Most of the work of preparing for a job interview happens weeks or days before the actual meeting. On the day before, you’re almost ready. But there are still a few things left to do when you’ve got 24 hours to go. As you count down the time until your interview, check these items off your list.
1. Read the company’s website
Ideally, you’ve done research on the company before today. Refresh your memory by visiting its website and reading a few of the main sections. Check out the About Us and Announcements pages, as well as recent social media posts. Pay attention to the things the company is proudest of, because you may want to refer to them in your interview.
2. Search for news about the company
Search for the company’s name in the news, and read any major news stories from the last couple of weeks. If the company recently bought a new property or launched a new brand, you’ll want to know about that going into the interview.
3. Practice your elevator pitch
You should already have an idea of why your experience makes you a good fit for the job. Now is your chance to practice your delivery with the elevator pitch. Ask a friend to listen to a short 30-second response to the question, “Why should we hire you?” Alternatively, practice making this pitch in front of a mirror.
4. Proofread your resume
Read through your resume again. This isn’t the time for significant rewrites, but you should make sure that there aren’t any typos or obvious errors. Look at the names of previous employers and dates of employment, and check that nothing seems way off.
5. Print three extra copies of your resume
Even if you’re only scheduled to interview with one person, you might end up needing additional resumes. For example, the interviewer’s manager could sit in on the conversation, or the interviewer could decide to introduce you to a couple of colleagues on your way out. Having extra resumes on hand shows that you’re well-prepared.
6. Buy a professional folder or binder for your resume
You could carry your resume in a colorful plastic folder like you once brought to school, but it wouldn’t look that good. Stop by an office supply store and buy a business folder or presentation binder; these usually cost less than $10. Using a professional-quality document case shows the employer that you’re taking the interview seriously and that the details matter to you.
7. Choose your outfit
Choose the clothing, shoes, accessories, or makeup you’ll wear to the interview. If you need to iron a shirt or brush lint off a suit, do that today so you don’t have to deal with it in the morning.
8. Check directions to the interview location
Check that you have the address and that you know how to get to the interview. If you’re going to drive, put gas in your car today so you don’t have to stop tomorrow.
9. Set your alarm
Set an alarm to wake yourself up in the morning. If you tend to press the snooze button and oversleep, put the alarm clock or phone across the room so you’ll have to get out of bed to turn it off.
10. Go to sleep 30 minutes early
It’s tempting to stay up late cramming before an interview, but being well-rested on the big day is more important than reviewing your notes one more time. At this point, it’s better to stop preparing and just get some sleep.