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If you have an interview coming up, it’s normal to also have the jitters. You want to put your best foot forward, yet there are so many uncertainties heading into the situation. What can you do to prepare the night before – and impress the hiring manager the next day? Here are a few best practices for nailing the interview.

What Should You Focus on Before an Interview?

Know where you’re headed.

Don’t wait until the morning of your interview to look up directions. Instead, know where you’re headed and the fastest route to take, so you arrive on time for the interview.

Pick your clothes out and pack your bag.

Another key step is to pick out your outfit and pack your bag. Your outfit should be business attire, including a suit with a professional shirt or blouse and shoes to match. Skip any flashy jewelry or strong fragrances.

Also, make sure you have your bag packed ahead of time. It should contain breath mints, business cards, a pen and notepad, and copies of your resume.

Review possible questions.

There are so many possibilities in terms of the questions you’ll be asked. It’s therefore impossible to prepare for them all. However, make a list of the top ones you think you’ll be asked and review a few ways you can answer them. Also, write out your most relevant accomplishments, so they’re fresh in your mind and you can weave them into your interview answers the next day.

Get to know the company and hiring manager.

If you know the name of the person interviewing you, do some research about them online. You might share a similar background or interests, which could give you a leg up in the interview process. Find out where they went to school, what professional organizations they belong to, and as much about their career path as you can. Also research the company online by reading through their website, social media posts, LinkedIn profile and any news articles about them.

Set your alarm and plan your breakfast.

In this case, you might want to set two alarms. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and still have time to spare. Also, plan what you’ll eat for breakfast the night before, so it’s on hand. It should be something light, like yogurt or a granola bar. Skip the pancakes and bacon.

Go to bed early.

Get a good night’s sleep, so your mind is refreshed and you feel well rested. You’ll be able to think on your feet faster and answer curveball questions easier.

Need more help with your job search?

At OneSource Staffing Solutions, our recruiters fill openings for companies from across PA, NY and FL. We can connect you with your next great job and even help with your resume, interview skills, and more. Search our jobs now to get started.