Honestly, it starts the night before. I’ve learned that the real work isn’t cramming information but getting your mind and body ready. I always lay out my outfit—something that fits the company culture but is one notch smarter—and pack my bag with physical copies of my resume, a notepad, and a pen. I set two alarms and charge my laptop and phone. Sleep is non-negotiable. I aim for at least seven hours because a foggy brain is the fastest way to ruin good answers.
On the morning of the interview, I eat a solid breakfast with protein, not just coffee. I give myself a full hour to get ready without rushing. I review the job description one more time, but I’m not memorizing. I’m looking for the three core problems this role is meant to solve. Then I open a clean document and write down three specific stories from my past jobs that match those problems. Each story follows the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) . I don’t script them word-for-word. I just bullet-point the key facts so I can talk naturally.
I also spend 15 minutes researching the people I’ll meet. I check their LinkedIn profiles. I look for common connections, shared interests, or recent projects they’ve posted about. This gives me organic conversation starters. For example, I once found out my interviewer had just run a marathon, and I asked about their training plan. It broke the ice completely.
Finally, I test my tech. I check my camera angle, lighting, and background for video calls. I make sure my microphone isn’t muffled. I close all distracting tabs on my computer. Then I take three deep breaths. I remind myself that an interview is a two-way street. I’m not just there to be judged. I’m there to decide if this team and this work are right for me. That mindset shift calms my nerves and helps me show up as my authentic self.
