What should I bring to an interview?

Bring printed copies of your CV, a notepad and pen, ID if required, any portfolio or work samples, and your list of questions. For video interviews, the equivalent is a tested setup, your notes off-screen, and the job description open.

How early should I arrive for an interview?

Aim to arrive at the building 10 to 15 minutes early, but not much more, as arriving too early can be awkward for the interviewer. For video calls, join one or two minutes before the start time.

Should I send a thank-you note after an interview?

Yes. A short, specific thank-you within 24 hours is a low-effort, high-signal move. Reference something concrete from the conversation so it does not read as a template. It keeps you memorable while decisions are being made.

How do I calm interview nerves on the day?

Nerves come mostly from feeling unprepared. The best fix happens before the day: rehearse your stories out loud so delivery is automatic. On the day, arrive with buffer time, breathe slowly, and remember a short pause before answering reads as composure.

Short on time

Interview Day Checklist

Handle the boring details so they never cost you the offer. Here is exactly what to do before, during, and after, so your energy goes into the conversation, not the logistics.

Rehearse before the day

A good interview-day checklist covers four moments: the night before (prep your stories and logistics), the hour before (calm routine and tech check), during (structure, signal, and questions), and after (a specific thank-you within 24 hours). Get the mechanics right and you free up all your attention for the actual answers.

The night before

Re-read your 6-8 stories once. Do not learn new material.
Do one or two spoken run-throughs of your weakest answers.
Confirm the time, time zone, link or address, and interviewer names.
Lay out documents: printed CV copies, ID, portfolio, notepad and pen.
Set two alarms and protect your sleep. Rest beats cramming.

The hour before

For video: test camera, mic, and connection; close noisy apps; check your background and lighting.
For in person: arrive 10-15 minutes early, no earlier. Use the buffer to breathe.
Re-read the job description and your one-line 'why this role'.
Do a short physical reset: stand, breathe, drop your shoulders. Nerves are normal.
Have water and your question list within reach.

During the interview

Structure every story with STAR. Lead with the point, then support it.
Use 'I' for your actions and put a number in each result.
If a question is unclear, ask a clarifying question before answering.
Take a breath before answering. A two-second pause reads as thoughtful, not slow.
Ask your prepared questions. The interview runs both ways.

After the interview

Within 24 hours, send a short, specific thank-you referencing something real from the conversation.
Note the questions you were asked and where you stumbled, for next time.
If you have a tracker, log the stage and any next steps.
Do not over-analyse silence. Follow up politely if you pass the stated timeline.

Interview day FAQ

The mechanics are easy. The answers take practice.

Rehearse your stories in a free voice mock interview before the big day, so on the day you can focus on the conversation.

Start a free mock interview

Next step in your career strategy

You've got the resume. Now build the stories that back it up.

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