Let’s be honest, that moment when you get the call for an interview is both thrilling and terrifying. Your heart races with excitement, but then reality hits: “Oh no, what to do before an interview?”
I’ve been there, and so has everyone who’s ever pursued a meaningful career. The good news? The difference between walking into that interview room feeling like a deer in headlights versus feeling like the confident professional you are comes down to one thing: preparation.
Why What You Do Before Matters More Than the Interview Itself
Think about it this way, by the time you’re sitting across from your potential future boss, the game is already half-won or lost. The impression you make, the confidence you radiate, and the depth of your answers all stem from the work you put in beforehand.
I learned this the hard way during my second job interview ever. I showed up thinking my resume would speak for itself. Wrong. I fumbled through basic questions about the company, couldn’t articulate why I wanted the role, and left feeling defeated. The experience taught me that preparation isn’t just helpful; it’s everything.
Start With the Company Deep Dive (And I Mean Deep)
Everyone tells you to “research the company,” but what does that actually mean? Let me break it down into actionable steps that go way beyond skimming their About page.
Know Their Story, Not Just Their Stats
Begin with their website, but don’t stop there. Read their mission statement like you’re going to be tested on it, because in a way, you are. Look at their recent press releases, blog posts, and news mentions. What challenges are they facing? What victories are they celebrating?
I once interviewed at a marketing agency that had just landed a major client in the healthcare sector. During my interview, I mentioned how exciting it must be to expand into healthcare marketing and shared a relevant insight about healthcare communication challenges. The interviewer’s eyes lit up; I had done my homework, and it showed.
Stalk Them Professionally (It's Not Creepy, It's Smart)
Check out their LinkedIn company page, Instagram, Twitter, or wherever they have a presence. Look at who works there, especially in the department you’re hoping to join. What projects are they excited about? What company culture comes through in their posts?
This isn’t about being nosy; it’s about understanding the environment you want to be part of. When you can reference their recent team volunteer day or comment thoughtfully on their company values, you’re showing genuine interest that goes beyond just wanting any job.
Understand Your Interviewer
If you know who’s interviewing you, look them up on LinkedIn. What’s their background? How long have they been with the company? Do you have any shared connections or experiences?
This isn’t about finding dirt, it’s about finding connection points. Maybe you both worked in similar industries, attended the same university, or have experience with the same challenges. These commonalities can help build rapport and make the conversation flow more naturally.
Master the Art of Anticipating Questions
Here’s something most people get wrong: they try to memorize perfect answers to interview questions. Don’t do this. Instead, prepare flexible frameworks that you can adapt to whatever comes your way.
The Stories That Sell You
Think of 4-5 specific situations from your past that showcase different strengths. For each story, know:
- The situation and challenge you faced
- The specific actions you took
- The measurable results you achieved
- What you learned and how you’d apply it to this new role
These stories become your Swiss Army knife for interviews. Question about leadership? You’ve got a story. Teamwork? Another story. Problem-solving? You’re covered.
Questions That Show You're Thinking Ahead
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate you’re already thinking like someone who works there. Instead of asking “What’s the company culture like?” try “I noticed on your LinkedIn that the team recently participated in a hackathon. How does the company typically support employee-driven innovation initiatives?”
The best questions show you’ve done your research and are thinking about how you’d contribute, not just what you’d get from the role.
The Logistics That Make or Break You
Let’s talk about the unsexy but crucial stuff that can derail even the most prepared candidate.
Test Run Everything
If it’s an in-person interview, do a practice run to the location. Know exactly where to park, which entrance to use, and how long it really takes during the time of day you’ll be travelling. Factor in traffic, construction, and the possibility that you might need to circle the block looking for parking.
For virtual interviews, test your technology the day before. Check your internet connection, audio, and video quality. Make sure you know how to share your screen if needed. Have a backup plan if your WiFi fails, maybe your phone’s hotspot or a nearby coffee shop.
The Professional Polish
Choose your outfit the night before and make sure it’s clean, pressed, and appropriate for the company culture. When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than underdressed.
But here’s what many people miss: your appearance starts with how you feel. If you’re wearing something that makes you feel confident and professional, that energy will come through in your interview performance.
Handle Your Nerves Like a Pro
Everyone gets nervous before interviews & negative thoughts, even seasoned executives. The key isn’t eliminating nerves; it’s channelling them productively.
The Power of Preparation
The best antidote to interview anxiety is thorough preparation. When you know you’ve done the work, researched the company, practiced your stories, and planned your route, you can trust in your preparation even when your nerves are acting up.
Physical Preparation Matters
Get a good night’s sleep, eat a proper meal (but not right before the interview), and arrive with enough time to collect yourself. Bring a water bottle and any materials you might need.
I always recommend bringing a portfolio or folder with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a notepad. Even if you don’t need everything, having it makes you feel more prepared and professional.
The Night Before: Your Final Checklist
The evening before your interview, review everything one more time, but don’t cram like you’re studying for a final exam. It’s all about positive mindset. Instead, do a calm, confident review:
- Read through your notes about the company and role
- Review your prepared stories and questions
- Confirm the time, location, and interviewer’s name
- Set out your outfit and gather your materials
- Get to bed at a reasonable hour
What Makes the Difference
After helping dozens of people prepare for interviews and conducting hundreds myself, I’ve noticed something: the candidates who stand out aren’t necessarily the most qualified on paper. They’re the ones who’ve clearly invested time in understanding not just what they want, but what the company needs.
They ask questions that show they’ve thought about the challenges the role involves. They share examples that demonstrate relevant skills. They speak about the company’s mission like they already care about it; because they do.
Your Interview Success Starts Now
The truth is, great interview performance isn’t about being perfect or having all the right answers. It’s about showing up, preparation, engagement, a growth mindset, and being genuinely interested in the opportunity.
When you invest the time to properly prepare before an interview, you’re not just improving your chances of getting the job; you’re also ensuring that if you do get it, it’s the right fit for both you and the company.
Remember, the company invited you to interview because they already believe you might be the right person for the job. Your preparation simply helps you both figure out if that’s true.
So take the time to prepare properly. Research thoroughly. Practice thoughtfully. Plan meticulously. Your future self, the one who gets the job offer, will thank you for it.
The interview room might feel like a high-stakes performance, but with the right preparation, it becomes what it should be: a conversation between professionals about how you can contribute to something meaningful. And that’s a conversation you’re absolutely ready to have.
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