Let’s talk about the job hunt, the grind, and the emotional toll it takes. You’ve been there—scouring LinkedIn, pouring over job boards, submitting resumes that cost more than your monthly grocery bill, only to be met with silence. It’s like screaming into the void. You start asking yourself: Is this even real? Are there any jobs out there? Does anyone care? Am I just…alone in this?
Here’s the thing: you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone. But maybe—just maybe—we need to flip the script on how we approach this whole process.
Stop Talking Like a Bot (And Start Listening Like a Human)
Listen, think and respond. Be thoughtful and creative!
Here’s a little trick I used back in my corporate days: I’d toss out a vague question on purpose, just to see if the candidate would engage with me or stick to their script. The ones who asked thoughtful follow-ups—like “How does your team collaborate across departments?”—stood out instantly. Why? Because they weren’t just answering; they were connecting. And that’s rare. When you show you’re present and engaged, you’re already ahead of 90% of the pack. I also would ask questions about what they are currently reading and their interests.
Research Like You Mean It
In today’s world, there’s no excuse for walking into an interview unprepared. But here’s the kicker: memorizing the company’s “About Us” page isn’t enough. The candidates who blow me away are the ones who dig deeper—who reference a recent expansion or bring up a blog post I wrote last year.
When someone says, “I saw your company just launched in Southeast Asia—that must’ve been a huge undertaking! Can you tell me more about that?” my ears perk up. It shows they’re not just looking for a job—they’re looking for this job. That level of care and curiosity? It’s noticed, every single time.
Flip the Script: Make It About Them
Interviews aren’t interrogations—they’re conversations. But most people treat them like they’re being grilled by the FBI. Want to stand out? Show genuine interest in the person sitting across from you.
I’ll never forget one candidate who asked me, “Howie, what brought you to this company? What keeps you here?” That question turned our conversation into something real—a dialogue instead of a Q&A session. And yeah, it stroked my ego a little (who doesn’t love talking about themselves?), but more importantly, it showed emotional intelligence and curiosity. Those are skills every workplace needs.
Connect the Dots for Them
Don’t make hiring managers play detective with your resume. If the job description says they need someone with cross-functional team experience, don’t just list your roles—tell them about that time you led a project across three departments and delivered results ahead of schedule.
When you make it easy for them to see how your experience fits their needs, you save them mental energy—and trust me, that goodwill goes a long way.
Be More Than Your Job
Look, your work experience matters—a lot—but no one wants to hire a one-dimensional robot. The best candidates are those who bring their whole selves to the table: their passions, hobbies, and quirks.
I’ve hired people who talked about everything from rock climbing to teaching coding to kids because those stories showed me they had depth and drive beyond their 9-to-5 lives. Remember: companies don’t hire resumes; they hire people.
Basic Manners Still Matter
This might sound old-school, but punctuality and gratitude still count for something—and they always will. Show up on time. Say thank you after the interview (yes, even if it’s just an email). These small gestures speak volumes about your character and reliability.
Confidence + Humility = Magic
The best candidates walk this fine line between confidence and humility. They own their achievements without arrogance and acknowledge their areas for growth without self-deprecation.
One time, I interviewed someone who openly discussed a failed project—not as an excuse-fest but as a learning moment. She explained what went wrong and how she used that experience to improve her processes moving forward. That kind of self-awareness? Gold.
Know Your Worth (But Don’t Be a Jerk About It)
When it comes to salary negotiations, do your homework. Know what people with your skills and experience are earning in similar roles—but don’t treat it like a hostage negotiation. Approach it with confidence and flexibility; employers respect candidates who understand their value without being rigid.
Know your BATNA! If you don’t know what that means, look it up!
Close Strong
Here’s where most people drop the ball: the end of the interview. Don’t just mumble “thanks” and leave—use those final moments wisely! Ask about next steps or clarify any lingering questions they might have about your qualifications.
One of my favorite closing lines is: “Is there anything about my background or skills that gives you pause?” It shows confidence in your abilities while giving them a chance to address concerns directly.
The Bottom Line
At its core, interviewing isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about making human connections within a professional context. Your resume gets you in the door; how you show up as a person determines whether you stay there.
Now go out there and crush it—and when you land that dream job (because I know you will), drop me a line and tell me all about it!
If your resume isn’t getting you to the interview, something is wrong with it. If need help, reach out to your network. The network can help!!!
If you need help, reach out!