Revealed! How To Prepare For A Last Minute Interview

By Ruoro Kairu  

When called to an interview, you spend a week or two researching about the company and answers to the common interview question.

The night before, you ready your outfit, plan for the journey, and get a good night’s sleep.

The day of the interview, you wake up in good time, plan accordingly, and prepare to ace the interview.

But, what happens when you don’t have that long to prepare? What if the recruiter calls you for an interview on the same day?

While this can cause you to fear and cancel the interview, you shouldn’t be afraid. Here is how you can handle last minute interviews.

Ensure you know where you’re going.

One of the first things to do after accepting an interview invite is to find out exactly where it is, how to get there, and how long it will take you from your current position.

Leave yourself more travel time than required. Traffic delays and sudden weather changes could affect the time you need to get to the interview. Always account for this.

Read up on the job

If the job you had been interviewed for had been posted, read through the job description carefully –even if you had done so earlier. Ensure you know what the purpose of the job is and what your main duties are.

If you can, also have a print out of the job description. Skim through it and look for the keywords e.g. social media expert or experienced project manager. You can use these keywords in your answers during the interview.

If you’re looking up the job description on your phone, save it or take screenshots for later review.

Research about the company

Dedicate enough of the limited time reading up on the company. Take time to familiarize yourself with what the company does.

In a last-minute interview situation, you might not be expected to know all the information about the company, but basic understanding is a must.

Quick read>>> Here’s What’s Wrong With Your CV

To understand what the company is all about, visit their website and look up the ‘About Us’ section. If you have time, you can also look at the company’s blog and ‘Latest News’ sections.

Work out why you’re perfect for the role

Think over your work experience and history in your current or most recent job. Try and connect the experience and history to the job you’re interviewing for.

Come up with at least two specific examples that demonstrate why you are a great fit for the position. Also think of a few challenges you have experienced in your past professional experience, and how you overcame them.

Know who you’re talking to

With little time to prepare, you can easily mix up the names and roles of different people in the company. To curb this, spend a few minutes on the company’s LinkedIn page or the ‘About Us’ tab on the website and familiarize yourself with your interviewers.

Dress accordingly

Different companies have different cultures. The way you dress for an accounting position at a corporate organization is different from how you would dress for a position at a new-age startup.

If you don’t have time to go back home and change, make do with what you have. Ensure you’re presentable -fresh breath, neat hair, trimmed nails, and so on.

If the outfit you’re in is really inappropriate, apologize to the recruiter before the interview begins. The interviewer will understand you didn’t have much time to prepare.

Also Read>>> 3 Fears Keeping You From Advancing In Your Career.

At the end of the day, a position needs to be filled. Whether you’re given weeks to prepare or a few hours, you should always be prepared to put your best foot forward.

For further assistance on interview coaching, book an appointment with our interview coaches through clientservice@corporatestaffing.co.ke or give us a call at 0768 669 016.