#126 - Job Interview Tips: Turn-Ons, Turn-Offs & How to Actually Stand Out

Most of us are never taught how to act in job interviews. We’re taught how to write a resume, how to answer the big three questions, and how to look “professional.” But no one tells you how to actually come across like a real human being.

In this episode, I wanted to change that.

I’ve been on both sides of the table, the person nervously trying to get hired and the one doing the hiring. And honestly, being on the interviewer side opened my eyes. So many people think preparation means memorizing bullet points and repeating them perfectly. It doesn’t. That’s the fastest way to sound like a robot.

“He had everything so rigid and so prepared and so robotic that it felt like there was no human element to it.”

That quote came from me talking about a friend who couldn’t get past first-round interviews because he over-rehearsed. His answers were technically perfect but lifeless. The truth is, interviews aren’t about sounding perfect. They’re about sounding present.

When someone brings their real personality into the room, even on Zoom, it stands out immediately. The way you sit up, smile, and speak slowly tells them you’re confident. The way you ask thoughtful questions at the end tells them you care. And the follow-up email you send afterward? That’s your final impression.

“If you leave hearing nothing else I said today, have it be that. Send a follow-up email.”

This episode breaks down exactly what to do and what not to do, from the background behind you to the tone in your voice. It’s a mix of pep talk and playbook for the next time you get that interview invite.

If you’re in that phase of your career where things feel uncertain, check out What to Do When You Feel Lost in Your Career.
If you’re working on your mindset, read How to Build Confidence from Scratch.
And if you’ve been comparing your timeline to everyone else’s, How to Stop Feeling Behind in Your 20s is worth the read.

Read the Full Package

• Feature Article: The Real Job Interview Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs

• 7 Lessons: 7 Lessons from “Job Interview Tips: Turn-Ons, Turn-Offs & How to Actually Stand Out”

• Practical Q&A: Real Answers to Your Biggest Interview Questions

Notes from Josh

If you’ve got a job interview coming up, throw this episode on before you join that Zoom. Let it reset your mindset. You already made it into the room, now show them who you are.