Things to Do One Day Before Your Coding Interview
You’ve put in the hard work—countless hours studying, practicing coding problems, and preparing for tricky interview questions.
Now, with just one day left before your big coding interview, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
We understand that this final stretch can be the most challenging part, but it’s also a time to make sure you’re truly ready.
This day isn’t just for prep; it’s your chance to tie up any loose ends and get yourself in the best possible state, both mentally and physically.
Whether you’re facing a coding challenge, a system design discussion, or a behavioral interview, the steps you take now can set you up for success.
In this post, we’ll go through practical tips to help you make the most of your last day before the interview other than leetcode exercises. From refreshing your knowledge to preparing your space and calming your mind, these tips are designed to help you walk into your interview feeling prepared and confident.
Let us quickly go over the things you need to do one day before your coding interview.
1. Final Review of Core Concepts (Coding, System Design, and Behavioral)
Coding Concepts:
As you prepare for your coding interview, it's essential to review the basics one last time.
Try to start with the common data structures like arrays, linked lists, and trees. These are the building blocks for many coding problems, so make sure you're comfortable with how they work and how to use them effectively.
Next, revisit the basic algorithms, such as sorting and searching. These algorithms are frequently tested, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of how they function.
You don’t need to go into the most complex problems at this stage; instead, focus on practicing a few coding problems that reinforce these concepts.
The goal is to keep your mind sharp without overwhelming yourself.
System Design Concepts:
System design interviews can be challenging, but a solid understanding of key principles will help you approach them with confidence.
Start by refreshing your knowledge of basic design principles, such as scalability and load balancing. These are critical when discussing how a system can handle growth or high traffic.
Next, revisit key system components like databases, caches, and APIs. Think about how these components interact and how you would explain their roles in a system you might design.
If you’ve made diagrams or taken notes during your study sessions, now is a good time to go over them. By visualizing the system, you will understand the concept deeply and get prepared to discuss your ideas clearly during the interview.
Behavioral Concepts:
Behavioral interviews are just as important as technical ones, so take some time to prepare for them as well.
Start by thinking about common questions, like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Prepare clear and concise answers that highlight your skills and experiences.
It’s also helpful to have specific examples ready that showcase key soft skills, such as teamwork and problem-solving.
You can use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to structure your answers. This method helps you tell a clear and compelling story that demonstrates your abilities in real-life situations.
2. Organize Your Interview Materials
Prepare Your Notes:
As the interview day approaches, it’s important to have your notes in order. Begin by organizing any cheat sheets or notes you've made during your preparation. Whether these notes are on paper or digital, make sure they are easy to access and well-organized.
Moreover, focus on keeping your notes concise.
Highlight the key points you want to remember, such as important formulas, concepts, or strategies.
The goal here is to have quick references that can help jog your memory without overwhelming you with too much information.
Set Up Your Workspace:
If it's a virtual interview, your environment plays a crucial role in how well you perform, so it’s worth taking the time to set it up properly.
First, ensure that your workspace is clean and free from distractions. A tidy space can help you stay focused and calm during the interview.
Next, make sure that your computer and internet connection are working well. Test any software you’ll need during the interview, whether it’s a video conferencing tool or a coding platform. You don’t want to be troubleshooting technical issues at the last minute.
Lastly, keep a notebook and pen nearby. These can be handy for jotting down notes or questions during the interview. Having everything you need within arm’s reach will help you stay organized and focused on the task at hand.
3. Mental and Physical Preparation
Get Enough Sleep:
Something we all overlook a night before the interview is a good sleep.
We try to exert our maximum efforts in those last few hours to perform our best the next day.
Sleep is crucial for mental alertness and helps you think clearly and respond confidently during the interview.
Therefore, getting a full night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself the night before your interview.
For a good night’s sleep, avoid cramming late into the night. Last-minute studying can lead to stress and make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, aim to wind down and go to bed at a reasonable time so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready.
Healthy Eating and Hydration:
What you eat and drink before your interview can have a big impact on how you feel.
Start your day with a balanced meal that includes protein, fruits or vegetables, and whole grains. This will give you steady energy and help you stay focused.
It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
On the other hand, try to avoid heavy or junk food, as it can make you feel sluggish and less sharp.
Keeping your body fueled with the right nutrients will help you perform at your best.
Relaxation Techniques:
Interviews can be stressful, so finding ways to relax is key. Simple techniques like deep breathing or light stretching can help calm your nerves and keep you centered.
If you’re feeling anxious, taking a few deep breaths can slow your heart rate and help you regain focus.
Another good way to relax is by taking a short walk or doing some light exercise.
Physical activity can reduce stress and clear your mind, making you feel more confident and composed. Even just a few minutes of movement can make a difference in how you feel going into the interview.
4. Rehearse the Interview Process
Mock Interviews:
One of the best ways to prepare for your interview is by practicing with mock interviews.
Ask a friend or mentor to help you by simulating the interview environment. Try to focus on all aspects of the interview, including coding, system design, and behavioral questions. This practice will help you get used to the format and timing, making you feel more comfortable when the real interview comes.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to record yourself while answering questions. Watching the recording later can help you notice things like your body language and tone.
Are you sitting up straight? Are you speaking clearly? Are you making eye contact? These details can make a big difference in how you come across to the interviewer.
Final Dress Rehearsal:
The way you dress speaks a lot about your personality. Some people decide what they are going to wear for the last hours and panic when things don't go along well.
Choose something professional and comfortable, and lay it out so you’re not rushing to find clothes in the morning. If you feel good about how you look, it can boost your confidence.
Therefore, decide your dress at least a week before the big day and get it ready. So that the night before your interview you just have to take some time to check what you’ll wear.
For remote interviews, it’s important to check your background and lighting on camera. Make sure your surroundings are tidy and free from distractions.
Good lighting is also key—try to position yourself so that your face is well-lit without harsh shadows. This will help you present yourself in the best possible way.
5. Plan Your Day
Interview Day Schedule:
Having a simple schedule for your interview day can help keep you calm and focused.
Start by setting a time to wake up that gives you plenty of time to get ready without rushing. Make sure to include time for a final review of your notes, but keep it brief—just enough to refresh your memory without adding stress.
If your interview is in person, plan to arrive early. This gives you a buffer in case of unexpected delays and allows you to settle in before the interview starts.
For online interviews, make sure you’re logged in and ready at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. This extra time helps you check your equipment one last time and mentally prepare for the interview.
Relaxation and Positivity:
On the day of your interview, it’s important to find moments to relax and boost your confidence. Therefore, engage in an activity that helps you feel calm and positive.
This could be reading your favorite book, painting, watching a short video you enjoy, or simply spending a few minutes doing something that makes you happy.
In addition to relaxing, mentally rehearse positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you’ve prepared well and that you’re ready for this opportunity. Positive thinking can help build your confidence and put you in the right mindset to succeed.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your coding interview, remember that the day before is just as important as all the preparation you’ve done so far. By reviewing key concepts, organizing your materials, preparing your mind and body, rehearsing the interview process, and planning your day, you set yourself up for success.
Take the time to go over the core coding, system design, and behavioral concepts one last time. Also, make sure your notes are in order and your workspace is ready.
Finally, end your day by going to bed early and energizing yourself.
With these steps, you’ll be well-prepared and confident as you head into your interview. Remember, this is your chance to showcase all the hard work and effort you’ve put into getting ready. Stay calm, be yourself, and trust in your preparation. Good luck!
