“If you fail to prepare, you should be prepared to fail,” as the old saying goes. This holds especially true for job interviews. Professional recruiters are typically well-trained and possess extensive experience on their side of the process. If you don’t prepare thoroughly, you will inevitably put yourself at a significant disadvantage.

On the other hand, hiring managers or other stakeholders involved in the interviewing process may not be trained so well or not at all and there is a risk that they will go off track and the whole interview will be debased. Hence, if you are well prepared, you will feel more in control of the situation, which will help you appear cool, calm and collected whatever happens – qualities always sought in the perfect candidate. If anything goes wrong, you will be able to take over the lead gently and get a fair chance of showcasing your qualities and convincing the interviewers that you are a suitable candidate for the job.

Below, you’ll find distilled advice on interview preparation, drawn from my nearly 25 years of experience interviewing candidates:

Prepare Your Body

Your mind and body are interconnected, and to perform well in an interview, your body should be in perfect physical condition. Here are some essential steps to follow:

• Get enough quality sleep the night before the interview to ensure you are well-rested and alert. If you have trouble falling asleep, especially before important events, it could be beneficial to practice autogenic training. You can download my autogenic training aid to help you.
• Eat and drink in moderation to maintain your energy levels and stay hydrated.
• Limit coffee or energy drinks, as interviews are naturally stimulating, and too much caffeine may cause jitters.
• Avoid overeating, which can make you feel sluggish or drowsy.
• Steer clear of foods that cause bad breath, flatulence, or internal discomfort, such as spicy dishes, eggs, onion, garlic, cabbage, beans, and peas.

The goal is to avoid unnecessary trips to the restroom or creating an awkward impression with unpleasant breath or bodily discomfort. You want to impress the interviewers with your skills and abilities, not distract them with avoidable physical issues.

Groom Well

Treat your grooming with the same attention you would give to an important event. When you look good, you naturally feel more confident.

Today, smart casual dress is widely accepted, but it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Your outfit should match the company culture and the nature of the job. For a creative role like graphic design or photography, you can opt for more bold colors and casual elements like stylish sneakers. In contrast, for jobs in accounting or banking, neutral tones, leather shoes, and a tie are more appropriate. Regardless of your choice, ensure your clothes are clean, well-ironed, and free from stains, holes, or visible wear.

It’s important to understand the company’s culture before your interview. In some environments, a hiring manager might dismiss a candidate for not wearing a tie; in others, the exact opposite may happen. Try to research how employees and managers typically present themselves, and aim to match that style—it’s a simple yet effective way to show you fit in.

Most importantly, wear something you genuinely like. When you feel good in your outfit, your confidence will shine through. If you dislike your outfit, it can negatively affect your demeanor. If you don’t have suitable attire, consider investing in new clothes — it’s a worthwhile expense.

Ensure your body and clothes are odor-free. Avoid strong fragrances; a light perfume is best. Interviews often take place in small rooms, where strong or unpleasant odors are easily noticed and can be off-putting. Wash your hands to avoid a sweaty handshake and refresh your breath before entering the interview room.

Prepare Your Mind

Once your body is ready, it’s essential to get into the optimal state of mind to perform your best during the interview.

In addition to being mentally refreshed, adopting the right mindset is crucial. A positive outlook and projecting the best version of yourself can significantly boost your confidence. Visualize yourself as a high-performing employee at the company, drawing on any information you have about the role and workplace. When you arrive for the interview, take a moment before entering the building to close your eyes and imagine this place as your regular workplace. This mental exercise can help you feel more comfortable and confident.

To enhance cognitive function, you can also consider natural brain boosters like ginkgo biloba or lecithin, or commonly available legal supplements such as Piracetam. However, you should try everything first in a neutral situation in order to see how your body reacts*.

Light exercise, such as walking or swimming, can improve blood circulation and trigger the release of endorphins — the body’s natural mood boosters. Higher endorphin levels can reduce stress and anxiety while increasing self-confidence. Additionally, remember to take deep breaths periodically to ensure your brain gets the oxygen it needs to function optimally.

Before You Go

If you are invited to an in-person interview, it’s essential to plan your trip thoroughly. Check the location of the interview, choose the most reliable mode of transportation, and calculate how much time you’ll need to get there. Don’t forget to factor in time for parking, checking in at the reception, and any other delays. As a rule of thumb, add at least 15 minutes to your estimated travel time as a buffer. Being well-prepared ensures you leave on time and arrive punctually. Ideally, set aside at least half a day for the interview — or a full day if you have to travel a considerable distance. While you may only have one interview scheduled, remember that interviewers might have a tight schedule, and respecting their time is crucial to protecting your prospects.

If, despite careful planning, you find yourself running late due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a flat tire, an earthquake, or an unexpected abduction by extraterrestrials), contact the recruiter immediately. Call or send a message to politely apologize, explain the reason for the delay, and provide your estimated time of arrival. Be prepared to reschedule if necessary. Being late won’t automatically disqualify you, but failing to notify the recruiter or having an avoidable reason for your delay likely will.

However, arriving too early can be just as damaging as arriving late — check my article here: Arriving Early to a Job Interview Is Great… Or Not?

Good luck!

P.S.: If you want to master job interview preparation, read my book, Get Your Dream Job.

You may also like:

• How To Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’
• Mastering Job Interview Questions (Plus a Free Cheat Sheet)
• What Not to Say in a Job Interview (If You Want to Get the Job)

*) Only take dietary supplements from trusted sources. Always follow the provided instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage. If you are taking medication, experience any issues, or are unsure, consult your physician.

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Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at vaclav@getyourdreamjob.co and I will come back to you!