How to Prepare for a Job Interview in Under 10 Minutes (Last-Minute Interview Prep That Works)

Job interviews can come at the most unexpected times. Maybe you received a call just minutes ago, or perhaps the interview completely slipped your mind. Either way, you now have less than 10 minutes to get ready — and you’re feeling the pressure.
Don’t worry. With the right approach and mindset, you can still walk into that interview confident, clear, and ready to impress.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare for a job interview in under 10 minutes — and how having a professionally written CV from a trusted Professional CV Writing Service in Kenya like JobSeeker can be your biggest advantage.
1. Take a Minute to Stay Calm and Focus
Before you do anything, stop and take a deep breath. It’s normal to feel anxious before an interview — especially when you’re short on time — but panic won’t help.
Give yourself one minute to reset your mind. Remind yourself that you were selected for the interview because the employer saw potential in you. That means your CV did its job — and now it’s your turn to show up and deliver.
If you had your CV written by JobSeeker’s Professional CV Writing Nairobi team, chances are your strengths are already well-presented on paper. Your job now is to bring that same energy to the conversation.
2. Skim Through the Job Description (2 Minutes)
Quickly open the job posting and scan the following:
- Main responsibilities
- Required qualifications
- Preferred skills or experience
Understanding what the employer is looking for allows you to tailor your answers. Focus your talking points around these areas, so your responses are relevant and to the point.
A professionally tailored CV, like those created by JobSeeker, often highlights the exact skills and experience employers seek. This means you can refer back to your CV during the interview with confidence.
3. Identify Three Key Selling Points About Yourself (2 Minutes)
In the next two minutes, identify your top three professional strengths. These should relate directly to the job role. Ask yourself:
- What experience do I have that matches this role?
- What results have I achieved in similar roles?
- What makes me different from other candidates?
Think in terms of achievements and skills. For example:
- “I have three years of experience managing social media campaigns that doubled engagement.”
- “I’m a certified accountant with hands-on experience in financial reporting.”
- “I recently completed a digital marketing course and managed a live campaign for a local client.”
These clear, specific statements make a stronger impression than generic answers. If you’re struggling to define your strengths, consider getting your CV rewritten by a Professional CV Writing Service Kenya like JobSeeker. We help job seekers position themselves effectively for every opportunity.
4. Prepare for the Most Common Interview Questions (3 Minutes)
You don’t need to prepare for every possible question. Focus on the most common ones:
- Tell me about yourself.
Keep it professional. Mention your background, skills, and recent work experience. - Why do you want this job?
Refer to something specific about the company, culture, or opportunity that excites you. - What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Be honest, but strategic. Highlight strengths related to the role and weaknesses that you’re actively improving. - Why should we hire you?
Summarize your top skills, experience, and passion for the role.
Having your CV professionally written ensures these answers are already structured for you — making it easier to talk through them under pressure.
5. Final Checks: Presentation and Environment (2 Minutes)
If your interview is virtual:
- Check your internet connection
- Ensure your background is tidy and distraction-free
- Keep your CV open on your screen for easy reference
If it’s an in-person interview:
- Dress neatly and professionally
- Print a clean copy of your CV (ideally, the one written by JobSeeker)
- Bring a notebook or folder if needed
Even with limited time, your appearance and environment make a lasting impression.
Why a Professionally Written CV Gives You a Major Advantage
Preparing in 10 minutes is possible — but only if your CV is already doing the heavy lifting. That’s why thousands of job seekers across Kenya are choosing JobSeeker, the trusted provider of Professional CV Writing Services in Kenya.
Our team of professional writers helps you:
- Clearly present your experience and qualifications
- Highlight your strengths in a way employers understand
- Create a CV that’s tailored to specific industries and job roles
Whether you’re based in Nairobi or applying to roles across the country, our Professional CV Writing Nairobi experts are here to help you succeed.
Conclusion: Last-Minute Interview? No Problem.
Even if you only have 10 minutes to prepare, you can still make a positive and lasting impression.
Here’s what to remember:
- Stay calm and confident
- Skim the job description for key details
- Identify your top three strengths
- Rehearse answers to common questions
- Present yourself professionally
And most importantly — make sure your CV reflects the very best version of you. If you’re still using a generic or outdated CV, it’s time for an upgrade.
Get a CV That Gets You Hired
Let JobSeeker craft your next winning CV.
- Professional CV Writing Service Kenya
- Expert CV Writers in Nairobi
- Cover Letters, LinkedIn Profiles & More
Call or WhatsApp us now: +254701229988
We’ve helped thousands of professionals across Kenya land interviews, get job offers, and grow their careers. Let us help you too.
JobSeeker — Kenya’s Trusted CV Writing & Career Growth Partner.