20 Creative Interview Techniques

CareerBuilder asked 2,076 hiring managers and human resource professionals to recall some of the most unique ways candidates have tried to get their attention. Although the job market is on the mend, candidates still need to seek out creative ways to stand out… just make sure you’re getting positive attention from employers! Check out the list.

interview techniques, hire me, man with hire me sign

10 Interview Techniques that Worked

  1. Candidate contracted a billboard outside of employer’s office.
  2. Candidate gave a resume on a chocolate bar.
  3. Candidate showed up in a suit with a red T-shirt underneath a white shirt. The red T-shirt had a message – “Hire me, I work hard.”
  4. Candidate asked to be interviewed in Spanish to showcase his skills.
  5. Candidate crafted the cover letter like an invitation to hire her rather than a request (similar to a wedding invitation).
  6. Candidate climbed on a roof the employer was repairing and asked for a job.
  7. Candidate performed a musical number on the guitar about why he was the best candidate.
  8. Candidate volunteered to help out with making copies when he saw interviewer’s assistant was getting frazzled.
  9. Candidate repaired a piece of company’s equipment during the first interview.
  10. Candidate sent a message in a bottle.

10 Interview Techniques that Fell Short 

  1. Candidate back-flipped into the room.
  2. Candidate brought items from interviewer’s online shopping wish list.
  3. Candidate sent a fruit basket to interviewer’s home address, which the interviewer had not given her.
  4. Candidate did a tarot reading for the interviewer.
  5. Candidate dressed as a clown.
  6. Candidate sent interviewer some beef stew with a note saying “Eat hearty and hire me J.”
  7. Candidate placed a timer on interviewer’s desk, started it, and told interviewer he would explain in 3 minutes why he was the perfect candidate.
  8. Candidate sent interviewer a lotto ticket.
  9. Candidate wore a florescent suit.
  10. Candidate sent in a shoe to “get their foot in the door.”

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