My version with Cat D aircraft...
If downwind, slide out (vis permitting) for room to turn to final without overshoot. Go 30 seconds from abeam the threshold and start 180 turn to final, which is my standard, VFR night pattern procedure.
Them's the basics with variables for terrain, darkness, wind, etc. I don't have circling restrictions on my ATP types, BTW (and I don't believe any of us do).
We train, etc. for circling approaches every year in the sim, but prefer straight-in's with the heavies, and the missions normally allow for straight-in ILS or RNAV approaches. Thank you very much...
