Found out about the interview yesterday, or just realised it is this afternoon? These last minute interview tips are built for exactly that situation. You do not need a week of preparation to perform well — you need a focused hour, a calm body, and a handful of strong stories. Here is how to make the most of the time you have.

Professional woman standing calmly by an office window composing herself before an interview

1. Calm your body first, not your slides

Nerves are physical before they are mental. Ten slow breaths, shoulders dropped away from your ears, and a short walk around the block will do more for your performance than re-reading the job advert for the tenth time. Interviewers remember presence far more than perfection, so arrive in a state you can actually think in. If your hands shake, hold a glass of water or a pen — small anchors steady you.

2. Research the company in 15 focused minutes

You do not have time for a deep dive, so go for the essentials: what the company does, who its customers are, and one recent piece of news or direction. The careers page and the latest press release usually cover all three. Pick one detail that genuinely interests you and weave it into your answer to "Why do you want to work here?" — a single specific reference beats five generic compliments.

3. Prepare three stories, not thirty

Most interview questions are variations on a theme: a challenge you handled, something you improved, and a time you worked with difficult people. Choose one real example for each, and structure them simply — what the situation was, what you personally did, and what happened as a result. Practise saying each one aloud once. Spoken practise matters more than written notes because interviews happen out loud. Our guide on how to prepare for a job interview explains the story-bank method in more depth.

4. Rehearse your opening two minutes

"Tell me about yourself" comes first in almost every interview, and a confident opening sets the tone for everything after. Prepare a 90-second version: where you are now, one or two relevant achievements, and why this role is the logical next step. Keep it forward-looking rather than a full life history.

5. Prepare four questions to ask them

Candidates who ask nothing look uninterested, so prepare questions even when time is short. Good last-minute options: "What does success look like in the first three months?", "What is the biggest challenge facing the team right now?", "How would you describe the working style of the team?" and "What are the next steps in the process?" Write them in a small notebook and take it in — referring to notes looks prepared, not weak.

Glass of water, closed notebook and pen arranged on an office reception table

6. Sort the logistics the night before

Nothing ruins a good interview like a frantic morning. Lay out your outfit, charge your phone, print two copies of your CV, and check the route with extra time for delays. For a video call, test the link, camera, and microphone, and tidy what the camera sees. These small video interview preparation tips take five minutes and prevent most technical disasters.

7. Eat, hydrate, and arrive early

A proper meal and water steady your blood sugar and your voice. Aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early — enough to settle, not so early that you sit awkwardly in reception for half an hour. Use the waiting minutes to review your three stories one final time, then put the notes away.

8. Walk in like you already belong

First impressions form in seconds. Smile, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and use the interviewer's name once or twice. Sit upright but relaxed. Remember that the interview is a two-way conversation: you are evaluating them as much as they are evaluating you, and that mindset shift alone reduces pressure enormously.

9. Listen fully before answering

Nervous candidates rush to fill silence. Instead, let the interviewer finish, pause for a breath, then answer. If a question confuses you, it is perfectly fine to say, "Could you clarify what you mean by that?" — it shows thoughtfulness, not weakness.

10. Be honest about what you do not know

Bluffing is the fastest way to lose trust. If asked about something outside your experience, say so plainly and pivot to what is adjacent: "I have not used that tool directly, but I learned a similar system in three weeks at my last role." Honesty paired with evidence of fast learning impresses far more than a shaky fabrication.

11. Close with enthusiasm

Before you leave, say clearly that you want the role: "I have really enjoyed this conversation, and I am very enthusiastic about this position." Many candidates forget this step, yet hiring managers consistently say genuine enthusiasm influences their decision.

12. Follow up the same day

A short thank-you email within a few hours keeps you memorable. Mention one specific point from the discussion and reaffirm your interest. You can adapt one of these interview follow-up email templates in under five minutes. For broader reading, Indeed's interviewing advice hub covers common questions and answers by role.

The bottom line

Great interviews are not about having the most preparation — they are about having the right preparation. A calm body, three strong stories, one researched detail about the company, and four thoughtful questions will carry you through almost any conversation. Time is short, so start with tip one and work down the list.