Most interviewers will make a decision about you in the first 30 seconds of the interview. However, the level of professionalism and the mannerisms you exude are very important throughout the interview process. The way you enter a room, the clothes and accessories you wear, the way you shake hands and your tone of your voice all create an impression. Preparing will help you identify any problem areas and help you change them before the interview. Here are a few last minute tips to help you prepare before the interview.

Two Days Before
Relax. The research and networking you did will help prepare you. Preparation is definitely the key to a successful interview.

The Day Before

1. Get plenty of sleep. Refrain from staying up too late or partying. Alcohol and smoke aromas linger. You want to impress the interviewer.
2. If you are not sure where the interview is taking place, do a practice run the day before the interview. Check the gas tank or the bus schedule to minimize delays on the day of the interview.
3. Review your organization research and your resume. Make notes on the skills you acquired in each job or activity. Come up with a short list of why your skills and experience match the position. Prepare a small list of questions for the employer. If you have a portfolio of your work, mark relevant pages to refer to during the interview. Think about what makes you stand out from other job candidates.
4. Lay out your clothes. Bring extra stockings or an extra tie, several copies of your resume, paper and a pen. Use a professional portfolio or bag to carry your materials.

Women

• Think professional and reserved.
• Dress in a dark or neutral color suit (matching jacket and skirt/pants), conservative shoes and neutral hosiery.
• Keep make-up as natural as possible. Avoid flashy or bright nail polish.
• Minimize jewelry: leave the nose ring and tongue jewelry at home. Wear one pair of small earrings.

Men

• Wear a freshly pressed jacket and tie.
• Have your shoes polished.
• Make sure you have a clean shave.
• Your hair should be neat, clean and trimmed—including your sideburns.
• Keep your hands groomed—clean and trim nails.

Interview Day

• Eat a high-protein, high-carbohydrate breakfast to boost your energy.
• Review your resume and notes.
• Practice answering potential questions. This will help you feel comfortable with the process.
• Read the newspaper or check the Internet to be prepared for the “ice breaking” small talk around the day’s events.
• Schedule your time to arrive at the interview location ten to fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled interview.
• You might want to check the traffic conditions to help you plan your commute.
• Avoid perfume/cologne and smoking before the interview.
• Carry a small portfolio to hold your resume and a pen. 
• Do not wear your outerwear into the interview. Overcoats should be taken off before you go into the interview.
• Do not wear sunglasses during the interview.

Ten Minutes Before

• Arrive with time to stop by the restroom for any last-minute touch-ups. Check for animal hair, shoulder flakes, and static cling. If you get sweaty palms, this is a good time to wash and dry your hands.
• Be courteous to all support staff including the security guard. You never know who is providing input for the selection process.
• While you are waiting for the interview to begin, people watch and pick up clues to office culture. Observe how people dress and interact with one another. How diverse is the workforce? Will you feel comfortable working here?
• Turn off your cell phone prior to the interview.
• Nervous? Try taking slow, deep breaths to help you relax.