A boss recently shared the four-word sentence from an interviewee that got her hired right away.
Preparing for a job interview can feel like a massive undertaking, and it’s totally normal to feel nervous about it. You have to know all about the company, have well-thought-out answers for their questions, and, of course, come prepared with a few questions of your own to ask at the end.
Balancing all of this, along with trying to present your most genuine self, can be a lot, which is why many people turn to the internet for advice and tips to help them feel more prepared and confident.
Some hiring managers use unique tricks to gauge a candidate’s fit, like the well-known coffee cup test, or the ‘salt and pepper’ test that one manager uses to evaluate a potential hire.
Recently, a job candidate seeking tips posted on Reddit, asking: “What is an interview tip or trick that has always helped you get the job?”
The responses poured in with suggestions like ‘asking questions’ and ‘keeping a positive outlook’, while one commenter shared a standout tip: “When they ask you if you have any questions you can ask, ‘what project would you put me on if I started work today?’ You’ll get more detailed explanation of the specific role and also get them to think from the perspective of already having hired you.”
But one business owner’s straightforward advice seemed to really stick with people.
The boss explained that one of the most effective things you can do in an interview is simply to say that you want the job.
They wrote: “Ask for the job!”
“Both at the end of the interview state you want it. And follow up with a thank you email that reiterates it.”
“I just hired someone for our family business. We had 60ish applicants, 12 were offered video interviews, four offered an in person interview and one offer letter. I ran the video interview portion since I’m based remote. ONE PERSON told me they want the job, and we hired her.”
“… Generally at the end of the interview an interviewer will ask if you have any thing else you want to say. I will add a small summary of why my skills align with the position and why the position aligns with my goals. And then I’ll directly say I want the job.”
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Other users in the discussion stressed the importance of sending a follow-up email after an interview.
One person suggested: “Send a thank-you note: thank the interviewer for their time and give 2-3 sentences reiterating why you are the best candidate for the job. It’s very old school but it works.”
Another shared: “I send a hand written thank you note in the mail. Makes me stand out after interviews. I always have gotten offers when I’ve done that.”
