What to Do When You Have an Interview Tomorrow and Feel Unprepared

A real-life story of how I helped a student prepare in less than a day—and how you can do it too.

"What do I even do to prepare for tomorrow?!"

That’s what a student asked me when they had an interview with a casual gaming company. They knew Python and DevOps but nothing about gaming. Sound familiar? Maybe your interview’s tomorrow, and you feel completely unprepared. Don’t worry—this post walks you through the exact steps I shared to go from panic to confidence. You can do it too.

Step 1: Try the Product

If the company has a product, try it. If it’s a game, download it. If you’re short on time, watch a YouTube demo or tutorial. Spend at least 30 minutes understanding what they do.

Why It Works:

• You’ll speak more confidently about the product.

• You can use specific examples in your answers.

Example:"I explored your game and noticed how intuitive the controls feel, especially for new players. I’d love to contribute by making sure those kinds of experiences stay seamless at scale."

Step 2: Find One Recent Update

Look for a blog post, social media update, or press release about something new the company has done. It could be a feature launch, a milestone, or an industry partnership.

Why It Works:

• Shows you’ve done your homework.

• Gives you a specific, insightful question to ask.

Example Question to Ask:"I saw your team recently introduced a loyalty feature. What inspired that direction, and how has it been received by users so far?"

Step 3: Use Glassdoor to Your Advantage

Glassdoor is your prep secret. Look for:

• Common interview questions for the role.

• Themes in employee reviews, like culture or team values.

• Red flags to avoid mentioning.

Why It Works:

• You’ll feel less blindsided by questions.

• You can align your answers with what the company values.

Example Answer:"I’ve heard your team values collaboration. I thrive in environments where teamwork is key to solving complex challenges, and I’m excited to bring that mindset here."

Step 4: Prepare a Strong “Tell Me About Yourself”

This question isn’t about your life story—it’s about connecting your skills to their needs. If you don’t have experience in their industry, focus on transferable skills.

Why It Works:

• Keeps the focus on what you can offer.

• Shows you’ve tailored your response to the role.

Example Answer:"My experience is in optimizing systems and processes. While I’m new to gaming, I’ve been exploring your platform and see opportunities where my DevOps skills could improve scalability and performance. I’d love to contribute to those areas."

Step 5: Have a Go-To Story Ready

Think of one standout experience from your past work or projects that showcases a relevant skill. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure it.

Why It Works:

• You can adapt it to answer multiple questions.

• It highlights your impact clearly.

Example Story:"In my last role, I reduced deployment times by 20% by automating manual processes. I’m excited to bring that focus on efficiency to your team."

Step 6: Test Your Virtual Setup

For virtual interviews, technical issues can derail your confidence. Take 10 minutes to check your equipment:

• Test your mic, camera, and lighting.

• Download any software needed

• Make sure your background is clean and professional.

Why It Works:

• Prevents avoidable distractions.

• Shows you’re prepared and professional.

Step 7: Review the Job Description

The job description is your cheat sheet. Highlight the top 3 skills or responsibilities mentioned and think of specific examples from your experience that align.

Why It Works:

• Keeps your answers relevant to what they care about.

• Shows you understand the role.

Example:"I noticed this role emphasizes problem-solving under tight deadlines. In my last job, I managed a high-pressure launch and implemented solutions that reduced downtime by 30%."

Step 8: Prepare for Salary Discussions

You don’t need to bring it up, but be ready if they do. Research the average salary range for the role and have a confident, professional response prepared. Not sure? use levels.fyi

Why It Works:

• Shows you’re informed and ready for the next steps.

  
  

Example Response:"Based on my research and experience, I’d expect a salary in the range of $X to $Y. Does that align with your expectations?"

Checklist: Your One-Day Interview Prep Plan

1. Try the Product: Spend 30 minutes using or watching a demo of their product.

2. Find a Recent Update: Look for a blog post, announcement, or social media update to mention.

3. Use Glassdoor: Review common questions and cultural insights.

4. Prepare Your “Tell Me About Yourself”: Tailor your intro to connect your skills to the company’s needs.

5. Have a Go-To Story: Pick one adaptable story that highlights your impact.

6. Test Your Setup (Virtual): Check your camera, mic, lighting, and background.

7. Review the Job Description: Highlight 3 key responsibilities and match your experience to them.

8. Be Ready for Salary Questions: Research the salary range and practice your response.

Final Thought: Be Confident in Your Effort

Even with limited time, showing that you’ve done the work can set you apart. Every step you take to prepare demonstrates that you’re serious, resourceful, and ready to contribute.

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