Most interview mistakes happen before the first question is asked. Showing up with a dead phone, arriving late because you didn't check the location, wearing clothes you haven't tried on since last year, not knowing the interviewer's name: these are all fixable problems that shouldn't happen. This checklist removes them.

The night before

Night before checklist
  • Re-read the job description one more time
  • Look up each interviewer on LinkedIn if you know who they are
  • Review your key examples (at least five STAR stories ready)
  • Prepare your three questions to ask at the end
  • Lay out your outfit (try it on to check fit)
  • Pack your bag: CV copies, notebook, pen, ID if required
  • Check the interview location or video call link
  • Set the time and route (check travel time, add 30 min buffer)
  • Charge your phone and laptop
  • Get to bed at a reasonable time

The morning of

Morning checklist
  • Eat something (low blood sugar affects performance)
  • Leave earlier than you think you need to
  • Brief warm-up: say your "tell me about yourself" answer out loud once
  • For video interviews: test audio, camera, and lighting 30 minutes before
  • For in-person: arrive at the building 10-15 minutes early, not at the reception desk
  • Silence your phone before you enter the building
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During the interview

During the interview checklist
  • Greet everyone by name (write them down as they introduce themselves)
  • Let the interviewer set the pace, don't rush to fill silences
  • Use the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for all experience questions
  • Ask for clarification if a question is unclear — don't guess
  • Take brief notes (it shows engagement and helps you ask better questions)
  • Ask your prepared questions at the end (skip any that were answered during the interview)
  • Before you leave: ask about next steps and timeline

After the interview

Post-interview checklist
  • Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
  • Note what you answered well and what you'd improve
  • Follow up if you haven't heard by the timeline they gave you
  • Keep applying to other roles until you have a signed offer
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Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive for an in-person interview?
Be at the building 10-15 minutes early, but don't announce yourself at reception more than 5-10 minutes before your appointment. Arriving too early can inconvenience the interviewer and put you in an awkward waiting situation. Find a coffee shop nearby, review your notes, then walk in at the right time.
Should I bring copies of my CV?
For in-person interviews: yes, bring 2-3 printed copies. Interviewers sometimes haven't read your CV before the meeting, or your printed copy is better formatted than what ATS spat out. For video interviews, have your CV open on a second screen or printed in front of you to reference.
What if I blank on a question during the interview?
It happens. Say "Let me think about that for a moment" and take three to five seconds to collect your thoughts. That's not a weakness: it signals you think before you speak. If you genuinely don't have a good example, say "I haven't encountered that exact situation, but here's how I'd approach it based on [related experience]."
What's the most common interview day mistake?
Leaving too little time for travel and arriving stressed. The second most common is doing no preparation the evening before and trying to wing it. The third is checking in on social media or sending messages from the waiting area where you can be observed. Treat the entire visit to the building as part of the interview.