5 answers
Keaira
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How can one stand out beyond meeting expectations in an interview. What does going above and beyond in an interview look like beyond the standard “best practices”.?
I’ve been on interviews where I know I meet the requirements, I have the qualifications, and I am both calculated and personable during the interviews, meeting all the industry standards and applying techniques but still get passed up on opportunities that I’d be perfect for? I’ve nailed many interviews but it seems the ones that are most important to me do not go in my favor. How can I change that by being memorable and desired in the workforce?
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5 answers
Mickael Rosenberg
Software Engineer
265
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Keaira,
In fact maybe because you are trying to stick to best practices do you fail. As an interviewer, when I feel that someone has just learned the best way to answer a question so they get the job, I do not feel super comfortable. I prefer a genuine person because if something new is in the way, I have more trust that this genuine person will actually think than someone who learned by heart how to answer.
So you may need to be a little more natural.
As you explain yourself, it seems this is too much about applying methods but in computer science like in any domain, problem solving often require to think above the known techniques.
In fact maybe because you are trying to stick to best practices do you fail. As an interviewer, when I feel that someone has just learned the best way to answer a question so they get the job, I do not feel super comfortable. I prefer a genuine person because if something new is in the way, I have more trust that this genuine person will actually think than someone who learned by heart how to answer.
So you may need to be a little more natural.
As you explain yourself, it seems this is too much about applying methods but in computer science like in any domain, problem solving often require to think above the known techniques.
Morgan Huber
Operations Director
3
Answers
Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
It sounds like you're doing everything right, Keaira! Keep at it, the right opportunity will pan out.
As you refine your interview technique, a few tips to consider:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the business and then look to build on it. For example: "I understand we're currently operating in 7 states, what plans are there to expand nationally?" equally, seek to clarify what you know about the business, such as: "I was curious to better understand the Engineering side of the house. How does that team contribute to the work this team is working on?"
2. Don't be too prescriptive. It's important to come prepared with notes and questions. Once you're in the interview, go with the flow. Ask questions that compliment the conversations. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate well, read the room, and be flexible. If you have more questions than could not be addressed during the interview, ask for additional time or follow up in an email after.
3. Navigating "no". At the end of your interview, consider asking "What, if anything, is keeping us from moving me forward in this process?" or, "What reason, if any, would keep you from hiring me?" and then listen to the answer. If given the opportunity, address the concerns and demonstrate your ability to over come their objection.
4. Follow up. Regardless of the outcome, follow up with a "thank you" note! Express gratitude for the interviewers' time, the experience and learnings you had, and mention feedback you will take on moving forward. Additionally, if others' were involved in the process - a talent team or scheduling assistant, thank them too.
As you refine your interview technique, a few tips to consider:
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the business and then look to build on it. For example: "I understand we're currently operating in 7 states, what plans are there to expand nationally?" equally, seek to clarify what you know about the business, such as: "I was curious to better understand the Engineering side of the house. How does that team contribute to the work this team is working on?"
2. Don't be too prescriptive. It's important to come prepared with notes and questions. Once you're in the interview, go with the flow. Ask questions that compliment the conversations. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate well, read the room, and be flexible. If you have more questions than could not be addressed during the interview, ask for additional time or follow up in an email after.
3. Navigating "no". At the end of your interview, consider asking "What, if anything, is keeping us from moving me forward in this process?" or, "What reason, if any, would keep you from hiring me?" and then listen to the answer. If given the opportunity, address the concerns and demonstrate your ability to over come their objection.
4. Follow up. Regardless of the outcome, follow up with a "thank you" note! Express gratitude for the interviewers' time, the experience and learnings you had, and mention feedback you will take on moving forward. Additionally, if others' were involved in the process - a talent team or scheduling assistant, thank them too.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1666
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Keaira,
I agree with Mickael! Try just being yourself, because really and truly, everyone doing the interviews is different, we all look for different things, at different times. Let them see the "real" you.
True story. I was at an interview before a panel of 5 or so people. The first step was to prove that I could lift a box of copier paper off the floor and set it back down, since the job required being able to pack up the office equipment and go to remote locations. As I lifted it, I blurted out, "it doesn't wiggle nearly as much as my dog!" No idea why I said it, but, I did. What happened? They were all able to connect with me in that split second (most people are "dog" people), and the rest of the interview went smoothly. I was the top choice.
Sometimes an interviewer wants someone who can hit the ground running. Other times they have time to train you. Sometimes they are looking for someone who fits in with the team. Sometimes they DON'T want someone who reminds them of the last "problem employee" they had, whatever that might be. Sometimes they already know who they are giving the job to, but are conducting interviews to satisfy the requirements in case of discrimination complaints.
Sure, you want to rehearse. A little. But you don't want to sound rehearsed. That's why my spontaneous comment worked so well. A totally polished performance leaves one asking "What is this candidate hiding? What are they NOT telling me?" You don't want to be that candidate!
Besides, if you present the real you, and they choose to not hire you, perhaps that is in your best interest. If they don't like the real you, isn't it best to not work there? The right job will come along. It might be someplace other than where you expected. Keep looking, keep applying, keep interviewing. And above all, keep confident!!
I agree with Mickael! Try just being yourself, because really and truly, everyone doing the interviews is different, we all look for different things, at different times. Let them see the "real" you.
True story. I was at an interview before a panel of 5 or so people. The first step was to prove that I could lift a box of copier paper off the floor and set it back down, since the job required being able to pack up the office equipment and go to remote locations. As I lifted it, I blurted out, "it doesn't wiggle nearly as much as my dog!" No idea why I said it, but, I did. What happened? They were all able to connect with me in that split second (most people are "dog" people), and the rest of the interview went smoothly. I was the top choice.
Sometimes an interviewer wants someone who can hit the ground running. Other times they have time to train you. Sometimes they are looking for someone who fits in with the team. Sometimes they DON'T want someone who reminds them of the last "problem employee" they had, whatever that might be. Sometimes they already know who they are giving the job to, but are conducting interviews to satisfy the requirements in case of discrimination complaints.
Sure, you want to rehearse. A little. But you don't want to sound rehearsed. That's why my spontaneous comment worked so well. A totally polished performance leaves one asking "What is this candidate hiding? What are they NOT telling me?" You don't want to be that candidate!
Besides, if you present the real you, and they choose to not hire you, perhaps that is in your best interest. If they don't like the real you, isn't it best to not work there? The right job will come along. It might be someplace other than where you expected. Keep looking, keep applying, keep interviewing. And above all, keep confident!!
Chelsie Lorenzo
Small Commercial Field Underwriting Consultant
14
Answers
Granby, Connecticut
Updated
Chelsie’s Answer
I support Mike and Kim's suggestion to try something new and beyond the usual approach in your next attempt. Aim to make the interview feel more like a casual conversation, which can help you ask more questions and truly demonstrate your ability to adapt and think on your feet. Personally, I always ensure that, before the interview ends, I ask if there are any doubts about my qualifications or experience for the position, so I can address them immediately. This gives you the opportunity to ease any concerns before the interviewer has a chance to dwell on them. Remember to send a thank you note within 24 hours after the interview, mentioning something insightful you gained from the conversation. This shows that you were attentive and care about the opportunity, while also emphasizing why you're the perfect candidate. Best of luck!
Deborah Fraser
Project Manager
2
Answers
Salem, New Hampshire
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Hi Keaira,
Many organizations conduct panel interviews, or format interviews. This type of interview may have a specific response format. For example: They may ask you a question that you have a great answer to and you are confident, but if you didn't answer in the format they instructed, you would not get the associated points. Think about the game show Jeopardy. If a contestant knows the answer, but they don't answer in the form of a question, they still get it wrong.
One such format may expect you to describe results. Maybe the in example you gave your action is fantastic (you organized an event for example), but you forgot to tell them what happened as a result of your action (your company got 50 new customers for example).
The other thing I'd say is make an effort to learn about the company and the if possible the people in the department. LinkedIn is a great place to learn about the culture, the goals, and the business they conduct. The more you know the better you can frame your answers to matter!
Many organizations conduct panel interviews, or format interviews. This type of interview may have a specific response format. For example: They may ask you a question that you have a great answer to and you are confident, but if you didn't answer in the format they instructed, you would not get the associated points. Think about the game show Jeopardy. If a contestant knows the answer, but they don't answer in the form of a question, they still get it wrong.
One such format may expect you to describe results. Maybe the in example you gave your action is fantastic (you organized an event for example), but you forgot to tell them what happened as a result of your action (your company got 50 new customers for example).
The other thing I'd say is make an effort to learn about the company and the if possible the people in the department. LinkedIn is a great place to learn about the culture, the goals, and the business they conduct. The more you know the better you can frame your answers to matter!