A walk-in interview can be defined as a job screening without any appointment and scheduled meeting. They’re common at the career fairs or informal sessions. They generally are short and consist of just a few questions. Your employers might offer you a job at an end, but most of the time, these meetings can be used as a way to narrow down your applicant pool. The top candidates are invited for the formal interview at a later date.

The walk-in interview can be simpler and more competitive compared to other types of job interviews. As its name suggests, you may simply walk into an interview venue with no prior appointment.

Many companies conduct such walk-in interviews to shortlist the best candidates for the selection rounds. But, because of the highly competitive nature, the walk-in interview can be tough to crack, mainly if you aren’t very smart to conduct yourself during such a job interview.

Also Read: 7 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers

And, this is the reason why we are discussing a few important tips in this post and get you ready for your next walk-in-interview.

Get Ready

The ease with which such types of meetings happen will make them appear more casual than it is. Although most of the are made to be informal, and applicants are generally smart to do some preparation beforehand. Thinking of common questions is a good place you can start. The interviewers can ask why candidates want to work with a given company, for example, and why they think they are good at the given job. Discussing general strengths or weaknesses is common.

Usually, it is the best idea for candidates to dress formal and come fully prepared with the list of references or copies of their resume. Candidates who look professional and polished, even in an impromptu meeting, usually are at the top position to make a good impression that can lead to the job offer.

Coming to the Next Stage

What happens after an interview will differ depending on an employer and what type of job it is. The entry-level work that wants to be filled immediately will be hired on the spot that means that the successful candidates will be offered the position as soon as an interview is done or later in a day or week.

So, it is quite common for the walk-in interviews to appear to be an initial screening. Employers get a chance to think about who is the best from these initial meetings and invite the best candidates for the formal question-and-answer meet-up. These are generally more structured, and candidates will often have the chance of meeting with other senior executives, take a tour of the offices, and ask extensively about the job and further responsibilities.

Advantages to the Employers

Many times companies conduct such walk-in interviews due to its efficiency. Meeting candidates for the brief time allows the recruitment officers a good chance to converse to many candidates at once for a single thing and cuts down on any paperwork involved to run a high-scale job hunt. Instead of spending time reading through the stacks of resumes, the recruiters will meet the people in a fast and face-to-face meeting where they will make an immediate impression on who will be the right fit for the role.

The walk-in interview process allows the company to interview many candidates for the various departments. The recruiters will have many managers from different departments meet with the candidates that save resources and time.

Advantages to the Job Hunters

Candidates prefer walk-ins to formal meetings. Such casual meetings generally allow job hunters to get a fast sense of the company and its vision without spending lots of time in research and will give them an immediate feel for if a particular position will be a good fit. Many more connections will be made, and if not, there will be new opportunities to look for.

When you plan to go for a walk-in, make sure you prepare yourself, and rehearse thoroughly. Perhaps practicing will be essential for walk-in interviews as you get very limited time with an interviewer. So, chances to put a good impression on them are less. Ensure you’re on the right track right from the start.

Check Out Walkin Interview Tips

Make sure you do proper research about that company, its mission and vision, people associated with that company, the job you’re applying for, job description, etc.

• Prepare a self-introduction speech.
• Revise your technical know-how
• Work upon your body language
• Prepare common and tricky interview questions. 
• Know the timings & location beforehand.
• Never get nervous, seeing many people interviewing for a job. Focus on yourself.
• Give short and precise answers.
• Arrange your documents neatly in your folder, and whenever any need arises, you do not need to fumble over the papers.
• Be courteous when you are getting interviewed. Carefully listen to your interviewer, and answer after he finishes. Don’t interrupt in between.

How to Properly Dress for Walkin Interview?

To dress for your interview isn’t much different than dressing for the formal interview. You need to dress as per the job position you are planning to apply for. Suppose it’s the corporate job, you can choose a formal attire, whereas if you’re interviewing for the startup company or creative job that does not have any dress code, go for the business casuals.

Make sure you pay attention to your grooming. For men, mustache and beards must be neat or shaven. Both genders must avoid wearing funky jewelry, tattoos, and more.

Things to Carry Along

Here is the list of some essential things you must carry in your walk-in-interview.

• Reference letter (if any)
• Multiple copies of resume
• Previous Employment Records
• Qualification Certificates
• A folder to arrange all documents neatly
• Pen and Notepad
• Any other relevant document

Take a Final Step 

There are no major differences between a walk-in interview and a normal job interview, and the only thing is competition will be higher. But, no need to get worried about it and focus on your abilities and skillset. If you’re confident and certain about yourself and carry yourself gracefully, the interviewer may take you seriously.

But, one tip you have to succeed in your walk-in-interview will be practicing a lot. You can practice with your pals, take actips from your seniors.