Are you ready for the decisive moment in your professional journey? The interview is the moment when you have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on hiring managers. The standard answers to typical questions are no longer enough to stand out in today's competitive working world.
In this blog post, we'll explore five highly creative ideas that will help you not only score points in an interview, but also ensure you're memorable. From visual presentations to engaging storytelling, these innovative approaches will help you make the interview process an unforgettable experience and maximize your chances of landing that coveted job.
Join us on a journey that will revolutionize your interviews. Now is the time to optimize your performance and make sure you leave a lasting impression in the minds of hiring managers. Get ready to think creatively and stand out from the crowd - your next career opportunity awaits! Incidentally, two ideas actually happened like this at our agency and actually made an impression on us (and resulted in the applicant being hired).
Table of contents
1. with the kettle to the job interview
In the world of job interviews, there are many tried and tested methods and strategies for standing out from the competition. But sometimes it's the unexpected and creative approaches that make the biggest impressions. This story is about one such moment when an applicant for a UX/UI position at a large company not only captured attention, but also captured hearts.
It started when this applicant, a former coworker of ours who still kept in close contact, applied for a position that required an excellent sense of design and a deep connection to user experience. He knew that he didn't just want to convince with words, but with visible proof of his skills.
His first thought was to use his BMW as an example. This luxury car was undoubtedly a masterpiece of design, but it also had some weaknesses in the area of user experience. Unfortunately, he couldn't just bring his BMW to the interview, so he kept thinking.
Finally, he came up with a brilliant idea: his designer kettle(click here for the product)! This elegant kitchen appliance was not only visually appealing, but also expensive. But there was one problem that came to his mind and that he could use perfectly to illustrate his skills. The amount of water was integrated into the handle, which at first glance looked futuristic and wonderful. However, there was one big problem - you couldn't read the scale for the amount of water when water was poured in as the hand blocked the view.
This dilemma perfectly illustrated why he was the ideal candidate for the position. He placed great importance on both the design (UI) and the user experience (UX) of a product. In the interview, he presented the kettle and passionately explained how this beautiful device caused frustration in reality. It was a practical example of how design and functionality need to harmonize with each other.
What happened next surprised not only him, but also the HR managers in the room. One of the HR managers hammered his fist on the table and congratulated the applicant on his bold and innovative approach. He said: "Finally someone who doesn't give a PowerPoint presentation but explains their skills using a practical product!"
The atmosphere in the room was lightened and the applicant had not only won the interview, but had also made an unforgettable impression. From that day on, he was known in our company as "the guy with the kettle".
This story teaches us that creativity and originality can often open the door to new career opportunities. Sometimes it's the unconventional paths that get us ahead the most. And so we are left with the memory of the kettle and the BMW as an example of how an applicant can create real magic in a job interview. Incidentally, this reminded me of my really nice toaster, which I would have happily thrown out of the window several times. You only manage to heat two buns on it at the same time without the rack collapsing if you have the right touch.
2. surprising turnaround in the job interview: the power of 'homework'
It was a normal day in our office when we received an unexpectedly remarkable application. The applicant, a refugee woman from eastern Ukraine, had been living in a refugee shelter for six months, together with her child and husband. Her application caught our eye because of her impressive references, but there was one major obstacle: her poor knowledge of German.
In our first interview, we tried to give helpful tips for her professional future, as we didn't see an immediate need for her skills in our company at the time. But then something unexpected happened: at the very end of the interview, she asked for "homework". An unusual request in a professional context, which initially took us by surprise.
We spontaneously decided to give her the task of designing a template for a wedding newspaper - a product that fits well into our portfolio, as we offer a wide range of templates and extensions for our customers. What happened next exceeded all expectations: Over the weekend, she used her small laptop to create an outstanding template that impressed our entire team. Her work was not only technically sophisticated, but also showed a deep understanding of the topic and the needs of our customers. By the way, you can find the finished wedding template product here.
Inspired by her success, ask for more homework. You're welcome: the creation of certificate templates for children's birthdays was on the agenda anyway. Our own attempts in this area had not been very successful so far. But she also mastered this challenge with flying colors and delivered results within just three days that completely convinced us. You can find the certificate templates here as a product.
This experience ultimately led us to hire her - a decision we have not regretted to this day. It was her initiative to ask for "homework" that changed everything. This story impressively shows how important openness and creativity are in the application process and how unexpected talents can be discovered if you are prepared to leave traditional paths.
3. creativity and warmth in the job interview: an unforgettable encounter
A few weeks ago, we experienced a job interview that clearly stood out from all the others. The candidate, a young refugee from Ukraine, applied for an internship with us. We were already impressed by his punctual arrival, but what happened next was completely new and unexpected: he gave us a gift.
When he entered our office, he was holding a professionally wrapped gift bag in his hands. In it, we found his favorite candy from Ukraine and a large package of various cookies. As my brother and I had barely eaten breakfast that morning, this gift came at just the right time. We snacked on some of the sweet Ukrainian treats and were both surprised and delighted.
When we asked him why he had given us the gift, he replied that it was his way of saying thank you. He had applied to over 100 companies, but only two had offered him an interview. His appreciation and gratitude for this opportunity were palpable and moving.
He was also extremely well prepared. On his laptop, he showed us various websites that he had successfully optimized using his SEO skills. His skills and commitment were impressive and convincing. The fact that he used the time to successfully complete several language courses and was therefore able to conduct the entire interview in German was also impressive. He is currently receiving citizen's benefit, but is determined to work and not be a burden on the state. What a great attitude!
Naturally, we offered him the internship. This encounter reminded us of a similar situation with an applicant from Ukraine, who impressed us with her "homework" and ultimately found a permanent position with us.
I particularly like to tell this story because it shows how a small but thoughtful gift can have a big impact. Psychologically, it was a clever move on his part: by doing something good for us, we almost unconsciously felt the desire to do something good for him too. It's a lesson in humanity and creativity that goes far beyond the boundaries of an ordinary job interview.
This story underscores the importance of being open to unconventional approaches, especially in a process as personal as a job interview. It also shows that sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest impression.
4 The job interview U-turn: a story about confidence and courage
In the world of high-powered law firms, where every applicant shines with impeccable qualifications, there are moments that completely upend the usual course of a job interview. One such scene played out in a memorable episode of the series "Suits" in which Louis Litt, a partner at Pearson Specter Litt, was looking for a new lawyer.
After a series of typical interviews in which Litt asked the usual questions, a candidate entered the room with something completely different in mind. Instead of submitting to the conventional questions, she turned the tables and confronted Litt with an unexpected question: "What does your firm have to offer me?" Her words were more than just a question; they were a challenge, a demonstration of self-confidence and a belief that she would be a valuable addition to the firm.
This candidate was not just any candidate. With perfect degrees from Harvard and several other top universities, she had offers from several prestigious law firms - each ready to welcome her with open arms. In this scene, she made it clear that she wasn't just another candidate begging for a position, but someone who knew exactly what she was worth and what she wanted.
Louis Litt's reaction was immediate and decisive. Without asking another question, he canceled all other scheduled interviews and hired the confident applicant immediately. This scene was a powerful statement about the importance of confidence and courage in a professional environment. It showed that while qualifications and experience are essential, the ability to present oneself and stand up for one's worth can be just as crucial.
This story from "Suits" is an inspiration for anyone navigating the world of job interviews. It reminds us that poise and confidence can open doors that might otherwise have remained closed. In an industry where perfection is expected, having the courage to be different and set your own terms can be the very factor that sets a candidate apart from the crowd.
This scene from "Suits" is a perfect example of how being confident and setting your own terms in an interview can change the course and lead to unexpected success. It impressively illustrates how important it is to be aware of your own strengths and to use them in a targeted manner.
5. the art of questioning: an unforgettable job interview
In the world of job interviews, there are always memorable moments. One such moment occurred with an applicant who masterfully demonstrated the art of questioning.
The interview initially proceeded according to standard procedure. After about ten minutes came the typical request to ask the applicant if he had any questions. What happened next, however, was anything but ordinary. The applicant pulled out a neatly sorted folder, arranged alphabetically by company name. With a calmness that immediately captivated the room, he opened the section dedicated to our company and pulled out a ballpoint pen.
What followed was a remarkable demonstration of thoroughness and preparation: he asked no less than 30 precise questions. Each question revealed deep insights into our company and a remarkable understanding of the industry. It was as if he was interviewing us, not the other way around.
After all the questions had been answered exhaustively, came the surprising final act. With a confidence that commanded respect, he simply said: "I'll get back to you and let you know if the position is right for me or if another company was able to convince me better."
This experience was a lesson for us all. It showed that an interview is not only a way for companies to find the right candidate, but also an opportunity for applicants to test the company. The applicant left the interview not as a supplicant, but as someone making a conscious choice. His performance was a reminder that a job interview is a two-way process where both sides are equally scrutinized.
This story is a powerful illustration of how a reverse approach to interviewing can be not only impressive, but effective. It shows that a confident demeanor and thorough preparation can make a deep impression and significantly change the dynamics of a job interview.
Finally, an important tip: although it is impressive to appear confident and self-assured in an interview, it is equally important not to come across as arrogant. Being friendly and respectful to the interviewer is essential. It is not necessary to conduct the interview in exactly the same way as in the story described above. Instead, you can communicate openly at the end of the interview whether you would like the job or would like to wait for further interviews. It is also advisable to ask for a reasonable date by which you should get back to confirm your interest in the position. This approach shows professionalism and respect for the company's process.
Do you have any other creative ideas on how to score points in a job interview? Feel free to email me at info@tukit.com. Thank you!