The Day of Your Interview
Tips & tricks, reassurance, and techniques.
Get your ducks in a row!
Preparation on the day of your interview can make you less anxious and stressed and more comfortable and confident. Have the ease of checking off the boxes by reviewing tips that will set you up for success!
Keep Reading to Learn:
- Steps you should take on the day of your interview to make a great first impression.
- Materials you should have in-hand arriving at the interview.
- Breathing techniques to reduce stress and increase confidence.
Interview Checklist
Review One Last Time
Take a moment to review the job description, your notes on the company and interview details before the interview.
Refreshing your memory will reduce stress.
Dress to Impress
Ensure that your outfit is clean and wrinkle-free. Choose comfortable shoes in case you need to walk to get to the interview or tour the office.
Wait to put your interview outfit on as long as possible to avoid risk of stains!
Organize Your Materials
If in person, make sure you have a padfolio or folder with copies of your resume and a pad of paper and pen or pencil.
If virtual, have a digital copy of your resume ready to review and a place to take notes.
Show Your Preparation
Bring along the list of questions you have prepared for the people interviewing you.
Don’t be afraid to take notes about what you learn during the interview!
Map Out the Commute
Check your planned route to the interview (whether you’re driving, walking, taking a rideshare, or the bus) and evaluate how long it’s going to take.
If your interview is virtual, test your internet connection and environment to make sure you will not be interrupted.
Plan an extra 15-20 minutes. You never know what might end up delaying you!
Take a Deep Breath!
Taking some time to decompress right before an interview can help you perform better in the interview itself. This is why we stress arriving early to your interview so that you don’t feel rushed or out of breath.
Speaking of breaths, take a few. While you are waiting, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique to bring yourself a little bit of calm.
Exhale. Then, breathe in through your nose for a count of 4.
Hold that breath for a count of 7.
Exhale through your mouth for a count of 8.
Repeat as needed.
You can do this exercise anywhere, anytime, with your eyes open or closed. Some people like to do breathing exercises or short meditations in their cars before interviews!
Next Steps
- Spend time organizing your things the day before your interview.
- Plan so that you arrive 15-20 minutes early to an in-person interview or are ready to log into a virtual interview 5 minutes early.
- Practice doing a breathing exercise ahead of your interview.
- If you need a quiet space for a virtual interview, schedule use of an interview room in the Career Development Center!
Curious about more topics? Reach out to the Career Development Center to talk to a Career Educator.