In-Person Interview Prep
Everything for the interviews your phone worksheet doesn't cover — walking in the door, or showing up on camera.
1
What to Bring
Tech Check
Do this the night before, not the morning of.
2
Before You Walk In
Before You Log On
First impressions start before anyone says hello.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early — no earlier, no later
Too early can be awkward for the front desk; too late is a hard no. If you're not sure about parking or the building, drive by the day before.
When in doubt, dress more professional than casual
Lean toward the more formal end — a notch overdressed reads better than a notch underdressed. If you're not sure what's appropriate, ask your Navigator; it's a completely normal question and better to ask than guess.
Go easy on scent — no smoke smell, no strong perfume or cologne
If you smoke, change your shirt and use a breath mint or mouthwash beforehand. Keep perfume or cologne light or skip it — you don't know if the interviewer has a sensitivity, and a strong scent can be a distraction either way.
Be kind to everyone you meet, not just the interviewer
Front desk staff and other employees are often asked for their impression of candidates. Treat every interaction like it counts — because it does.
Join 2–3 minutes early, not 15
Joining too early can put you in an awkward waiting room moment. A couple minutes early shows you're on time without being overeager.
Dress fully, not just on top
Dress like you would for an in-person interview, head to toe — you never know if you'll need to stand up or if the camera angle will shift.
Look at the camera, not the screen, when you talk
It feels unnatural at first, but looking at the camera lens (not the interviewer's face on your screen) is what reads as eye contact on their end.
3
Body Language That Works For You
These apply whether you're in the room or on camera.
Firm handshake, brief eye contact, genuine smile
A weak handshake reads as low confidence; a crushing one reads as trying too hard. Aim for firm and brief.
Smile as you greet them on camera — it carries more than it feels like it does through a screen.
Sit up, lean in slightly, keep your hands visible
Slouching or crossed arms can read as disengaged even if you don't mean it that way. Open posture signals you're paying attention.
Nod and give small verbal cues while they're talking
A quiet "mm-hm" or nod shows you're listening, not just waiting for your turn to speak.
4
During the Interview
Jot a few notes now so you're not starting cold.
Always come with at least 2 questions — this isn't optional
Showing up with nothing to ask reads as low interest, even if you're genuinely excited about the role. Use what you learned researching the company to shape at least one of them.
It's okay to pause before answering
"Let me take just a moment to think about that" is a completely normal thing to say. A short pause reads as thoughtful, not unprepared.
5
After the Interview
What happens in the next 24 hours matters too.