Comments on: 6 Innovative Ways to Really Get Noticed by a Hiring Manager

By: Chris Romans

Chris Romans — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 23:37:00 +0000

In my most recent series of interviews, I made an effort to think of it like meeting with a friend I genuinely like. Of course, it’s not quite that casual, but I switched my mindset from entirely series and professional to a little bit more laid back, relaxed, and able to interact with the interviewee like a human being and potential friend as opposed to some robotic zombie. I found that this really helped me, and it showed much as those interviews went very well; when compared to previous interviews where I basically choked up entirely.

I’ve learned that interviews and getting hired is as much a science as it is an art. It can be hard to find the balancing point between being a total professional yet relaxed and sort of casual in your demeanor. I think I’m finding this myself, and thinking your site will definitely help others to find this as well!

By: Paul Chittenden

Paul Chittenden — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 03:42:00 +0000

Chris, Great point! I totally agree with you. One thing to remember when interviewing is that the interview is just as much about you trying to figure out if you REALLY want the position and if the company is the right fit for you. I know a lot of people just need a job, but it’s a two way street.

And as you said, insightful questions open up a dialogue between you and the interviewer. People like to hear themselves talk, so the more you get the interview talking the more they will perceive that the interview went great!

By: Chris Romans

Chris Romans — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 21:25:00 +0000

As I recently got hired with my undergraduate psychology degree (which has an extraordinarily high unemployment rate paired with it), I think I can definitely chime in with regards to the hiring process do’s and don’ts. For sure what you have mentioned in this article is all useful. One of the easiest things to do is ask questions. I know you pointed this out, but it is something that I did that significantly prolonged the interview and I believe made a huge impact on my chances of getting hired. An interview should be viewed as important and potentially life changing, and to not go in prepared to both answer and ask questions seems ludicrous. Also, the questions I asked gave me much insight into the company I was looking to work for. The interview should not be one sided, but rather a communication between yourself and a representative of the company (who is doing the interview!). I felt I’ve done much better in these sorts of situation since I started thinking in this way, and I feel many others should do the same.

By: Paul Chittenden

Paul Chittenden — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Beren, thanks! The hardest part of pulling off the token technique is finding a way to connect the “token” to the interview. You can’t just buy them a book unless it’s extremely relevant to your conversation. You don’t want to look like you’re trying to buy them off. You’re trying to really establish a connection.

A point I didn’t make is that one of the best “tokens” is the introduction. Introduce the hiring manager to someone of interest – a customer, a business partner, or anyone else who would be valuable to the hiring manager’s network.

By: Beren

Beren — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:37:00 +0000

Nice article. I think you hit some great points. I had never heard about the “token” technique, but it makes sense. Also, I think another important part of #5 is really researching and familiarizing yourself with the company as much as possible before an interview. It’s extremely important to ask informed questions to show you’ve spent some time learning about the company and how it markets its products/services. Try to avoid asking questions that you could have answered for yourself with a quick look at the company’s website, and be sure to ask a hiring manager to expand on any gray areas in the job description.

By: 6 Innovative Ways to Get Recruiters to Notice You

6 Innovative Ways to Get Recruiters to Notice You — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 19:51:39 +0000

[…] Add these creative job-seeking pointers from Brazen Careerist: […]