Whether you’re full-time or part-time, a solopreneur or an
independent contractor, a master of the gig economy or looking for a new
career, you will find yourself in the interviewing process at one point
or another.
Key points
In addition to coming prepared with the best questions to ask in a job interview, you my want to consider these weird interview tips.
[This is part of a series — “30 Days of Freelancing”: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27]
Wear color
About a month ago, I made a new rule: I’m no longer allowed to buy
black or gray clothes. The rainbow style makeover has had an unexpected
impact: People respond to me more positively. It seems that when you
wear color, people think you are happy.
Meditate strategically
In reality, the interview isn’t about you — it’s about them. Are you a good fit for their
company? Spend 15 minutes before you leave for your interview mentally
projecting yourself into the mind of the person who’ll be interviewing
you. This will push you out of narcissism and into empathy. What will
make them hire you?
Create a character
I used to be on TV. Initially, the idea of being on TV made me very
anxious. I dealt with that by creating a character. What character would
your future boss hire? The creative wunderkind, the risk-taking
strategist, the marketing genius? Decide what that person looks like,
talks like, acts like. Be that person for the duration of the interview.
You can go back to being you afterwards.
Pick a time
According to this Glassdoor post, the best time to interview is 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday. On the other hand, this post on ScienceDaily
suggests you’re best off being the first in line, scoring subconscious
privileged status. The worst: the start of the day on Monday, when
hirers want to get to work, and the end of the day on Friday, when they
want to go home.
Grow an inch
My biggest asset in a job interview: I’m tall (6’1″). Statistically, taller people make more money.
Before we open our mouths, we’re conferred more power, greater
self-confidence, and higher status. Wear shoes that make you taller. Do
yoga to stand straight. Don’t slouch — unless you want to be assumed
less worthy.
Make ‘em laugh
If there’s one thing I’ve done in nearly every interview, it’s make
the interviewer laugh at some point. The interviewing process doesn’t
have to be dry, formal, and stressful. Laughter creates an emotional
bond between you and the person you’re trying to get to like you.
Look smarter
The College of Optometrists claims glasses make you look smarter.
Of course, they’re biased. Those who seek to overcome a bias — you’re
young, you’re blonde, you’re inexperienced — can score extra perceived
IQ points by donning a pair of specs.
