Last Minute Interview Tips.

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.