In this guide
Interviews and salary conversations
Interview day checklist
A practical checklist for the day of an interview: timings, what to bring, last-minute preparation, and what to do if something goes wrong on the way.
The morning or evening before
Night-before checks
- I have reread the job advert and my application.
- My clothes are ready.
- I know the address, the entrance and who to ask for, or I have the video link.
- I have saved the contact number from the invitation.
- Any documents requested, such as identification or certificates, are packed.
A timeline for the day
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 2 hours before | Eat something, check travel updates or test the video link |
| 1 hour before | Leave with a buffer, or set up your room and close other apps |
| 30 minutes before | Review your main examples and questions; no new material |
| 10 minutes before | Arrive at reception, or join the waiting room 5 minutes early |
| Just before | Phone on silent, water to hand, a slow breath out |
What to bring
- A printed copy of the resume you submitted for this role.
- A notebook with your questions and a pen.
- Identification or documents if the invitation asked for them.
- Any presentation materials on a memory stick and in your email.
- Water and something to eat if the day is long.
If something goes wrong
Illustrative example
Running late
- Call, rather than email, as soon as you know you will be late.
- “Hello, it's Amira Hussain. I have an interview at two with Sam Clarke. My train is delayed and I'll be about fifteen minutes late. I'm sorry; would you like me to continue, or would it be better to rearrange?”
Calling early and offering options usually goes down better than arriving late without warning.
If you become unwell or have an emergency, contact the employer as soon as you can and ask to rearrange. Most employers will try to accommodate a genuine problem raised promptly.
Straight afterwards
Write down the questions you were asked, what went well and anything you promised to send. Record the interview and its next step in your tracker so you know when to follow up.
Common questions
How early should I arrive?
About ten minutes before the interview. Much earlier can put pressure on the employer; if you are very early, wait nearby until then.
Put it into practice
Prepare with interview practiceDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.