Last Minute Interview Tips.

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.