What’s something weird or unexpected that actually helped you in an interview?
Posted by Fast_Ask1244@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 37 comments
I've got an important job interview coming up and I've already done all the obvious stuff (research the company, know my CV, dress smart, prepare answers etc).
What's the most obscure, underrated or unusual interview tip you've learned that genuinely made a difference?
Not looking for the standard advice that's on every careers website. More interested in the little things that most people wouldn't think of but actually help.
Could be something you learned from interviewing people, being interviewed yourself, or something that unexpectedly worked for you.
VarangianWRLD@reddit
Search up your interviewers on LinkedIn - if they have ran a marathon and fundraised for the British Heart Foundation, talk about your interest in running and what you're doing. If they went to X university, do a bit of research on X and drop something in the chat etc (your cousin is considering applying there). It's fine to drop lots of white lies, but just make them believable. Obviously if you're a heavier person you'd talk about using running to lose weight and probably not the last 6 marathons you have ran. Be sensible
It pays to do research beyond the usual boring company stuff. Look at their individual drivers, their hot buttons. What stage are they at in their career. What makes them tick. What will keep them up at night in their roles.
Show you pay a bit of attention to what's going in the world. How is AI impacting the organisation, if it is relevant how are current global conflicts impacting them etc. The typical questions you'll find to ask are great but go above and beyond. I think it pays to show you are worldly.
Remember their first names and use it often but not too often when answering questions.
Be nice to everyone you encounter, the receptionist, the cleaners etc.
Remember at this stage it's as much about how you would fit in as well as how you would perform the role. Show you have a bit of personality.
If they say something about their strategic priorities as an example, then regurgitate what they said back to them in slightly simpler language. This shows you understand what they are talking about and also makes them feel good.
Write questions down when asked. For goodness sake, bring a notepad and pen with you.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Great advice, thank you very much
VarangianWRLD@reddit
Oh I missed this. If you have a glass of water or a coffee, make sure to take it to the washing up station.
Defiant-Tackle-0728@reddit
Many moons ago I had an interview with an architectural firm.
I was told it was a 3 person interview panel, turned up and it was 4, one of the interviewers was deaf.
Now I worked as communication Support Worker at University working with deaf and blind students, mostly I was working as an amanuensis/note taker and transcriber, but I also learned a decent amount of BSL.
When it was explained, I stated that I could sign a little, the deaf guy lit up, so I spoke and signed at the same time (something that isnt usually done) with his interpreter jumping in where my 'signing' wasnt good enough.
I got the job purely because I could sign.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
That’s awesome!
MintyMarlfox@reddit
Don’t just focus on their financials and history, try and dig into their culture a bit. Go through their socials, local papers online etc to find out about charity days or community volunteering etc.
Then find a way to align with those values so they know you’ll be a good fit into their company.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Spot on
suspicious-donut88@reddit
I went to an interview in a hospital. The room had a glass wall facing the garden with trees, flowers and squirrels. I had to sit facing the window, while 3 squirrels played and chased eachother and be interviewed by 3 men in suits. It was torture and I eventually had to confess I wasn't paying attention due to the squirrels.
I got called back for a second meeting and this time it was in a room with a window facing the car park. Much better.
I did not get the job.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Lovely anecdote to be fair hahah!
Superb-Parfait-7318@reddit
Sounds corny, but be yourself. Obviously the professional "version", but stay yourself. Stumbling on a question is just a normal human thing ... trying to maintain an overly impenetrable polished version of yourself is so off putting I feel. It comes across fake ... in other words stay grounded in who you are and try enjoy as a two way conversation not a test.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
I’ve always gone in with this mindset but I think because of how much I want this job, I’m overthinking things
Superb-Parfait-7318@reddit
It might be best to distance yourself a bit i.e. don't over prepare as it can have you sound like you are reading off a script and that is when unexpected questions can derail you. I have found that there is a sweet spot between knowing what you can bring to the table; what you need to ask them with room for spontaneity. It sounds counter productive but has worked for me when stakes were high.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Very good point - I’ve not been prepping to the point where I’m listing things off like I’m acting a scene of Shakespeare
JJBrazman@reddit
If it’s a coding interview, I once got a job because I could write code by hand in pencil on paper. My boss said ‘that’s what separates the men from the boys’, but really I just happen to have had to do that in the past.
JPierre90@reddit
Smile. Be positive and excude a natural relaxed demeanour. This may not be natural for everyone - me included - but if you work on that it really helps. I always like to tell myself that the interviewer(s) are just normal people like me, they have their own worries, insecurities and anxieties like we all do! So you've got nothing to lose! If it doesn't work out.. SWSWSWWN - Some will, so won't, so what, what's next 😏 Good luck with the interview mate
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Great advice, thank you mate
Appropriate-Roof1422@reddit
Ask about their existing projects/programmes and where you think you fit in. Maybe suggest a new approach that will bring money/new clients in the business.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Spot on
Bksudbjdua@reddit
I'm quite a friendly person, enjoy small talk etc. I aim to create a good impression with everyone I meet. So with who ever is on reception desk. And then when you are walking to the interview room with the hiring manager/another colleague, I think this is prime time to make yourself memorable. I'm not quite sure how I do it , I just try to read the room quite quickly. Say something topical, show vulnerability in a way, if you can get them to genuinely laugh, in my head I've nailed it. But I'm not firing out a million jokes or anything. Maybe just a funny observation or situation. E.g. if they said how was your morning use this response to show who you are (adventurous, kind, energetic, resilient) oh I went swimming this morning, I helped my neighbour with xyz, I am learning how to sew/drive/paint and attended a lesson, I was gardening. Bonus points if it's something that the hiring manager is also interested in, as now you both have the same interests... Subconsciously saying I like this person before the interview even starts.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
That’s a really good idea and I’ve already thought on this (and had a cheeky look into the people who will be interviewing me). I just don’t want it to feel too forced.
Bksudbjdua@reddit
Anything thing I do is, I'm always genuinely interested in the other person. So I'll say how are you? But I'll really mean it, and encourage conversation off the back of what they have said
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Very good point
Bksudbjdua@reddit
Yeah that's it, it's a fine balance!
scampifry@reddit
When they ask you a question, pause for a moment and write it down. Creates a moment for you to think about your answer and allows you to reference back to make sure you answered all parts.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Good idea - I was thinking of taking a note pad anyway but felt a bit awkward
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steeperturtle@reddit
If doing a teams interview always turn up at least 5 mins early and wait and ALWAYS put your camera on.
To settle, set up the room behind you nicely, get a cold drink and do beathing excercises before. I also fold my legs stops any nervous tapping that might shake the screen.
When talking and know your stuff talk and look straight into the camera not the video. Eye contact works even remotely.
Read your notes and for the first interview at least they just want to find out youre not a muppet.
Good luck.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
I should have mentioned it’s a second stage interview on site, I’ve already passed the first stage on teams thankfully
VFrosty3@reddit
Something that I always do is take a bottle of water in with me. After they’ve asked a tough question, it towards the end of a tough question, I’ll take a sip. It gives me extra time to think, without me sitting there in silence. They see it as me drinking, rather than sat there in silence for 5 seconds and thinking of an answer.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
I’ve heard this a lot and I think it’s a good point
birchblonde@reddit
Remember that no one is trying to catch you out - they are hoping that you will succeed. They have a need that you could fill. Feel confident that you could be just the person they’re looking for.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Good point, I feel that should be the mindset I need to have
Jingoldsby@reddit
I always aim to flip the script so to speak, I.e. ask lots of questions make it more into a informal chat.
Look into the company records on company house, ask about the history of the business, ask about any challenges currently being faced etc, find out why they are hiring etc, who your be working with on a daily basis.
At the end of the day its a two way street you wanna make sure your going to enjoy it and fit in too.
asterallt@reddit
Hard agree with this. I end up interviewing a lot of people in my job and it’s soul destroying if, after 40 minutes, you say ‘do you have any questions for us?’. And they say ‘nope, I can’t think of any right now’. The best interviews have been a proper two way thing - they’re the ones that stand out. Good luck!
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
For sure! I think if you can’t have a proper conversation with somebody when first meeting them, are you going to be able to do it on a day to day basis?
Jingoldsby@reddit
You can also ask about any big projects they may be working on etc and use their responses to bring back in your experience / intrestests etc.
Fast_Ask1244@reddit (OP)
Good shout! I always feel if they connect with you you’ve got a better shot