Okay, let’s be real. You’ve got an interview tomorrow. Or maybe it’s today. And wondering how you’re going to get everything together in the last minute. But guess what? You can do this. No need to panic anymore.
Even if you’re crunched for time, these last-minute interview tips will help you show up looking confident, calm, and totally in control. Whether you’ve got an hour or just 15 minutes to prep, I’ve got your back. Let’s dive into it!
15 Most Needed Last Minute Interview Tips
Before you go for the interview. Don’t forget to see these last-minute Interview Tips, which will boost your confidence.
- Take a deep breath.
- Visualize yourself succeeding.
- Check your appearance.
- Gather your documents or open digital notes.
- Review the job description one more time.
- Put away your phone.
- Do a quick power pose for confidence.
- Remember your 30-second elevator pitch.
- Focus on your breathing, not your nerves.
- Smile and be friendly.
- Test your tech setup if it’s a virtual interview.
- Keep a glass of water nearby.
- Think of a couple of smart questions to ask.
- Remind yourself they want to like you.
- Don’t forget to say thank you and plan a follow-up.
1. Take a Deep Breath
First thing to do is take a deep breath. I know you have got a million things spinning around your head, but trust me, pausing for a second to calm yourself can make a huge difference. Stress won’t help you in any way. So take a deep breath, close your eyes for a second, and focus on the air coming in and out of your lungs. These simple steps can work.
2. Visualize Yourself Succeeding
Once you take a deep breath, you will feel a little calmer than before, so take a minute to visualize yourself doing well in the interview. Picture yourself answering every question confidently, making a great first impression, and walking out with a great feeling. This will help you to feel more confident with the right mindset. It’s not about pretending you know everything, it’s about walking into that room (or logging into that Zoom call) with confidence.
3. Check Your Appearance
You don’t need to look like you’re going to a fashion show; the most important thing is that you should look neat and clean. Give yourself a quick once-over in the mirror. Is your shirt clean and not super wrinkled? Are your shoes clean? And if you have an extra minute, run and comb your hair or fix your tie, or if you don’t have time in last time just make sure your face and hands are clean, that will make a big difference.
Explore Related Blog: What to wear for a Job Interview
4. Gather your documents or open digital notes.
If you have a group Interview, make sure you have your resume, portfolio, and any other relevant documents printed and ready. (Pro tip: having two copies of your resume is never a bad idea.) If it’s a virtual Interview, make sure you’ve opened the job description on your screen, along with any notes you might need. You don’t want to be scrambling around looking for things mid-interview!
Explore Related Blog: What to bring to an Interview
5. Review the job description one more time.
Next, grab that job description and skim through it real quick. If you’ve got a short time, just focus on the main skills and responsibilities they’re asking for. Then, think of one or two times from your past jobs or experiences that show you’ve done something similar. That way, when they ask you questions, you can connect your answers to what they actually need. It makes you sound way more prepared. And don’t forget to prepare some common group interview questions.
6. Put Away Your Phone
Before you enter an interview room, put away your phone. No one wants to get distracted during an interview; it can disrupt your flow. So silence it or put it in your bag, or leave it in the other room. This will help you focus and be fully present.
7. Do a quick power pose for confidence.
Feeling nervous? It happens to the best of us. A little trick that can actually help calm your nerves and boost your confidence? The power pose. Stand tall, shoulders back, and take up space like you’re a superhero about to save the world. It sounds cheesy, but it works. Even a couple of minutes in this pose can give you a surge of confidence.
8. Remember Your Elevator Pitch
Okay, now it’s time to think about your elevator pitch. You know how to introduce yourself, what you do, and why you’re perfect for this job. You should have this down to about 30 seconds.
Example of Elevator Pitch Template
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’ve been working in [your field/industry] for [X years]. Over that time, I’ve built experience in [mention a couple of key skills or specialties]. In my current/last role at [company name], I’ve been responsible for [briefly mention a project, task, or accomplishment you’re proud of].”
9. Focus on Breathing, Not Nerves
It’s normal to feel nervous and anxious before an interview. But the key is to focus on your breathing rather than your nerves. When we get nervous, we tend to hold our breath or breathe too fast. So, take a few more deep breaths before you walk into the interview. It’ll help you stay calm and keep your head clear.
10. Smile and Be Friendly
Alright, for real, when you walk into that interview or hop on that Zoom call, just smile. Not in a weird, forced way, just like you would if you were saying hey to someone you actually like. It makes such a difference. People pick up on that kind of energy. It shows you’re chill, confident. Plus, it makes you feel a little better too. Remember, you’re not just some applicant, you’re a real person, and people like hiring people they wouldn’t mind talking to for 8 hours a day.
11. Test Your Tech (If It’s Virtual)
If it’s an online interview, double-check your camera, mic, and Wi-Fi ahead of time. Just hop on a test call or open the meeting link a few minutes early to make sure everything’s working. Trust me nobody wants to start off with “Wait, can you hear me?”
12. Keep Some Water Nearby
You’re probably gonna be talking a lot, and your throat might get dry. Have a glass of water within reach. Plus, it’s a good excuse to pause for a second if you need to collect your thoughts.
13. Come Up with a Few Questions to Ask
Remember, interviews aren’t just for them; you’re interviewing them, too. Have a couple of decent questions ready to ask at the end. It makes you look prepared and interested. Even better if you can ask about the team, company culture, or what they’re excited about working on right now.
14. They Want to Like You
It’s easy to forget, but the people interviewing you actually hope you’re a good fit. They’re not out to get you. Go in with the mindset that they’re rooting for you, and it makes the whole thing feel way less intimidating.
15. Don’t Forget to Say Thanks
Before you head out (or log off), thank them for their time. Then, later that day, shoot them a quick thank-you email. It’s a small thing, but it leaves a good impression and keeps you on their radar.
Explore Related Blog: What to do after an Interview
Do’s and Don’ts in an Interview
Here is the quick table for do’s and don’ts in an interview
Do’s
Don’ts
Show up on time (or log in early if it’s virtual)
Don’t arrive late (without letting them know in advance)
Dress appropriately, neatly, clean, and professionally
Don’t badmouth your previous employers or coworkers
Make eye contact and smile naturally
Don’t fidget, check your phone, or look distracted
Listen carefully and don’t interrupt the interviewer
Don’t ramble or go off-topic when answering questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask them
Don’t lie or exaggerate your experience
Keep your answers clear and to the point
Don’t forget to research the company beforehand
Thank them for their time before you leave
Don’t act overly rehearsed or robotic, be yourself
Bring copies of your resume or have digital notes ready
Don’t forget to smile and stay polite, even if it’s tough
Follow up with a polite thank-you email
Don’t leave without asking smart questions to hiring managers.
Conclusion
There you have it: a handful of quick tips to help you feel prepared and confident, even if you’ve only got a short amount of time to get ready. Remember, the key to a successful interview is staying calm, focusing on the positive, and being yourself. They’re not just interviewing your resume, they’re interviewing you.
Don’t forget to use AI Interview Assistant can help you refine your approach and boost your preparation by guiding you on the best questions to ask and how to answer tricky ones. If you’re still working on your application, you can also rely on an AI Cover Letter Generator to ensure your cover letter is on point.
So go ahead, take a deep breath, and show them what you’re made of. You’ve got this!
Good luck!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the things to do before an Interview?
Here’s a list of the things to do before an interview:
- Review the job description
- Pick out a neat, appropriate outfit
- Gather your resume and notes
- Prepare 2–3 questions to ask the interviewer
- Take deep breaths to calm your nerves
What is Last-minute interview advice?
Here’s some last-minute interview advice:
- Arrive or log in a little early
- Smile and be friendly
- Stay calm and focused
- Listen carefully before answering
- Be yourself, interviewers want to like you
How to ace an interview last-minute?
Running out of time? Focus on these quick steps to nail your interview.
- Quickly skim the job description
- Remember your top 2-3 relevant skills
- Practice a short 30-second intro about yourself
- Have a couple of smart questions ready
- Show confidence and positive energy
How to relax before an interview?
Feeling nervous? These simple tips can help you calm down and get into the right mindset before your interview.
- Take slow, deep breaths
- Visualize yourself doing well
- Try a quick power pose or stretch
- Remind yourself it’s just a conversation
- Focus on the present moment, not what-ifs
What’s the most important thing to focus on during a last-minute interview?
Honestly, just keep it simple, focus on being confident and relevant. You don’t have time to memorize every little detail, so pick a couple of your best experiences that really match what the job needs. Show them how your skills fit the role, and don’t forget to smile! A good attitude can make a huge difference.
How should I dress for an interview if I don’t have time to change?
Look, don’t overthink it. Just grab something clean and not all wrinkled. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just make sure it looks like you care a little. Fix your hair quickly, keep accessories simple, and whatever you wear, make sure you feel okay in it. When you feel good, you’ll come across confident, and that’s way more important than the perfect outfit.
