In a walk-in interview you go to the employer’s office on a set date and time, without an appointment, and are interviewed the same day. Companies hiring many people at once, such as call centres, retail stores, delivery companies and hospitals, use walk-ins to fill jobs quickly. Some candidates get an offer the same day.
Before you go
- Read the job post again. Note the date, time window, address, the role and who to ask for at the venue.
- Plan your route. Check how long the metro or bus takes and leave early. Walk-ins often work on a first come, first served basis, and the line can be long by noon.
- Call ahead if a number is given, to confirm the drive is still on.
- Charge your phone and keep some cash for travel.
Documents to carry
Keep everything in one clear folder so you can find each paper quickly:
- Three or four printed copies of your CV
- Two passport-size photos
- Photo ID: Aadhaar card, and your PAN card if you have one
- Mark sheets and certificates for 10th, 12th and your degree or diploma, originals and one photocopy of each
- If you have worked before: experience letter, relieving letter and your last three salary slips
- Your driving licence, if the job involves driving or field work
- A pen
Some job posts list extra documents, so read the job description once more before you leave home.
What to wear
Dress neatly, even for a field or store job. A clean, ironed shirt with trousers, or a kurta or salwar suit, and closed shoes work for most roles. Avoid strong perfume and loud colours. Looking ready for work helps when the interviewer is meeting many people in a day.
At the venue
- Reach 15 to 30 minutes before the start time.
- Be polite to the security guard and the receptionist. Interviewers sometimes ask them how candidates behaved.
- Fill in the application form neatly and completely. Copy dates and marks from your documents, not from memory.
- Expect to wait. Carry water, and keep your phone on silent.
- Keep your answers short and clear. Walk-in interviews are quick, often 10 to 15 minutes per person.
Common walk-in rounds
- Form and document check at the reception.
- HR round: about you, your education and why you want the job.
- Test or skill round: a typing test, a short written test, a voice check for telecalling, or a practical task.
- Final round with the manager: salary, timings and joining date.
Before you accept an offer
Ask for the offer in writing, with the salary (fixed and incentives), working hours, weekly off and joining date. If the salary is given as CTC, read our guide to CTC and in-hand salary so you know what you will actually get each month.
And remember: a genuine employer never asks you to pay at a walk-in. If anyone asks for a fee, leave and report it.