A former corporate recruiter tells us what genuinely useful interview tips you can learn from job interview scenes in movies.
The economy added 243,000 jobs in January. If that trend keeps up — and let’s hope it does — those of you who are out of work and those of you who currently have a job you despise could find yourselves interviewing for a new gig. And if you do, you’ll need to know how to sell yourself during the interview. And selling yourself is exactly what you’ll be doing from the moment you meet your potential bosses: Surveys reveal that 26 percent of employers won’t consider an applicant with a weak handshake, and 67 percent will disqualify someone who demonstrates poor eye contact.
So first impressions count. For pointers on how to stand out amongst other candidates, we asked former recruiter and current interview consultant Lisa Rangel to view some job-interview scenes from movies and extract real-world info you can actually apply on interviews.
Step Brothers (2008)
Before their entertainment company Prestige Worldwide takes the world by storm, Brennan Huff and Dale Dobak (Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly) attempt to find jobs by tag-teaming interviews in tuxedoes.
Rangel says: “You can’t fake passion. Will Ferrell is certainly enthusiastic with his unbridled word choice in describing his experiences, and when he’s asked about his multiple jobs, he focuses on the positive. That adds to his versatility in being the complete package for his next employer.”
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996)
Gun-toting drug dealer Loc Dog (Marlon Wayans) tries to go legit by applying for a real job and asking for a … comfortable salary.
Rangel says: “If you put down a low number, be prepared to accept it. So when filling out the application, make sure you put down a salary that will make you happy.”
The Shining (1980)
Writer and future homicidal maniac Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) hopes to become the caretaker of Colorado’s Overlook Hotel during its winter lull.
Rangel says: “Mr. Torrance could have benefited from pre-interview research. Today you couldn’t get away with not knowing the predecessor-slaughtered-his-family story before going on the interview. But he assuages the hiring manager’s concern very quickly by indicating the cabin-fever-like conditions will be fine with him and his family. Doing that is key when presented with possible challenges outlined by the prospective employer.”
You, Me and Dupree (2006)
Owen Wilson plays — surprise, surprise — a whimsical free spirit with a heart of gold who’s determined to find a job so he canquit mooching off his newlywed best friend.
Rangel says: “Be honest about what you want out of your job — no need to say you’re a workhorse if you don’t want to be a workhorse. People make themselves unhappy in a job nowadays by accepting work they don’t want while pretending to be someone they’re not. Dupree also expresses his aversion to work in a positive way, and radiates energy with the unique phrases, ‘I am a people person.’ and ‘I absolutely insist on enjoying life.’ He’s also very clear about his strengths. Telling the employer you’re ‘task-oriented’ will help the hiring manager place you in the correct position.”
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Ben Affleck steps in for Matt Damon’s Will Hunting at what we can only assume is a job suited for handsome people with thick Boston accents.
Rangel says: “He demonstrates strong negotiating skills by sticking to his guns in wanting his retainer. After all, if you don’t value your skills, who else will? And he exerts the right amount of influence — any more could be perceived as extortion.”
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Dustin Hoffman plays workaholic Ted Kramer, a single father forced to take a lower-paying job.
Rangel says: “Don’t put up with the hiring manager’s stall tactics. Ask to speak to the next person in the process immediately. Mr. Kramer certainly demonstrates his interest with this persistent tactic, and it’s possibly the only way execute the ‘desperation’ tactic successfully when interviewing.”