5 Unexpected Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Job

Above and beyond the normal upfront preparation.

Let’s face it — interviews are awkward.

They’re a “dog and pony” show. You’re walking a fine line between selling yourself as the great candidate you are while attempting to not sound like a narcissist who’s full of yourself.

It’s like a first date but with arguably higher stakes. Because the last time I checked, it’s easier to get a date on Tinder than an interview.

The cruel reality of it is that the more you want the job, the greater the pressure. So it’s important to be prepared before going in.

And yet, a lot of the interview advice out there isn’t stellar. A lot of it is mundane, common sense.

Of course, I’m going to think of a list of situations to talk about. Of course, I’m going to prepare for the common interview questions. And of course, I’m going to get there early.

I’ve since learned the hard way the do’s and do not’s of interviews. I’ve been both the successful interviewee and the not-so-successful interviewee.

And I’ve also been on the other side of the interview table asking the questions and scrutinizing who I want next on my team.

Here are five unexpected interview tips to help you land your dream job.

#1 — Showcase a personality that’s sunshine

People are drawn to bright, cheerful personalities. Be the human version of Sunny D. Channel positivity and sunshine in every interaction you have with your interviewers.

Do you enjoy working with people who are always complaining? Do you want to be around people who bring in a storm cloud anytime they step into the room?

No. These people can drag down the entire team’s morale and it’s a manager’s worst nightmare.

I’m not saying you can’t have bad days at work or can’t complain about something. I’m just saying that your interview is your first date with your potential new employer — which means you want to be on your best behavior and showcase your best self.

I once had a professor share he hires his summer associates based solely on whether they smiled right when they walked through his door. Extreme, but it proves a point.

First impressions matter and the interview starts before the questions begin.

#2 — Clothes maketh the man (and woman)

“Dress for success” may be a cliché but that doesn’t detract from the wisdom in this advice.

If it’s an in-person interview, then chances are you’re donning your business formal suit.

Please try it on before your interview.

You don’t want to realize at the last minute that you’re missing a button or that the pants don’t zip up anymore. You have enough to be antsy about; your clothes should not add to your stress levels.

If it’s a phone interview or a video call interview, then I’d highly recommend you still don that business formal suit.

Yes, the whole suit. Pants included.

In my previous job, I wore leggings, cabin socks, and oversized shirts to work daily. But the day I had an interview, I strolled in with heels, dress pants, and a blazer — all so I could sneak off quietly into a meeting room and take a phone interview.

It got me in the right headspace.

It’s like donning your armor before battle or doing your warm-up laps before the big game. Hopefully, you’re not doing either of these things in your boxers or pajama bottoms.

#3 — Be Superman

Right before I go into an interview — when I’m the interviewee — I Superman power pose to boost my confidence.

I’ll find a quiet, private place and stand with my arms stretched out over my head, legs hip-distance for stability, and hands in fists. I shift my shoulders back and hold my chest high.

I’ll control my breathing and I’ll tell myself, “You are going to be kickass in this interview. They’re going to love you and you are going to get this job and you are going to be awesome.”

It might sound a bit hooky, but it’s another tactic that helps me get into the right headspace. It reminds me to be my own #1 cheerleader.

This Superman power pose idea was popularized by Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy in one of the all-time most popular TED talks. Ultimately, further studies later disproved the science behind this.

So why am I still backing a theory that’s been debunked? Because the power of the placebo effect is scientifically proven. How’s that for some “science-ception”?

#4— Remember that you’re not royalty; stop saying “we”

Last I checked, I’m not royalty.

And yet a decade of teamwork has me defaulting to saying “we” — “we accomplished this”, “we set out to achieve that”, etc.

I say “we” even when I know full well that I did all the work. It’s like I’m so afraid of accidentally coming across as stuck up that my pendulum has swung the other way and now I’m afraid to take credit for my work.

Don’t do this in an interview.

I’ve been on the other side of the interview table, scratching my head and wondering what exactly the interviewee has done when every question is answered with “we did this”.

It is so much work to poke and prod an interviewee in an attempt to see through the “we”.

Is the “we” hiding the fact that he’s the freeloader on the team who talks a big game but doesn’t actually lift a finger? Or is this “we” just someone who’s humble but deserves to be offered the job?

It may feel awkward to immediately transition to saying “I delivered this” and “I succeeded in that”, especially if you do work on a team. It’s fine to be upfront and say this project was executed with a team, but that’s not an excuse to not showcase your contributions to the project.

Remember, the interviewer is evaluating whether to hire you — not your team. Tell them what you have accomplished.

#5 — Always ask the interviewer a question at the end

Almost every interview I’ve been part of ends with the interviewer asking, “Do you have questions for me?”

Never say no.

This too is part of the interview. Take advantage of it and use it to showcase your abilities to think ahead, rise to the challenge, or show them you have a personality.

Some of my favorite questions to ask (and be asked) are:

• What are your top opportunities and challenges?
• Strategically, where do you see the company/team heading in the next few years?
• What’s your favorite thing about working for this company/team?

Let’s recap

Interviews are awkward. Actually, they kinda suck if I’m being honest.

But they’re important.

You have an hour to try to convince someone that you’re the right person for the job when chances are they have no clue who you are. Use every advantage you can get your hands on.

1. Showcase a personality that’s sunshine
2. Clothes maketh the man (and woman)
3. Be Superman
4. Remember that you’re not royalty; stop saying “we”
5. Always as the interviewer a question at the end

What are you waiting for? Get hustling and go land your dream job!