Step Five Interview: Before

Whether you have a day or a week before the interview, it's important to be there on time, in good shape and well-prepared. Here's how you can achieve that goal.

Psych Yourself Mentally

Make sure that you prepare a positive mental attitude:

• Remind yourself that you have a great deal to offer.
  
  
• Vividly relive a successful moment in your life; it puts you in a winning frame of mind.
  
  
• Remember that interviewers don't hold your fate in their hands. There is life beyond this job!
  
  
• Tell yourself that you deserve the job (but remember that you need to prove it; no one owes you a job).

Rehearse

A little practice beforehand helps calm your anxiety.

• Review your unique skills and qualities.
  
  
• Study your résumé and application form.
  
  
• Practice answering questions with a friend or a video camera.
  
  
• Identify your interviewing strengths and areas to develop.
  
  
• Don't over-rehearse or memorize your answers.
  
  
• Make sure your interview clothes fit, have no stains and feel comfortable for sitting and talking.

A Few Days Before

Take all the last minute concerns out of the interview by covering all your bases:

• Drive to the interview location to determine travel time. Remember to consider the time of day!
  
  
• Clean your car; the interviewer might walk you to it afterwards.
  
  
• Buy your ticket for transportation, put gas in your car or re-confirm with the person who will take you.
  
  
• Have a back-up plan in case all else fails.

The Night Before

Preparing the night before prevents last minute panic.

• Make sure your nails look good.
  
  
• Take a warm bath.
  
  
• Get the family ready for the next day.
  
  
• Check the weather forecast for the next day.
  
  
• Set aside everything that you need to bring.
  
  
• Get plenty of sleep.

What to Bring

Set all your materials by the door so you don't forget:

• Notepad and pen
  
  
• Your career portfolio
  
  
• Extra résumés
  
  
• Copies of your references list
  
  
• Your questions and answers (see Employer Questions, "Super Seven" Questions, Interview Questions Identification Exercise and Your Questions)
  
  
• Extra pair of hose if you're a woman

The Morning Of

When you rise for the day, review this list:

• Remember that "less is more" when it comes to jewelry, make-up and cologne.
  
  
• Avoid too much caffeine.
  
  
• Brush your teeth.
  
  
• Leave so you can be AT LEAST ten minutes early.

Just Before Walking In

When you arrive at the interview site:

• Freshen up in a bathroom.
  
  
• Remove any gum or candy from your mouth.
  
  
• Turn off your cell phone or pager.
  
  
• Wait patiently for the interviewer.
  
  
• Look around and notice your surroundings.
  
  
• Breathe slowly and deeply