What To Do In The 24 Hours Before Your Interview

It’s great news- you have managed to secure a job interview. But now you have 24 hours until the interview, and the countdown is making you nervous. Despite the fact you have lots of preparation under your belt, you’re wondering how to make the most of the time you have left. 

Don’t worry too much – this is a fantastic opportunity to sell yourself, your skills and experience to what will hopefully be your future employer. In the 24 hours before an interview, there’s a lot you can do to prepare mentally and physically for whatever situation you find yourself in.

Focus on these lucky seven issues to maximise the potential of the pre-interview time remaining:

1. Location, location

Ensure you know exactly where the interview is being conducted and how you are going to get there. Plan your route and if possible complete a dry run of the journey the day before the interview is scheduled. This will alert you to any diversions or roadworks which could slow things down. Always allow additional time for your journey and have alternative methods of transport on standby.

2. Keep practicing

You will no doubt already have invested significant time in researching the company, the interview panel and the types of questions they are likely to ask. Now is the time to consolidate this effort and concentrate on delivery.

Ask a friend to facilitate a mock interview using questions relevant to the post. As far as possible create an interview style environment and work to the same timescale as you anticipate will apply at interview.

Ask your friend for feedback on areas such as body language, quality of answers and presentation. Pick someone who will boost your confidence with a pre-interview pep talk reminding you of your stand out qualities.

3. Assess your dress

Presenting a professional image should be a key part of any interviewee’s game plan. Review clothing, shoes and accessories to check they are clean, ironed and have no rips or loose threads.

4. Enter the relaxation zone

Do something you find enjoyable such as going for a run, reading a book or just relaxing in the bath.

Some people find meditation or yoga helpful in the pre-interview phase – combining relaxation and breathing techniques which can enhance performance.

5. Get to bed early

Good quality sleep is a key determinant of the level of performance a candidate can achieve at interview. Academic research has shown that reaction time and cognitive function rely on adequate sleep.

6. Breakfast like a king

You may have heard the expression, “Rome wasn’t built on an empty stomach,” – well neither was interview success.

Consider this your pre-game meal and treat it as part of your winning strategy. Enhance the potential for success by focusing on brain foods such as fish, spinach, nuts and seeds.

7. Perform last-minute checks

Before you leave the house double check you have all necessary interview documentation to hand including evidence of qualifications (if this has been requested).

Ensure you have your mobile phone and that it has adequate battery charge in case the company needs to contact you with any last minute changes. Bring a bottle of water with you to keep you hydrated as well as some easy to eat small snacks.

If you manage to hit all of these points, then you are on the right track to ace your interview. For more information on how to prepare for your interview opportunity and achieve success, see our free guide at interview-skills.co.uk.