“I’m a great team player.”
“I am so excited about this job.”
“I am the best person to join your company.”
“I have a great deal of experience.”

What do all these statements have in common? Employers have heard them all before.

And while not exactly a problem per se, the words aren’t magic to their ears either.

There’s a good chance you’ve read some of the countless articles and posts about interviewing tips, how to prepare for an interview, how to dress right, best things to say, and how to get hired.

You can follow the advice down to a T. And sure, all of those things work in your favor during the interviewing and hiring process. But if every candidate is doing and saying the same things, how are you going to stand out miles ahead of the competition? The candidate’s market is flooded with job seekers and employers are inundated by an ocean of “sameness”. When it comes down to it—scoring your dream job is so much more than being perfect on paper.

Suppose you’re a candidate being interviewed for a job.

Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson presented a similar situation during a speech for a graduate class.

During the interview, the employer asks you, “What’s the height of the spire on this building that we’re in?”

You say, “Well, I majored in architecture and I memorized the heights of all the buildings on Capitol Hill. I know that the height of the spire is 150 feet.”

Turns out, that is the right answer and you came up with it in seconds. Good job.

So, you leave the interview feeling like you knocked it out of the park. Another candidate walks in. The employer asks the same question, “Do you know the height of the spire on this building?”

The candidate says, “No, but I’ll be right back.”

The person runs outside and measures the length of the shadow of that spire on the ground, measures the length of his own shadow, ratios the height to the shadows and comes up with a number.

He runs back inside and says, “It’s about 150 feet.”

Now, assuming both you and the other candidate have the proper experience and the interview goes well, who do you think will be hired?

I’m hiring the person who figured it out.

Even though it took that person longer, even though the person’s answer is a rough estimate, that person knows how to use their mind. When you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.

The Japanese have a saying that business is war and to win that war, companies need the best people in the right seats. Those people add value.

We’ve been in the recruiting industry for nearly twenty-five years and no one wants to hire a robot (unless, of course, you’re applying for a robot position) who will recite a memorized script of their knowledge of everything. And that’s what the interview is really all about. How personable, creative, flexible you are. Every employer is on the lookout for people who can ideate and give solutions yesterday. People who “bring it”—experienced, ambitious, motivated, resilient, and with the right mindset. You know what they say, it’s all about attitude. You can wear the perfect dress or suit and say all the right things at all the right moments, but if you can think for yourself (it drives innovation), that’s the thing that will set you apart from all the other candidates. From accountant, to design engineer, to CEO, thinkers are needed in today’s workforce. Learn to cultivate your mind and display it for employers to see and you’ll keep yourself ahead of the pack. Get out in front of that job search!

Should you need additional guidance on hiring and recruiting leaders in the Americas (Mexico, Latin America, Canada or the USA), please visit us at: http://www.bipsearch.com, or email us at: barbachano@bipsearch.com.

Written by Barbachano International Staff