5 Unusual Job Interview Tips
Everyone has heard the age old list of worn out interview advice such as “make eye contact!” and “dress to impress!”, including your interviewer. Below you’ll find 5 uncommonly used techniques that can really blow your next interview out of the water and set you miles apart from the average Joe.
1. Research the company’s blog posts.
Content is king in this day and age. With so much information at the command of your fingertips, it’s shocking to learn that few people look beyond the company’s home page. It’s like we’re trying to write an essay without quoting a single passage from the book. Stand out from your competitors and go beyond when doing research prior to the interview. Sift out key data and use them to give your answers that extra punch of credibility.
DO NOT:
Give out generic answers that puts you right in line with the average Joe.
“I think Company X’s new product will do well on the market because
wearable technology is a new trend that…”
DO:
Give answers that are well researched, interesting, and rooted in data.
“I was reading up on Company X’s newest blog post, and was blown away by the fact that Model Y hit over $1 billion in sales in the last year alone. Therefore, I believe…”
2. Scheduling is key.
Did you know: Research shows that Tuesday at 10 a.m. is the “Goldilocks” zone for interview times. Too early in the morning — you may catch a hiring manager in a cranky, non-caffeinated mood. Too close to lunch or late in the afternoon — they just can’t wait to end the interview as soon as possible. Mondays are mounting with stress and to-do lists and Fridays are on weekend prep mode. If you have a couple of time slots offered, choose the one that’s on a late morning between Tuesday and Thursday.
EXCEPTION:
If the position needs to be filled out immediately, always opt for the earliest time slot, as they will be favoured by recruiters with an urgent spot to fill.
3. Devise an unforgettable “Story Statement”
Most interviews will begin with the same icebreakers — the good old “tell me about yourself” or “walk me through your resume.” Most candidates give out uninspiring responses in this general formula:
“I studied [major x] because I really care about making a difference in [industry y], as you can see from my performance at my previous job at [company z].”
This answer, while stable and standard, is cold and leaves the recruiter unengaged. You are leaving out all the substance that gives meaning to why you want this job in the first place. How does your upbringing and educational background influence you? What was your moment of epiphany in your career? Why does this job move you? By adding these extra dimensions to the formula above, you are bound to leave the interviewer with a stellar impression.
4. Ask questions that kill two birds with one stone.
Asking questions at the end of your interview is extremely important — it allows you to learn more about the position and the company AND convey to the interviewer that you are interested in the job. This is the perfect opportunity for you to kill both of these birds with one stone. To do this, you have to ask genuine questions while conveying something new about yourself. While most people only do the first part, adding the latter can give you a final chance to impress the interviewer.
Examples:
“I’m passionate about languages and minored in Japanese in university.
Will this role provide opportunities to work in emerging markets in East Asia?”
“I used to work with the Humane Society and was so grateful for the opportunity to give back. For a full time employee, are there company-wide community service events that I could take part in?”
5. Ask THIS bold question.
This one is a daring one to pull off, and that’s why we love it. Before the interview ends, ask this one final question to the hiring manager:
“Have I said anything in this interview or given you any other reason to doubt that I am a good fit for the role?”
If you deliver this gutsy question honestly and unwaveringly, it displays confidence and true intent on getting the job. Employers will commend you and kick your interview up a notch in their mind. Sometimes, they will say yes and give you the chance to clarify a snag that would’ve otherwise cost you the offer.