Dear JobsBlog: I really want to work in the technology industry, but never seem to make it past the interview stage. How do I make a lasting impression in an interview?

- Desperately Seeking Recognition

Dear Desperately Seeking:
This is a really great question.  Fortunately, we were able to gather data from recruiters and hiring managers to help answer this question.  Together we’ve come up with a unique list of the top five ways you can make a lasting impact during interviews. Hang on to your seats . . . here we go! 

5.  Make a fashion statement
It’s hard to stand out from the crowd if you’re just another dude/lady in a suit (or another dude/lady in a sweat suit if you’re a programmer). Nothing says, “I’m uniquely qualified for this job” more than tinted glasses, low cut tops/exposed chest hair or wearing a crazy hat during your interviews. It’s the little details that make the difference. #Winning!

Extra credit points: Creative facial hair. No shoes.

4. Show your skills
Technology is a fast-paced industry that requires skilled multi-taskers. Why tell the recruiter how talented you are, when you can SHOW it.

Here’s one trick: leave your cell phone ON during the interviews and ANSWER it when it rings. Actually, just go ahead and ask a friend to call you during the interview so that you can be sure to have this opportunity.

Then when you answer the phone be sure to shout about “stock portfolio performance” or your “VC meeting schedule.” This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are always available on a moment’s notice and can juggle multiple important issues at once.

Extra credit points: Show that you can answer text messages while maintaining eye contact with your interviewer.

3. Get up close and personal
In the digital age, it has become easier to apply for jobs, but we have lost much of the human element. When given the opportunity to meet your interviewer in person, you must make sure to form a true and lasting human bond.

Here’s how: share as much about yourself as possible – no matter how relevant to the job. Is your stomach a little off after that ill-advised trip to the Taco Bell drive-thru last night? Share. Just found a great new treatment for your athlete’s foot? Share. Can’t stop calling your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend at 3am – even though you keep promising you’ll stop? Share. Interviewers are human beings too.

You can then take that extra special step of touching your interviewer’s hand while talking about the more dramatic moments of your life story.

Extra credit points: Don’t forget a (firm, yet sensitive) hug when you leave!

2. Sell yourself
It’s also really important that the interviewer knows how cool and interesting you are. Don’t just hint at it – bludgeon them over the head with it! The one thing our industry desperately needs is more egos.

So take every opportunity to answer those hidden questions that interviewers ask. If they lead with, “How’s it going today?” you can segue into a discussion of how your groundbreaking Master’s thesis from ’05 directly applies to the problem that the hiring team is trying to solve now (or any other problem they might have in the future).

Make sure the interviewer understands that you could easily be a famous novelist, professional kitesurfer or ultramarathoner, A-list actor/actress or could totally blow everyone’s mind at New York Fashion Week – if only you felt like it. They need to recognize that you’ve given them the rare opportunity to be in your presence.

Extra credit points: You can leave a video diary documenting your rise to fame with the interviewer. Images and sound can really effect how an interviewer remembers.

And last, but not least…

1. Leave a little something when you go
This one may seem obvious to you seasoned pros.

You know how sense memory plays a big role in your life? The smell of baking cookies reminds you of home. Office supplies take you back to those first days of school. That’s what it is like for interviewers too!

It follows that if you really want to make a strong impression you should throw on a memorable perfume or cologne. Lots of it. So much that when you walk out after the interview you want your distinct bouquet to last with them all day long. Go one step further by scenting your resume with your chosen perfume.  This will ensure that you stand out from all the other candidates in the interviewers mind.

Extra credit points: Human beings were each born with their own natural scent. Skip the perfume. Skip bathing altogether. If you lead off with a pungent and unique personal body odor, your interviewer is guaranteed to never forget you. Never. Ever.

GOTCHA! Happy April Fool’s!

We hope you enjoyed a little light hearted ribbing from your friends at JobsBlog.  If you want the real skinny on interviews and careers, make sure to check out our recent posts.