Dos and Don'ts of Attention-Getting Tactics for Interviews

It’s hard to stand out in a crowd of carbon copy applicants with similar skill sets. Many people resort to dramatic tactics to get a hiring manager’s attention but not all of them go about it in a way that will work in their favor.

I tell my nine year old all the time, you have to understand that not all attention is created equal. Make sure your strategy is going to get you positive attention instead of negative. You want them to think you’re drama free rather than someone who always seems to be insisting, “Look at me!”

Keep these Do’s and Don’ts in mind to appear like an original instead of an oddball:

DON’T

Scent your resume – Skip spraying perfume or cologne on your paperwork. Who knows what allergies or memories strong smells might trigger upon opening a scented resume.

DO

Use textured paper – Etch your experience in an interviewer’s kinetic memory. Using paper with an impression will leave one that you’re not flat but a multifaceted asset to the company.

DON’T

Wear a suit jacket with a bright color or bold print – It’s ok to be quirky and eccentric as long as you can demonstrate it comes with a high level of taste. You don’t want them to think someone just yelled “Send in the clowns” when you enter the room for an interview.

DO

Wear an accessory with a bright color or bold print – No one’s saying you have to be boring. Spice up your usual suit with a splash of color and pattern in your tie, scarf or socks. An unusual piece of jewelry can also be a conversation started that reveals a little bit about you as a person to a potential employer.

DON’T

Act like you’re better than everyone else – There’s a difference between being self assured and arrogant. Working with a prima donna is one of the most frustrating experiences for any team to undergo. They won’t care how amazing you are if it makes everyone else in the office feel awful. Hiring managers will chose less qualified candidates if you can’t keep your ego in check.

DO

Validate that you’re better than everyone else –Instead of just saying you’re great back it up with facts and figures. Executives love numbers so come to the interview prepared with case studies analyzing your role in various projects. Describe the challenges faced and how they were overcome. Highlight how you helped the assignment succeed with tangible results.

It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to be the best and the boldest candidate for the job. Keep in mind you want to be remembered for skills instead of stunts. A wild gesture will get you 15 minutes of fame or an eternity of infamy in a company but a well planned presentation will put you in the spotlight for long-term success.