You didn't see it coming -- at least not this fast. The call came in last night and you have until Friday to prepare for that important interview -- and today is Tuesday.
What to do! Don't panic. You can prepare in three days by using this step-by-step guide.

If you don't have three days -- you may have to stay awake a little longer to prepare by compressing the exercises.

Day One

Key Factors

The first step is to get a copy of the job posting and study it. Read it first for content, the second time for words, and the third time for factors that are needed to do the job -- read between the lines.

How do you fit requirements?

Next, try this exercise: look in the job posting and cross check in against what you have to offer. This is a simple two-column exercise. On one side of a sheet of paper list what "they want" and the other side of the sheet what "you have to offer."

How do you size up? Where are you strong? Where will you have to stretch?

You'll also want to research the company; the industry, and the competition. The "Google" the company's website to find out any current information.

Day Two

Begin to focus on what you have to offer and how you'll let the interviewer know what you have to offer.

Your Personal Statement:
 
You'll want to prepare a personal statement that you'll be able to say in two minutes or less. This personal statement will be used to answer questions such as: "Tell me about yourself," or "What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?"

Your statement should be focused and include your education, and experience; your expertise or areas of knowledge; your strengths; and something about your work style or work ethic -- what other's may say about you. Lastly, end with something of interest -- maybe a hobby that is job related or something that makes you a good fit for the position.

The Most Common Interview Questions

While there is no way of predicting what will be asked in an interview, you can prepare for general questions often asked in interviews.

• Why did you leave/are you leaving your last position?
  
• What do you know about this company?
  
• What are your goals?
  
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
  
• Why do you want to work for this company?
  
• What has been your most significant achievement?
  
• How would your last boss/colleagues describe you?
  
• Why should we hire you?

Scripting your answers before the interview will assist you when you're under pressure during the interview:

Prepare to Ask Questions

At some point in the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. Don't say, "No, I don't have any questions as this point." It's important for you to ask questions.

You can write a list of questions that are important to you. Do not ask questions regarding salary, benefits, or time-off until you are sure that there is some interest in you. In other words, "sell yourself first."

Some good questions to ask will come as a result of the things you discuss or the questions asked during the interview. If, for example, you’ve discussed customer service.  It would be appropriate for you to ask about customer service. You may say, "We've been talking about customer service, could you tell me about the biggest problem in this area?"

If you can get them to tell you about their problems or challenges in this job, you can sell yourself as a "solution to their problem."  Someone who understands the problem and can come in and make things better.

Day Three

Salary Information and References

One of the most dreaded questions asked in any interview is, "What is your salary expectation?"

By doing some research on salaries and what the "going rate" for this type of position is before the interview you won’t be caught "off guard" if they ask you for a number or a range.  You should know your salary needs, based on your living expenses and your bottom line or walk away point -- when you can't afford to take this job.

Appearance Counts

Make sure your interview outfit is in good order -- clean and wrinkle-free. Remember, you want to give a great, professional impression. Stay away from trendy clothes unless you are going for a job in the fashion industry. It is best to be conservative in everything about you -- hair, jewelry, handbag/briefcase, shoes.

Items to Carry to the Interview

• Several copies of your resume on good paper
  
• Copy of your reference sheet
  
• Pad of paper to take notes (notes are optional)
  
• Directions/map to the interview site

That's it. You did it. Prepared for the interview in three days.

Should you have the luxury of more days to prepare, use that additional time to put more time and practice into the preparation. Preparation will make a huge difference in your confidence, and confidence will make a big difference in the impression you make.