5 Last-Minute Tips for a Last-Minute Interview

Congrats! You got a call from a hiring manager to schedule an interview. Bad news? The only time they could spare is this afternoon… You’re able to move around your schedule and leave work early for the interview. However, this leaves you with 30 minutes to an hour to prepare for the interview.

Whatever you do, don’t panic or call the hiring manager back to try and reschedule. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your last-minute interview.

Review the Job Description

If the description is printed out or can be printed out, read through the description and highlight or circle any keywords. If you can read it off your phone, copy those keywords and put them in your phone’s notepad. These keywords showcase exactly what kind of candidate they are trying to hire.

Quick Research

Do a quick Google search and review their website to see what they are all about. If you have time, click through their social profiles to get a sense of who they are. You won’t have time to read each posting they have, but you should at least skim article titles and check out their photos.

Develop Stories & Examples

Using the keywords you took from the job description, think of stories from your work experience that showcase those qualities. You may not have a lot of time, but matching up qualities that the hiring manager is looking for with your own stories will benefit you in the long run.

Determine your Unique Quality

It’s not always the more qualified candidate that lands the job. It’s important that you stand out as the most memorable too! Ask yourself: Do you have transferable skills or qualifications that other candidates may not have?

Plug in the Correct Info

Now that you have completed the above steps, you can grab all of your essentials and prepare for your commute. Be sure to leave for the interview, so you arrive early. You should arrive in the lobby 5 minutes prior to your appointment. Bring 3 copies of your resume, professional references, and anything else that the hiring manager requested you to bring. Plug in the address to the interview and add the interviewer’s phone number in your phone, in case of an emergency.

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