For most people, this would be something to panic about. Researching the company that you are hoping to interview with, and preparing questions alone could take a week and a half; never mind figuring out how to compose yourself, or deciding what to wear. In order to feel prepared as you walk into a last-minute interview, here are some go-to tips to ensure success.
One of the best ways to prepare for a last minute interview is to edit and review your resume/cover letter. If your resume and/or cover letter hasn’t been properly edited or is missing information, that should be a top priority to complete. On top of that, review your LinkedIn profile and see if all of the information mirrors the information on your resume. Almost all employers will look at what experiences and skill sets you bring with you on your resume, and they usually look at your LinkedIn profile as well.
Another useful preparation method to quickly and successfully prepare for an interview is to complete the following three steps:
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Read up→ Research the company beforehand, and learn about some of the heads of departments within. This will ensure that you are prepared to talk with an interviewer about why you like the company, and what aspects of the culture/people within the company specifically caught your eye.
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Make yourself a match→ You’re going to be asked to talk about yourself and the interviewer is going to want to know why you think you’re the best fit. When this happens, you should have a solid grasp of your answers, and how exactly they align well with the company’s values and goals.
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Find something unique→ Try to think about a trait that differentiates you. It could be a transferable skill or some other qualification that other candidates are less likely to have. One of the biggest factors behind failing to land a job is the mere fact that the employer was not able to remember why you were special to him or her. Talk about what makes you THE standout candidate, and leave a long-lasting impression on your potential future employer.
A few other essential tips if you have more time before your interview, would be to schedule an appointment with a resource you have available to discuss the interview. Participate in a mock-interview practice session, and brush up on how to dress in professional attire. As long as you feel confident walking into your interview, you should be off to a great start.