Speed Interview Sprint: How Riya Found Her Voice in Five Minutes

The Day Riya Found Her Voice

Riya was a shy college senior, known more for her meticulous notes than her ability to speak up in class. She dreamed of working for a big marketing agency, but the thought of interviews filled her with dread. So, when her professor suggested she attend the upcoming speed interview event on campus, she hesitated.

"It's just practice," her professor encouraged. "You'll thank yourself later."

Reluctantly, Riya signed up.

The Challenge Begins

The event day arrived, and Riya joined a buzzing room of students and professionals. Each candidate had five minutes with each recruiter. The fast pace felt daunting, but Riya took a deep breath and reminded herself it was just an exercise.

Her first interviewer was a woman from a well-known advertising agency.

"Tell me about a time you solved a problem creatively," the woman asked.

Riya froze for a second, then thought of her college festival. "Our team couldn’t afford professional decorations, so I repurposed old magazines and handmade banners. The colorful setup became the festival’s highlight."

The woman smiled. "I like that. Creativity doesn’t need a big budget."

The Unexpected Twist

The second interviewer was different—a man with a no-nonsense demeanor. "Convince me to hire you," he said, crossing his arms.

Riya panicked internally but quickly gathered her thoughts. "Because I bring fresh perspectives. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I genuinely enjoy brainstorming innovative solutions. I believe marketing is about connecting stories to people, and that’s what I want to do."

He nodded, his expression softening.

The Confidence Builder

By the third interview, Riya felt a shift. Her nerves gave way to focus. When asked about her long-term goals, she confidently spoke about wanting to create campaigns that sparked meaningful change. She even cracked a small joke that made the interviewer laugh.

By the time the final bell rang, Riya felt like a different person. She hadn’t just survived the speed interviews—she had thrived.

The Aftermath

A week later, Riya received a surprise email. The first company she spoke to wanted to offer her an internship.

That day, Riya realized the true value of the event. It wasn’t just about getting a job; it was about finding her voice. Speed interviews had pushed her out of her comfort zone, showing her what she was capable of when she believed in herself.

From then on, Riya approached every challenge with the same determination, knowing she could rise to any occasion—even if it came with a ticking clock.