Tips for Getting Ready the Night Before a Job Interview + Free Interview Ebook

a girl surfing the internet the night before her job interview

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The anxiety and pacing around the room thinking of how the interview will go the next day is a common scenario among job seekers. This article explains tips for getting ready the night before a job interview. Also in this article, you will find a free interview ebook that you can use as a guide to prepare, perform exceptionally, and get hired faster. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

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Table of Contents

Tips for Getting Ready the Night Before a Job Interview

1. Revisit your notes on the company, the role, and the interviewers. Prior to the night before your job interview, it is expected that you research the company and find out other relevant information that will make your interview go smoothly for you. Hence, the night before is to review the notes. Also, prepare to answer common interview questions like

2. Lay out your interview attire, ensuring it’s clean, pressed, and professional. Here’s an article on How To Dress For An Interview: Interview Outfit Guide For Men and Women.

3. Organize your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and any other relevant materials. If you need to make more copies but haven’t done them yet, don’t postpone it till the next day, do it before the day of the interview.

4. Rehearse your answers to common interview questions and the STAR method. Answering questions using the STAR method/technique is by simply stating the Situation, then the Task that was assigned to you or your team, the Action you took, and the Result of that action. Also, mention what you learned from the whole scenario–especially if it was a negative result.

5. Map out your route to the interview location and estimate travel time, factoring in potential delays. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the interview time.

6. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep; A good night’s sleep ensures you are alert and energetic, allowing you to maintain a high level of engagement throughout the interview.

7. Visualize a successful interview, and practice calming techniques to reduce anxiety. (Watch this video on How to Calm Pre-Interview Nerves).

***8. For virtual interviews: If it’s a virtual interview, test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection. Ensure your background is clean and professional.

9. Ensure your online presence is professional and reflects positively on you. And remove any potentially damaging content.

10. Include essentials like a notepad, pen, extra copies of your resume, and a small bottle of water.

11. Set several alarms to avoid oversleeping and allow buffer time in case of unexpected delays.

12. Drink plenty of water throughout the evening and have a light, healthy dinner to ensure you’re well-nourished but not sluggish.

13. Engage in a relaxing activity like reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath to reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

14. Ask necessary questions to be fully prepared for the main day.

15. Find out about the interviewers; for panel interviews practice how to impress each interviewer.

5 Things You Should Avoid Doing the Night Before Your Job Interview

Here are 5 things you should avoid doing the night before your interview.

1. Avoid Cramming or Over-Preparing: Last-minute cramming can increase anxiety and lead to burnout. Review your notes, but don’t try to learn everything at once.

2. Avoid Consuming Excessive Caffeine or Alcohol: Excessive caffeine or alcohol use might interrupt sleep, causing sluggishness or anxiety the next day. Research shows that even modest alcohol use can affect sleep quality by up to 24%.

3. Avoid Engaging in Stressful Activities: Avoid activities that can trigger anxiety or stress, such as intense arguments or watching disturbing news.

4. Avoid Procrastinating or Leaving Things to the Last Minute: Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your outfit, documents, or travel arrangements (especially if you are not familiar with the location).

5. Avoid Scrolling Through Social Media or Watching TV Late: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep. Avoid excessive screen time before bed. The blue light emitted from electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers can significantly interfere with sleep. Studies have shown that exposure to blue light in the evening suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This disruption can lead to poor sleep quality and can result in daytime fatigue, impacting your energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.

Conclusion on Tips for Getting Ready the Night Before a Job Interview

In conclusion, as the saying goes, proper preparation prevents poor performance, we believe you have been fortified with the necessary tips for getting ready the night before a job interview. Don’t forget that, watching TV or scrolling through social media till late in the night is risky and can affect your overall performance during the daytime.

Furthermore, to practice and strengthen your skills before your job interview, click here to download our free interview ebook and use it as a guide to excel interviews—consider it our gift to help you thrive in your career.

Remember you can always reach us via phone calls at +234 813 823 5629 or email at: fasthireng@gmail.com — for CV/Resume Writing, LinkedIn Optimization, SOP, Career or Interview Coaching.