Last Minute Interview Tips. How to Prepare for Your Job Interview Fast: Last-Minute Interview Tips and Interview Guide

In today’s competitive job hunt, securing an interview is a significant achievement, but the real challenge in securing the job offer lies in the interview preparation that follows. Whether you’ve had days or mere hours to get ready, last-minute interview tips can make all the difference in presenting your best self. As the clock ticks down, it’s essential to focus on key areas that will bolster your confidence and ensure you leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. Don’t worry you still have plenty of time to prepare!. Here is a guide with interview tips that will help you quickly prepare for your interview prep days or even hours before your upcoming interview.

TL:DR; Last Minute Job Interview Tips

First and foremost, mental and confidence preparation is crucial to prepare for a last-minute interview. Take a moment to breathe deeply and visualise yourself succeeding in the interview. Positive affirmations can help shift your mindset from anxiety to assurance, setting the stage for a productive conversation. Next, research the job thoroughly. Understanding the company’s mission, values, and recent developments will not only help you tailor your responses but also demonstrate your genuine interest in and chances of getting the role.

In addition, reviewing common interview questions is vital. Familiarise yourself with typical inquiries such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This will allow you to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Practicing these questions, either alone or with a friend, can further enhance your delivery and ease any nerves.

Finally, just before the interview, take steps to maximise your confidence. Engage in a quick physical warm-up, such as stretching or a brief walk, to release any pent-up energy. Remind yourself of your qualifications and the unique skills you bring to the table. With these last-minute tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the interview head-on, show the interviewer that you’re a great candidate and make a memorable impression. 

Read on for more information about each of these 5 key steps and last minute tips on how to position yourself. Following these steps will help you to go a long way in a short amount of time and help you succeed in your next job interview.

Last-Minute Interview Tips. 5 Steps You Can Undertake in Less Than an Hour

Step 1: Last Minute Mental & Confidence Prep

Why This Tip Matters

Your mindset is the foundation of your interview performance. Even if you have all the right qualifications and experience, self-doubt and nervousness can derail your ability to articulate your value clearly. A confident mindset isn’t about arrogance—it’s about self-assurance based on preparation, experience, and capability.

Many job seekers walk into last minute interviews feeling like they have to prove themselves instead of recognizing that they already bring significant value. This leads to hesitation, rambling answers, and uncertainty. However, candidates who prepare their mindset in advance enter the room with a calm, confident presence, setting the stage for a strong interview.

Confidence also affects non-verbal communication—your posture, tone of voice, eye contact, and overall presence send powerful signals to the panel before you even speak. If you feel nervous or unsure, it will show in the way you present yourself. However, if you take the time to mentally prepare for an interview, you can project confidence and capability even if you feel nervous on the inside.

Key Challenges Candidates Face with Confidence

• Imposter Syndrome – Feeling like you don’t deserve the role, despite your qualifications.

• Fear of the Unknown – Worrying about unexpected questions and not having the “right” answers.

• Past Interview Trauma – Previous bad interview experiences can create anxiety.

• Overthinking – Trying to remember “perfect” answers instead of speaking naturally.

• Self-Doubt – Underestimating your value and what you bring to the table.

This step is designed to eliminate these mental barriers so you can walk into the interview feeling confident, prepared, and in control.

How to Do It – Step-by-Step Mental & Confidence Prep

1️⃣ Reframe Your Mindset: From “Proving Yourself” to “Providing Value”

Many candidates walk into interviews with the mindset of “I need to prove I’m good enough.” This creates stress and pressure, making it harder to answer questions effectively. Instead, shift your mindset to:

🚀 “I have valuable skills and experience to offer. This is an opportunity to share them.”

💡 Exercise:

• Write down three key strengths that make you a great fit for this role.

• For each strength, identify one real example where you applied it successfully. “what’s your biggest achievement?” 

• Repeat these strengths out loud before your interview to reinforce your confidence.

2️⃣ Use the VEG Approach to Define Your Interview Presence

One of the most powerful ways to build confidence quickly is to use the VEG approach to craft your personal narrative:

✅ V – Value – What are your top skills and strengths? What do you bring to this role?

✅ E – Ease of Transition – Why is this role a natural next step for you?

✅ G – Gratitude – Why are you genuinely excited and grateful for this opportunity?

💡 Example: “I bring strong leadership skills and a track record of improving patient outcomes (VALUE). Moving into this consultant role is a natural progression because I have been leading a team in my current role for two years (EASE OF TRANSITION). I’d be truly grateful for this opportunity because I believe in the hospital’s commitment to innovation and excellence in care (GRATITUDE).”

📌 Action: Write out your VEG framework in one paragraph and say it out loud three times before your interview.

3️⃣ Master Non-Verbal Confidence: The 3-Second Rule

Body Language Matters

Your body language speaks before you do. Confidence is not just about what you say, but how you present yourself.

🚀 Use the “3-Second Rule” to Project Confidence Instantly:

✅ When you enter the room: Pause for 3 seconds before speaking. Stand tall. Make sure that you’re making eye contact with whomever you’re interviewing with.

✅ Before answering a question: Take a deep breath, hold eye contact, and pause for 3 seconds before speaking.

✅ When finishing an answer: Avoid rushing to fill silence. End your statement and pause with confidence.

💡 Why this works: It eliminates nervous filler words and makes you appear calm, composed, and confident.

📌 It’s a good idea to practice this with a friend or in front of a mirror.

4️⃣ Use Power Posing to Physically Shift Your Mindset

Research from Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy shows that holding a “power pose” for two minutes before an interview increases confidence and reduces stress hormones. This research has been challenged over the years. But most recent findings do seem to indicate some benefit.

🚀 Power Pose Routine (Do This Before Your Interview!):

1️⃣ Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.

2️⃣ Place your hands on your hips (like a superhero).

3️⃣ Hold the pose for 2 minutes while breathing deeply.

💡 Why this works: It physically changes your hormone levels—reducing cortisol (stress) and increasing testosterone (confidence).

📌 Try this before your next meeting or presentation—you’ll feel the difference!

5️⃣ Use a Confidence Mantra Before the Interview Starts

Words shape your thoughts. Many top performers use mental scripts to get into the right mindset before high-pressure situations.

🚀 Repeat this mantra 3 times before your interview:

“I have the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed. I am prepared. I am capable. I am ready.”

💡 Why this works: Studies show that positive affirmations reduce stress and increase performance under pressure.

📌 Tip: Personalize your mantra! Choose words that resonate with you and make you feel empowered.

Tips for Success – How to Strengthen Your Confidence Every Day

1️⃣ Adopt a “Confidence Log” to Reinforce Your Strengths

Every day for one week, write down one achievement that made you feel confident. This could be:

✅ A time you solved a problem at work.

✅ A moment when you received positive feedback.

✅ A skill you used successfully.

📌 Why this works: It trains your brain to focus on your strengths instead of self-doubt.

2️⃣ Change Your Self-Talk from Negative to Positive

Many candidates unconsciously use negative self-talk that lowers their confidence.

❌ “I hope I don’t mess up this interview.” → 🚀 Reframe it to: “I am fully prepared, and I will do my best.”

❌ “I’m not as experienced as other candidates.” → 🚀 Reframe it to: “I bring unique skills and experiences that make me valuable.”

📌 Tip: Catch yourself when you start using negative self-talk and immediately reframe it.

3️⃣ Watch a Motivational Video or Listen to an Energising Playlist

Right before your interview, do something that puts you in a high-energy, positive state.

🎧 Options:

• Listen to an upbeat song that makes you feel powerful.

• Watch a motivational video about confidence and success.

• Read a past email or message where someone praised your work.

📌 Why this works: Music, videos, and positive reinforcement instantly shift your mood and confidence.

Final Thought: Confidence is a Habit, Not a Trait

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. The more you practice these techniques, the more naturally confident you’ll feel, not just in interviews, but in all areas of life.

🚀 Take action now:

📌 Choose 1 technique from this list and apply it today. Every small step builds lasting confidence.

Next: Step 2 – Last-Minute Research

Now that your mindset is set, it’s time to focus on research—because knowledge creates confidence.

Step 2: Last-Minute Interview Research

Why This Tip Matters

Research is one of the biggest factors that separates an average interview from a successful interview. Candidates who walk into any interview be it a last minute interview or a pre planned interview with clear knowledge about the company, its values, and its challenges immediately gain an advantage.

Yet, many people skip this step because they run out of time or believe they already “know enough” about the company. This is a mistake.

Imagine being asked, “Why do you want to work here?”

• Weak Answer (No Research): “I think this company has a great reputation and aligns with my values.”

• Strong Answer (With Research): “I’m drawn to this role because of your company’s strong emphasis on innovation. I recently read about your new AI-driven patient monitoring system, and I’d love to contribute my experience in digital health to projects like this.”

See the difference? The second response is specific and personalized. It shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company.

The Biggest Research Mistakes Candidates Make

❌ Relying on generic information – Saying the company is “well-respected” or “a leader in the field” isn’t enough.

❌ Only reading the “About Us” page – Many candidates stop here, missing deeper insights.

❌ Not researching the interviewers – This means missing opportunities to connect on a personal level.

❌ Skipping industry trends – Understanding recent news makes you seem informed and strategic.

✅ The good news? You don’t need hours. You can do highly effective research in 10 minutes or less with the right approach.

How to Do It – Review the Job with a Step-by-Step Research Process

1️⃣ Research the Company in Under 5 Minutes

You don’t need to know every detail about the company. Instead, for your last minute interview focus on these three key areas or questions to ask:

🚀 A. Company Mission & Values – What drives their work? What do they care about?

📌 Where to find it: Look at the company’s About Us page or mission statement.

🚀 B. Recent News & Developments – Has the company launched a new product? Expanded into new markets?

📌 Where to find it:

• Google News Search – Type “[Company Name] + news” to find the latest updates.

• Company’s Blog or LinkedIn Page – Many organizations post about recent achievements here.

🚀 C. Industry Trends – Is there a major shift happening in this sector? Any big challenges the company is facing?

📌 Where to find it:

• Industry publications (e.g., Harvard Business Review, industry newsletters).

• Competitor websites – Seeing what other companies in the space are doing can offer valuable insights.

💡 Example of How to Use This in an Interview:

“I know your company has been expanding its mental health services, especially with the launch of the new digital support platform last quarter. Given my experience in telehealth, I’m excited about how I can contribute to this initiative.”

✅ Why This Works: It connects your background to the company’s real-world priorities.

2️⃣ Research Your Interviewers (If Known)

Interviewing isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you’re speaking to. People are more likely to hire candidates they connect with.

🚀 What to Look For:

✅ Their career background – What is their role in the company (essential)? Have they worked at interesting places? Do they have expertise in a niche area?

✅ Their LinkedIn activity – Have they written or shared any industry articles?

✅ Any common ground – Did you go to the same university? Have mutual connections?

📌 Where to Find This:

• LinkedIn – Check their profile, past work experience, and posts.

• Company Website – Sometimes bios of senior staff are listed.

• Google – A quick search can uncover interviews, articles, or speaking events. Images may also give you an insight into the company’s typical dress code!

💡 Example of How to Use This in an Interview:

“I saw that you recently spoke at the Healthcare Innovation Summit on AI in patient care. That’s an area I’m really passionate about, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on where the field is heading.”

✅ Why This Works: It makes the conversation more personal and engaging.

3️⃣ Research the Job Role & Requirements

Even if you read the job description in your job search before applying, revisit it just before your interview. Try to think what questions the interviewer is going to ask based on what you find.

🚀 How to Extract Key Insights from the Job Description:

✅ Highlight the most repeated skills or responsibilities. These are the company’s priorities.

✅ Identify “hidden requirements.” If the description says “fast-paced environment,” they want someone adaptable.

✅ Prepare examples for each key requirement.

📌 Action Step:

• Take a highlighter or digital note-taking tool and list out the top 3-5 skills the role requires.

• Match these skills to real examples from your past experience.

• Don’t forget to look at the interviewing process itself.

💡 Example of How to Use This in an Interview:

“One of the key skills listed for this role is stakeholder management. In my last role, I worked closely with cross-functional teams to implement a new EHR system, ensuring smooth adoption across multiple departments. I’d love to apply those skills in this position.”

✅ Why This Works: It directly ties your experience to what they’re looking for.

Tips for Success – Maximizing Your Research in Limited Time

1️⃣ Use the “3-3-3 Research Strategy”

If you’re short on time, follow this method:

📌 3 Key Company Facts – Mission, latest news, major projects.

📌 3 Interviewer Insights – Career history, interests, shared connections.

📌 3 Job Role Priorities – Most repeated skills in the job description.

🚀 Total time needed: 10 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare “Insightful” Questions Based on Your Research

Most interviewers ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Your research will help you ask strategic, thoughtful questions rather than generic ones.

💡 Example 1 (Based on Company News):

“I saw that your team recently expanded into the Asia-Pacific market. What challenges have you faced scaling internationally?”

💡 Example 2 (Based on Interviewer Research):

“I noticed you transitioned from a clinical role into healthcare management. What was the biggest learning curve in that shift?”

✅ Why This Works: It shows you’ve done your homework and are thinking critically.

3️⃣ Have a “Cheat Sheet” Ready for Last-Minute Review

Before your last minute interview, write down the key points you found during your research link these to your own successful career stories so you can glance at them just before you go in. Use these tips to position yourself for success at every interview you attend.

📌 What to Include on Your Cheat Sheet:

✅ 1-line summary of the company’s mission

✅ 1-2 recent news highlights

✅ Top 3 skills from the job description

✅ Names and backgrounds of your interviewers

🚀 Why This Works: It gives you a quick reference point so you don’t have to rely on memory under pressure.

Final Thought: Research Builds Confidence & Makes You Memorable

Even if you only have 10 minutes to prepare, effective research will help you:

✅ Answer questions with depth and relevance.

✅ Ask smarter, more engaging questions.

✅ Make a stronger connection with your interviewers.

Action Step: Spend just 10 minutes following this method before your last minute interview—and see the difference it makes!

Next: Step 3 – Answering Common Questions with VEG & STAR-L

Now that you know what matters to the company, it’s time to focus on how to answer questions effectively.

Step 3: Answering Common Questions in the Job Interview

Why This Tip Matters

Even the most experienced professionals struggle with interviews, especially a last minute interview. This is not because they lack knowledge or experience—but because they don’t know how to articulate their value concisely and effectively.

Most interview questions follow predictable patterns—meaning you can prepare in advance to ensure your answers are structured, impactful, and memorable. Tough interview questions can become easier if you are prepared to answer common questions. You can use these interview tips to help in every interview.

However, many candidates fall into common traps in a last minute interview, such as:

❌ Rambling or over-explaining – Giving long-winded answers that lack focus.

❌ Providing vague, generic responses – Failing to give specific examples.

❌ Overloading on technical details – Focusing too much on the process and not enough on the impact.

❌ Freezing on behavioral questions – Struggling to think of an example on the spot.

The good news? With the right frameworks, you can answer any question confidently and concisely.

How to Do It – The VEG & STAR-L Frameworks for Answering an Interview Question

1️⃣ The VEG Framework for “Tell Me About Yourself” & “Why You?”

When answering “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should we hire you?”, follow the VEG framework:

✅ V – Value: Start by clearly stating your strongest skills or achievements.

✅ E – Ease of Transition: Show why this role is a natural next step for you.

✅ G – Gratitude: End by expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for the opportunity.

💡 Example Answer (VEG) for a Senior Consultant Doctor:

“I have over 15 years of experience in cardiology, specializing in acute cardiac care and clinical leadership (VALUE). For the past three years, I’ve been leading a team in a tertiary hospital, implementing a new heart failure protocol that reduced ICU admissions by 20% (VALUE). Moving into this consultant role is a natural step, as I have already been mentoring junior doctors and overseeing complex patient management (EASE OF TRANSITION). I’d be honored to join this hospital’s cardiology team because of its reputation for research excellence, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute (GRATITUDE).”

✅ Why This Works:

• It starts strong by highlighting expertise.

• It demonstrates impact with specific numbers.

• It positions the role as a natural fit.

• It creates an emotional connection with gratitude.

📌 Action: Write your VEG response and practice saying it out loud three times before your interview.

2️⃣ The STAR-L Framework for Behavioural Questions

Behavioural questions in last minute interviews are your friend. As you can easily prepare for these. Behavioural questions are all about asking questions that demonstrate you are suitable for the current role by asking for suitable examples from your past career. When answering behavioural questions (“Tell me about a time you managed conflict,” “Give an example of when you acted as a leader”, “Tell us about your role and the company you are currently at”) use STAR-L:

✅ S – Situation: Briefly describe the context.

✅ T – Task: What was your role?

✅ A – Action: What did you do?

✅ R – Result: What was the outcome?

✅ L – Link: Why does this experience matter for this role?

💡 Example Answer (STAR-L) for a Nurse Manager:

Q: “Tell me about a time you implemented a process improvement in your ward.”

“In my previous role, we had high patient turnover, and nurses were struggling with handover inefficiencies (SITUATION). As the nurse manager, I was responsible for improving workflow to enhance patient safety (TASK). I implemented a structured bedside handover system and trained staff on its use (ACTION). As a result, handover times were reduced by 30%, and errors decreased significantly (RESULT). I believe this experience has prepared me well for this leadership role, where I can continue driving quality improvement initiatives (LINK).”

✅ Why This Works:

• It tells a clear story with a beginning, middle, and end.

• It focuses on impact, not just tasks.

• It links back to why the experience is relevant.

📌 Action: Write down three STAR-L examples from your experience to have ready for your last minute interview. It is also a good idea to review your resume to ensure these examples are also highlighted there. So the panel can source more information without having to contact you again.

3️⃣ How to Answer Tough Interview Questions with Confidence

🔹 “What is your biggest weakness?”

The key to answering this well is to:

✅ Choose a real weakness (not “I’m a perfectionist”).

✅ Show how you’re improving it.

✅ End on a positive note.

💡 Example Answer (Junior Lawyer):

“One area I’ve been working on is public speaking. Early in my career, I avoided presenting in meetings, but I realised this was holding me back. To improve, I joined a legal debate group and started volunteering for presentations. Over time, my confidence has grown, and I’m now comfortable leading client briefings.”

✅ Why This Works:

• It shows self-awareness without sounding like a liability.

• It proves proactive self-improvement.

• It turns a weakness into a growth story.

📌 Action: Identify one real weakness and craft a response that shows improvement.

Tips for Success – Answering Questions Like a Pro

1️⃣ Use the “3-Second Rule” Before Answering

🚀 Take a breath and pause for 3 seconds before answering any question.

📌 Why This Works:

✅ It makes you appear more thoughtful and composed.

✅ It eliminates filler words like “um” and “uh.”

💡 Practice this: When asked a question, count to three in your head before responding.

2️⃣ Keep It Concise – Aim for 2 to 3 minute Second Answers

Many candidates talk too much in a last minute interview situation. This is risky as you can lose the panel’s attention. How much time to talk for partly depends on how much time you have been allocated for your interview and how many questions.

🚀 Aim for 2 to 3 minute answers for a 20 to 30 minute interview. Less (say 60-90 seconds) for a 10 to 15 minute interview.

📌 How to Do This:

• Write out your answers. If they take more than 90 seconds to read, shorten them.

• Practice timing yourself. Use your phone’s timer to keep answers within the timeframe.

💡 Pro Tip: If the panel wants more detail, they’ll ask a follow-up question!

3️⃣ Record Yourself Answering Questions

🚀 Use your phone to record yourself answering a question.

📌 Why This Works:

✅ You’ll hear if you sound confident or hesitant.

✅ It helps you identify and eliminate filler words.

✅ You can refine your answers for better clarity.

💡 Practice this: Record your VEG and STAR-L responses and review them.

4️⃣ Have a “Go-To” Story for Each Common Question Type

Instead of thinking of new examples on the spot, have pre-prepared stories for:

✅ Leadership – When you led a team or project.

✅ Problem-Solving – A time you resolved a challenge.

✅ Communication – A time you handled a difficult conversation.

✅ Adaptability – A time you had to pivot quickly.

📌 Action: Write down one story for each of these categories using STAR-L.

Final Thought: Strong Answers = Confidence & Control

By focusing on preparing with VEG and STAR-L, for your last minute interview you will:

✅ Answer questions concisely and impactfully.

✅ Avoid rambling or getting stuck.

✅ Feel confident and in control.

🚀 Action Step: Practice three key answers today using these frameworks—your next interview will thank you!

Next: Step 4 – Last-Minute Mock Practice

Now that you’ve crafted strong answers, let’s focus on delivering them confidently.

Step 4: Prepare with Last-Minute Mock Practice

Why This Tip Matters

Many candidates assume that preparing answers is enough for a last minute interview. But knowing what to say is very different from being able to say it fluently, confidently, and persuasively under pressure.

Mock practice is the fastest way to improve interview performance. Candidates who practice out loud before their interview experience:

✅ More confidence – They feel prepared and less anxious.

✅ Better delivery – Their responses sound smoother and more natural.

✅ Fewer filler words – They eliminate “um,” “uh,” and “you know.”

✅ Stronger presence – They project calmness and authority.

However, many candidates make the mistake of practicing only in their heads. This doesn’t help because:

❌ Your brain works differently when speaking aloud. Answers that seem great in your head may sound awkward when spoken.

❌ Under pressure, your delivery can break down. If you haven’t practiced speaking under real conditions, you may struggle.

❌ You can’t hear your own mistakes. You might not realize you speak too fast, use filler words, or lack clarity.

The good news? Just 30 minutes of targeted mock practice can dramatically improve your interview performance.

How to Do It – The 3-Step Mock Practice System

1️⃣ Practice Out Loud (No Silent Rehearsing!)

🚀 Why This Works:

• When you speak out loud, you train your brain and mouth to work together.

• You become aware of awkward phrasing and can correct it.

• You learn to control your pacing and tone.

📌 How to Do It:

✅ Choose 5 common interview questions.

✅ Answer each one out loud, without stopping, as if in a real interview.

✅ Record yourself using your phone.

✅ Listen back and note areas to improve.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on your opening (“Tell me about yourself”) and one behavioral question using the STAR-L framework.

2️⃣ The Mirror Technique: Train Your Body Language

Interviewers don’t just evaluate what you say—they assess how you say it. Your body language, facial expressions, and posture all influence how confident you appear.

🚀 Why This Works:

• Watching yourself in the mirror makes you conscious of nervous habits (e.g., fidgeting, avoiding eye contact).

• It helps you practice smiling naturally—which improves warmth and likability.

• You can adjust your posture and hand gestures to appear more confident.

📌 How to Do It:

✅ Stand in front of a mirror and answer one question out loud.

✅ Observe your facial expressions and gestures.

✅ Are you making eye contact? Do you look confident?

✅ Adjust as needed and practice again.

💡 Pro Tip: Smile at the start and end of every answer—it creates a warm, approachable presence.

3️⃣ Do a Full Mock Interview with a Timer

Your final step is to simulate the real interview environment. You should attempt to replicate the interview process based upon your research in Step 2.

🚀 Why This Works:

• It helps with timing. Most responses should be 60-90 seconds—mock practice ensures you don’t go over.

• It reduces nerves. The more you practice answering in a timed setting, the more natural it feels.

• It identifies weak areas. If a certain question feels hard, you know where to refine your answers.

📌 How to Do It:

✅ Set a timer for 30 minutes.

✅ Run through at least 5 questions (Tell me about yourself, a behavioral question, a technical question, and two job-specific questions).

✅ Keep answers within 60-90 seconds.

✅ If an answer feels unclear or awkward, refine and try again.

💡 Pro Tip: Simulate the interview setting—sit at a desk, dress professionally, and speak as if an interviewer is in front of you.

Tips for Success – Making the Most of Mock Practice

1️⃣ Use the “20-Second Rule” to Stop Rambling

A common mistake is talking too much. When candidates feel nervous in a last minute interview situation, they tend to:

❌ Give too much backstory before getting to the point.

❌ Overload with technical details that don’t matter.

❌ Keep adding points because they’re afraid of silence.

🚀 Fix It with the 20-Second Rule:

✅ After 20 seconds, pause and ask yourself: “Have I answered the question?”

✅ If yes, stop talking. If no, get back to the key point.

💡 Pro Tip: Most great answers have one strong example, not five. Keep it focused.

2️⃣ Identify & Eliminate Filler Words

Nervous candidates often use filler words like:

❌ “Um, like, you know, basically, I think, kind of, sort of.”

🚀 Fix It:

✅ Record yourself answering a question.

✅ Count how many filler words you use.

✅ Practice pausing instead of filling silence with “um.”

💡 Pro Tip: A 2-second pause sounds confident—filler words sound uncertain.

3️⃣ Speed Control: Use a Slower, Confident Pace

Many candidates speak too fast because they’re nervous. This makes answers harder to understand.

🚀 Fix It:

✅ Use the “1-Second Rule”—after finishing a sentence, pause for one second before continuing.

✅ Imagine you’re explaining something to a patient or client—keep a steady, clear pace.

✅ Practice slowing down by reading your answers 20% slower than usual.

💡 Pro Tip: Speaking slightly slower than normal makes you sound more authoritative.

4️⃣ Record Yourself Twice – Compare the Difference

Many candidates improve drastically in just two recordings.

📌 How to Do It:

✅ Record yourself answering a question once.

✅ Identify areas to improve (filler words, speed, clarity).

✅ Record again, making those improvements.

✅ Compare the two versions—notice the difference?

💡 Pro Tip: Your second recording is almost always smoother, clearer, and more confident.

5️⃣ Practice Under Pressure – Recreate the Interview Setting

To truly simulate the real interview, try:

✅ Sitting in front of a bright light (like a camera) to mimic an online interview.

✅ Asking a friend or mentor to “interview” you over Zoom.

✅ Practicing with a straight posture and professional attire to feel the part.

💡 Pro Tip: If you only practice casually, your real interview will feel overwhelming. Simulate the real setting for best results.

Final Thought: Mock Practice = Real Confidence

Mock practice is the closest thing to a real interview—it removes uncertainty, builds fluency, and gives you confidence.

✅ Action Step: Schedule 30 minutes today for a mock practice session using these techniques. The more you practice, the better you’ll perform!

Next: Step 5 – Final Confidence Boost

Now that you’ve mastered mock practice, it’s time for pre-interview rituals that maximize confidence.

Step 5: Final Confidence Boost

Why This Tip Matters

The final moments before an interview can make or break your confidence. Even with all the preparation in the world, nerves can take over, leading to:

❌ Mental blanks – Forgetting key points due to anxiety.

❌ Rushed, unfocused answers – Speaking too fast or rambling.

❌ Weak body language – Avoiding eye contact, slouching, or fidgeting.

❌ Negative self-talk – Doubting your ability right before the interview.

Arrive Early and Maximise Your Confidence

You should aim to arrive at your last minute interview early but not too early. You should try to arrive at least 15 minutes to go through your last minute routine. Your goal in the final 10-15 minutes before an interview is to:

✅ Mentally reset – Shift from doubt to confidence.

✅ Control nerves – Reduce stress so you appear calm and collected.

✅ Boost energy – Enter the interview feeling sharp, focused, and in control.

✅ Reinforce your key points – Remind yourself of your strengths and talking points.

Even if you’re feeling nervous, these proven pre-interview rituals will help you enter the interview room (or Zoom call) at your best.

How to Do It – The 5-Step Last Minute Interview Prep Pre-Interview Routine

1️⃣ The Power Pose Trick (2 Minutes)

Your body language influences your mind—research from Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy shows that standing in a power pose for two minutes reduces stress hormones (cortisol) and increases confidence hormones (testosterone).

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.

✅ Place your hands on your hips or stretch your arms wide.

✅ Hold the pose for two minutes while breathing deeply.

💡 Why This Works:

• It tricks your brain into feeling more confident.

• It reduces anxiety and lowers stress levels.

• It prevents nervous fidgeting and weak posture.

📌 Tip: Do this in a private space (bathroom, empty meeting room) before walking into your interview.

2️⃣ The “One Deep Breath” Reset (30 Seconds)

Your breathing pattern controls your stress response. When nervous, people breathe shallowly and quickly, increasing anxiety. Instead, use the “one deep breath” reset.

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds.

✅ Hold your breath for four seconds.

✅ Exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds.

💡 Why This Works:

• It instantly slows your heart rate.

• It switches your nervous system from “fight or flight” to calm and focused.

• It eliminates shaky, breathless speech.

📌 Tip: Do this right before walking into the interview room or logging onto Zoom.

3️⃣ The “Confidence Mantra” (1 Minute)

Your inner dialogue will affect how you perform in a last minute interview. If your last thought before an interview is “I hope I don’t mess up,” your brain focuses on fear. Instead, replace negative self-talk with a confidence mantra.

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Repeat this mantra three times before the interview:

“I am prepared. I am capable. I am ready.”

💡 Why This Works:

• It shifts focus from fear to confidence.

• It reinforces all your preparation.

• It creates a calm, focused mindset.

📌 Tip: Choose a personalized mantra that resonates with you. Examples:

• “I’ve done the work, I know my value.”

• “This is my opportunity to shine.”

4️⃣ The “Last-Minute Cheat Sheet” (2 Minutes)

In the final moments before an interview, don’t overload your brain with information. Instead, review a short cheat sheet with only the most important details.

🚀 What to Include on Your Cheat Sheet:

✅ One-line summary of the company’s mission.

✅ Three key strengths you want to highlight.

✅ Your VEG answer for “Tell me about yourself.”

✅ One STAR-L example for a behavioral question.

💡 Why This Works:

• It focuses your mind on what matters.

• It prevents mental blanks.

• It ensures you enter the interview with clarity and structure.

📌 Tip: Write this cheat sheet on a small notecard or in a notes app on your phone.

5️⃣ The “First 30 Seconds Strategy”

The first impression sets the tone for the entire interview and can leave the interviewer with a positive impression. If you start strong with a positive first impression, you’ll feel more confident, and the panel will perceive you as competent from the beginning.

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Walk in (or log in to Zoom) with good posture and a slight smile.

✅ Make eye contact immediately. Remember to strike a balance between panel members.

✅ Be mindful of your body language.

✅ Greet the hiring manager or interview panel with a confident, clear voice:

“Good morning! Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today—I’m really looking forward to our conversation.”

💡 Why This Works:

• It immediately establishes presence.

• It prevents awkward, nervous starts.

• It helps you ease into the interview naturally.

📌 Tip: Practice your first 30 seconds out loud before your interview.

Last Minute Job Interview Tips for Success – How to Stay Confident Even If You Feel Nervous

1️⃣ Reframe Nervousness as Excitement

In a last minute interview situation many candidates interpret adrenaline as fear. Instead, reframe it as excitement.

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Instead of thinking “I feel nervous,” tell yourself: “I feel excited and ready.”

✅ Research shows that saying “I’m excited” before a stressful event improves performance.

💡 Why This Works:

• It tricks your brain into a positive state.

• It stops nerves from overwhelming you.

📌 Tip: Right before your interview, say “I’m excited to share my experience.”

2️⃣ Focus on the Interviewers as People, Not Judges

Many candidates see the panel as scary judges. But in reality, interviewers are just people looking for a good fit for their team.

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Imagine the interview as a conversation, not a test.

✅ If you stumble, pause, breathe, and continue—mistakes are normal.

💡 Why This Works:

• It reduces performance anxiety.

• It helps you relax and engage naturally.

📌 Tip: Before answering a question, take one second to smile—this makes you feel more comfortable and builds rapport.

3️⃣ End with a Strong Closing Statement

Most candidates miss the last opportunity to make an impact at the end of the interview. Instead of just saying “Thank you,” you should be prepared to ask at the end of your interview if there is anything else the panel would like to know from you or about you and express confidence and enthusiasm.

🚀 How to Do It:

✅ Thank the panel sincerely.

✅ Ask if the panel would like any more information from you.

✅ Reaffirm your interest in the role.

✅ Leave a final positive impression.

💡 Example Closing Statement:

“Thank you again for this opportunity. I really enjoyed our discussion, and I’m even more excited about the possibility of joining your team. I appreciate your time and consideration!”

✅ Why This Works:

• It leaves a lasting impression.

• It reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.

📌 Tip: Practice your closing statement before the interview so it feels natural.

Final Thought: Confidence is a Habit, Not a Feeling

Confidence doesn’t magically appear—it’s built through preparation and action. Even if you feel nervous, using these final confidence-boosting techniques will help you walk into your interview feeling in control and ready to succeed.

🚀 Action Step: Choose one confidence booster from this list and practice it before your next interview!

Final Thoughts – You’re Ready!

You’ve now gone through the One Hour Interview Fix, covering:

✅ Mental preparation

✅ Last-minute research

✅ Answering questions with VEG & STAR-L

✅ Mock practice & delivery

✅ Final confidence boosters

Now, you’re ready to ace your interview. 🚀

Need more help?

Check out our one hour interview prep course – launching soon