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41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job

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The job market is in a bizarre place right now. Mass layoffs are happening across many sectors, including Big Tech. Meanwhile, many graduates are finding it difficult to land even entry-level jobs. And it feels like, no matter who you are, the chances of you even landing a single interview are getting slimmer by the day.
Internet users spilled the beans online about the most unhinged, sneaky, and smart hacks that they’ve successfully used during interviews to land a job, and it’s a ride. We’re featuring some of their best insights, some of which are low-key unethical (but useful if you’re getting desperate). Scroll down to check them out, and be sure to send this list to your unemployed friends.

#1

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
When I had a corporate job and had my eye on the next position I wanted, I scheduled a meeting with the manager of that role and said, “Here’s where I am now—what would I need to do to be considered for that job?” I wrote down everything he told me. Over the next 3–6 months, I focused on completing that entire list. When the role opened and I interviewed, I brought the list back in and walked through each item, showing exactly how I followed his advice and prepared myself. That approach earned me three promotions.
25points

#2

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I was given a finished novel for free at a book conference. I started reading it and found typos immediately. Posted it on Twitter and got a dm from the publishing house. Told them I was actually interested in proofreading. They told me to send a letter of interest to someone and bam. Took the test, and next thing I know, I was in. It’s not a regular pay but it’s one of my fave side hustles
15points

#3

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
My top tip: assume you don’t want the job from the start. I hate to say it but the ambivalence comes off as confidence.
I was once asked, early in an interview, why I wanted the job. I replied “I have no idea if I want this job, that’s what this interview is for.”
Got the offer.
10points

Being a recent college graduate is tough, even if you're trying to land just an entry-level position.

According to Investopedia, the job market has been particularly challenging for recent graduates. They face higher unemployment rates than other workers. Specifically, those most affected are in the fields of anthropology (9.4% unemployment rate), physics (7.8%), and (somewhat surprisingly) computer engineering (7.5%). Other massively affected graduates are those studying commercial art and graphic design (7.2%) and fine arts (7%).

However, not all specializations are impacted the same. For example, nutrition science graduates have a tiny unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Meanwhile, construction services majors had an unemployment rate of 0.7%, while special education, civil engineering, and animal and plant sciences graduates had a rate of 1%.

#4

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
An interviewer asked me how I would respond to a business crisis situation in the office, and I replied, "In the immortal words of Vanilla Ice, 'If there was a problem, yo, I'll solve it / Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it.'" She laughed and I got the job.
10points

#5

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I told the taco bell manager "My family comes here more than Christians go to church" and got hired
8points

#6

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I showed up to his office one day and said I want to volunteer in his genetics lab. After a couple weeks, I asked him for feedback. When he was done singing my praises, I asked: “So, when are you gonna start paying me?” I held eye contact until he caved and asked how much I want.
8points

Investopedia suggests that graduates who struggle to find employment should try their best to stay open to all opportunities. That’s more realistic than getting stuck on the idea of immediately landing a ‘dream job’ right out of college.

In a nutshell, you want to stay flexible and focus on developing transferable soft skills like communication, problem-solving, project management, etc. These skills are what help you stand out and stay competitive no matter the sector.

Meanwhile, if you don’t have any serious job experience that you could promote on your resume, you could focus on your internships, part-time employment, and volunteer work.

#7

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I always try to be both funny and real at the same time. I work in design, so we always get the question, “ how do you take criticism?”
And I respond “Oh my mom‘s Italian. I learned growing up that criticism is love” and then talk about how feedback is for people u care about
8points

#8

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I preface this with “I did this at a time when I didn’t care whether I got the job or not bc I already had one”. I wrote a cover letter saying that I don’t have the job that I want because I suck at interviews. I proceeded to list all my great skills/ qualities then followed it up with but I also get really nervous in interviews, I ramble to the point where I’ll forget your question xyz… I ended with “if you want to prove me wrong (or witness the chaos) give me a shot at an interview”. I got 3.
7points

#9

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I once took my resume and turned it into a pop up card.
That unusual approach got me an interview. Being an artist helps.
6points

It’s not just recent graduates who are having a difficult time at the moment. Layoffs in Big Tech companies, like Amazon, Meta, Epic Games, Dell, Pinterest, Atlassian, Oracle, Block, and others, are ramping up. The reasons, while complex, are mainly twofold.

On the one hand, companies are using the spread of AI tools as an excuse to lay off employees due to overhiring, falling profits, cost-effectiveness, and to keep the shareholders happy. On the other hand, as the BBC notes, some companies are actually investing so much into AI tools that is reshaping how much work can be done with fewer employees.

As per the BBC, Big Tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are planning to invest a collective $650 billion (yes, ‘billion’ with a ‘b’) into AI in the coming year.

For example, Amazon is planning to spend a whopping $200 billion on AI investments. The same firm has laid off tens of thousands of employees since October 2025.

#10

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
Ask if you can take notes, all interviewers I’ve met agree in a positive manner and it makes you look very attentive to detail. The notes don’t have to make much sense, tbh it could be random words, just the appearance is what matters.
6points

#11

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
When I was in college I sent a thank you basket with my resume and a card to an employer in Scottsdale letting them know I was excited to meet with them for my interview that was “scheduled” a week from then… They called me, thanked me for the basket, told me they had forgot to pencil me in, and got me scheduled… That’s how I got an interview.
6points

#12

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
Went into a local Builders Merchants to get some 2 by 1 planks for a shelving unit. Noticed the office across the yard so went across to say "Hi, I'm just across the yard buying some 2 by 1 ply. I quite fancy working here. Got any office jobs? " The Manager laughed and said "Got time for an interview now?" I said yes fantastic. I got offered a job and started the following Monday. Sometimes it pays to be cheeky. 😁😎🚀
6points

Which of these job interview hacks have you used before? Which tips would you be willing to try out in real life?

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give someone who’s completely new to the job industry and can’t seem to land a job, let alone an interview? How do you keep your pre-interview nerves under control?

What are the best and worst job interviews you’ve ever had?

We’re pretty sure that many other readers want to hear all about your experiences, so if you’re feeling social, share your thoughts in the comments.

#13

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I bring a notebook and a pen to "take notes" and I intentionally start writing with the pen that does not work and make it known AND THEN I pull out a second pen that works - all to show I'm always prepared
6points

#14

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
One of my neighbors worked at a casino. She was asked what makes her stand out from everyone else. She said she could run a mile in stilettos in 5 minutes. They timed her and she got the job.
5points

#15

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
When they ask you if you have any questions :
1. “Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?” If they say yes, challenge them. If no go to
2. “Tell me about the team I’ll be working with” not I WOULD be working with. Act like you’re hired
5points

#16

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
They asked why I should get the internship above other candidates and I said "because I'm awesome." It got a laugh out of the 5 people that were interviewing me. I followed up with legitimate reasons as to why I was awesome and I got the internship
5points

#17

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I used to be an employment specialist at a local homeless shelter. I’d have my residents call the business they applied to about 4 days after they submitted the application and say they had a voicemail from someone regarding scheduling an interview and they were calling back to get it scheduled. Sometimes the people would ask for a name and I’d have them tell them they deleted the voicemail but they think it was Carlos (very common name in Miami lol). Worked almost every time!
5points

#18

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
I mean I dunno how unhinged this is but a buncha years ago there was a point in my job hunt where I just kinda snapped and started writing weird, informal cover letters. Like, i think one of them included "...and I live right down the street, so if I'm ever late you have permission to punch me."
My number of interviews went up, and everyone commented on how my cover letter had caught their eye.
5points

#19

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
The job was copywriter at a small ad agency, writing for some fin services accounts. I had zero agency experience but some financial writing background. So I wrote a poem about the advantages of equipment leasing vs purchasing under recent tax law changes. Sent it to a vanity poetry contest where everyone wins who pays the entry fee. Had it written in calligraphy on parchment paper. Framed the poem & the BS prize certificate, sent them to the creative director. I got the job and later I learned that my poem stunt was the reason.
5points

#20

41 Of The Smartest And Sneakiest Things You Can Do At Interviews To Land A Job
Idk if this is unhinged but: I have keywords at 4 pt. in white text in my resume, to get past the initial bot resume scanner. Whenever I think of a new word I just add it in.
4points
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