6 Things to Do the Week Before a Big Interview

A week is the perfect prep window

Too much prep time and you overthink everything. Too little and you're scrambling. A week is the sweet spot — enough time to prepare thoroughly without letting anxiety spiral into over-preparation.

Here's exactly what to focus on, one thing at a time, so you walk in (or log on) feeling ready instead of frantic.

1. Research the company like you'll be tested on it

Not just the "About Us" page. Go deeper. Read their recent press releases, blog posts, and earnings calls if they're public. Check LinkedIn for the people who'll interview you — their backgrounds, how long they've been there, what they've posted recently. Look at Glassdoor for interview experience reviews specific to the role type.

The goal is to understand what the company cares about right now. Are they expanding into a new market? Did they just launch a product? Are they going through a leadership change? Every answer gives you material for specific, informed questions — which is what separates a good interview from a forgettable one.

Our article on how to research a company walks through this process step by step.

2. Prepare your STAR stories

Most behavioral interview questions follow the same pattern: "Tell me about a time when..." The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) gives you a framework for answering them clearly.

Draft five to seven stories from your experience that cover different scenarios: a time you led something, solved a problem, handled conflict, failed and recovered, and worked under pressure. Write them out in full, then practice telling them in under two minutes each.

You won't use all of them. But having a library of prepared stories means you'll always have something relevant to draw from, instead of scrambling to think of an example on the spot.

3. Practice out loud

This is the step most people skip, and it's the one that matters most. Thinking through your answers is not the same as saying them out loud. The first time words leave your mouth should not be in the actual interview.

Practice with a friend, a family member, or a mirror. Record yourself on your phone and play it back. It will feel awkward. That's the point — you want the awkwardness to happen during practice, not during the interview.

Focus on three things: pace (slow down), filler words (notice them), and endings (don't trail off — finish your answers cleanly).

4. Prepare your questions for them

You will be asked "Do you have any questions for us?" The answer is always yes. Prepare at least five questions — you'll use three or four, and the rest cover you if some get answered during the conversation.

Good questions show genuine curiosity about the work, the team, and the challenges ahead. "What does success look like in this role in the first six months?" is useful. "What's the biggest challenge the team is facing right now?" shows strategic thinking. "How would you describe the management style here?" helps you evaluate fit.

Avoid questions about perks, PTO, or salary at this stage unless the interviewer brings them up. Those conversations happen during the offer phase.

5. Handle the logistics early

If it's in person: drive the route during the same time of day as your interview. Know where to park. Know which entrance to use. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early — not 30 (that's awkward for everyone).

If it's virtual: test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Download whatever video platform they're using. Close unnecessary tabs and applications. Check your background — a clean, neutral background or a tasteful virtual one. Make sure your lighting doesn't turn you into a silhouette.

Handling logistics early means you won't be dealing with a technical crisis or a parking lot hunt fifteen minutes before the most important meeting of your week.

6. Give yourself the night before off

The day before your interview, stop preparing. Seriously. You've done the work. Going over your answers one more time at 11 PM won't make you sharper — it'll make you tired and anxious.

Do something you enjoy. Go for a walk. Cook a meal. Watch something that makes you laugh. Get to bed at a reasonable hour. The best version of you in an interview is rested, calm, and present — not exhausted from last-minute cramming.

You're more ready than you think

Interview anxiety is normal and doesn't mean you're unprepared. It means the opportunity matters to you. A week of focused, intentional preparation gives you the foundation to handle whatever comes up. After that, trust the work you've done and show up as yourself. That's usually enough.