenty of time in the morning to get ready, without feeling rushed and adding to the pressure of the day. Keep in mind you’ll also want to arrive to your interview 15 minutes early, so account for that when setting your wake-up time. Take it a step further by setting a second alarm to go off five minutes after the first, just in case you accidentally hit snooze on your phone.

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You probably won’t have time to pick something up on the way, and you definitely don’t want to go into your interview with something in your teeth or worse - bagel-breath! – so plan ahead! Set out whatever you need to get a fast and healthy breakfast for the morning, whether it’s a pack of oatmeal or cereal ready on the counter, or a bowl of cut-up fruits ready in the fridge. That way you’ll get the nutrients you need for that morning energy boost and avoid a growling tummy during your meeting. Not to mention, eating at home ensures you’ll have a little time to brush your teeth again before you go!

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Don’t risk running out the door and leaving those very-necessary breath mints behind. Or arriving at your appointment only to find you haven’t packed your compact in your purse and are looking a little less-than-polished come meeting time. Make sure you stash your necessities in your bag the night before, and don’t forget a working pen – you never know when the person interviewing you might need one – or want to test just how prepared you really are.

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Never assume your interviewer will have a copy of your resume on hand for your meeting. Make sure you come prepared with at least two copies stored neatly in a folder, so that if they ask for a copy, you’ll have one to give and one to glance at for your own reference.

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You’re going to want to feel as confident as possible going into your interview, so take the time to pick out an outfit ahead of time. Choose pieces that are comfortable, work-appropriate, and at the same time, reflect your professional personality. Now is probably not the time to stack on the accessories or go crazy with prints, but you do have a chance to show just how put-together you can be when it comes to your workplace-wardrobe. Demonstrating consciousness for appropriate workplace attire will help you in establishing that great first impression right off the bat.

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While you don’t ever want to sound rehearsed when speaking with your potential employer, you also don’t want to get stuck stammering over basic questions. Make a list of some basic interview questions and then add a few that you think might come up which are relevant to the job specifically. Reviewing these questions and having a solid grasp of what you’d like to get across in your replies will prepare your brain for that line of questioning, and have you on track for more polished replies when the time comes. Don’t forget to line up a few questions of your own!

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Dark circles and a tired demeanor are the last thing potential employers want to see in an interview. No one wants to hire someone who looks like they’ve been through the mill before noon. Avoid looking like a worn-out version of yourself and get to bed early the night before.

The worst can, and often does, happen. Prepare yourself by covering your bases the night before. This may mean stashing an umbrella by the front door or in your car in case it rains, or printing off an alternate route to your destination in case of road closures or heavy traffic, whatever it takes to be as prepared as possible for the next day. Remember: the more you do today, the less to worry about tomorrow. Covering your bases ensures you will have enough peace of mind the next day to focus on what’s important – nailing the interview!