How do you nail a 10 minute interview?

A 10-minute interview may seem short, but it’s a great opportunity to make a powerful impression. To make the most of your limited time, you need to be concise, confident, and prepared. Here’s how you can nail it.

1. Be Prepared and Focused

With such limited time, preparation is crucial. Know exactly what you want to say and focus on the most important aspects of your experience and qualifications.

Steps to Prepare

• Research the Company: Know the company’s mission, values, and the role you're applying for. This shows you're serious and prepared.
• Know Your Elevator Pitch: Summarize your background, key skills, and why you’re a good fit for the role in 30-60 seconds.

2. Start Strong

First impressions are everything in a short interview. Begin with a strong introduction that conveys confidence and enthusiasm.

Key Elements

• Brief Introduction: Start with your name, a quick highlight of your experience, and how it relates to the role.
• Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the company and the position right from the start.

3. Focus on Key Achievements

In a short interview, there’s no time to go into every detail of your experience. Focus on 1-2 key achievements that are most relevant to the role.

How to Highlight Achievements

• Use Quantifiable Results: Mention specific accomplishments with measurable results (e.g., “I increased sales by 20%”).
• Tie It to the Job: Make sure your achievements relate directly to the position you're interviewing for.

4. Answer Concisely

Keep your answers brief and to the point. If the interviewer asks a question, give a clear, concise response that showcases your expertise without unnecessary details.

Tips for Concise Answers

• Stick to the Question: Don’t wander off-topic or go into too much detail.
• Use the STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to answer succinctly.

5. Ask a Smart Question

Even in a 10-minute interview, you should ask a thoughtful question to show your interest in the role and the company.

Example Questions

• “What are the key qualities you’re looking for in a candidate for this role?”
• “How does this position contribute to the company’s larger goals?”

6. Wrap Up Strong

End the interview with a confident conclusion. Thank the interviewer for their time, and reiterate your excitement about the role.

Closing Tips

• Express Gratitude: Say, “Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you today.”
• Reaffirm Interest: Briefly mention why you’re excited about the role and why you’re a good fit.

Practice with Mock Interviews

For a 10-minute interview, practicing your responses can help you stay within the time limit while delivering effective answers.

Recommended Resources

• Coding Mock Interview
• System Design Mock Interview

Final Thoughts

A 10-minute interview is all about making a strong impression quickly. By preparing your key points, focusing on relevant achievements, and keeping your answers concise, you can maximize your chances of success. With a little practice and focus, you’ll be ready to nail that short interview!