How the timeline is worked out
- In person: arrive by = start time minus your buffer; leave by = arrive by minus travel time; wake up = leave by minus the time you need to get ready.
- Video: join by = start time minus your buffer; the tech check is 20 minutes before that, and getting ready starts before the tech check.
- Phone: be seated with your notes at start time minus your buffer, and check your charge and signal 20 minutes before that.
Add extra travel time for peak-hour traffic, rain, parking or a long security queue. If you have never been to the building, do a trial run or check the route at the same time of day.
The evening before
- Lay out clothes, documents and your bag so the morning is calm.
- Re-read the job description and your resume, and pick three stories you want to tell.
- Charge every device and set two alarms.
Make a full prep plan with the interview prep checklist, rehearse answers aloud with interview question practice, check how ready you are with the readiness check and send a thank-you note afterwards with the follow-up email generator.