If you're interviewing in the next six months, what ability do you have to change your accomplishments?
What you can change is you preparation, and your attitude of energy and enthusiasm in the interview.
Horstman’s 3rd Law of Interviewing, “We’ll Take 90% Less Ability for 10% More Attitude Every Day of the Week,” suggests that in today’s competitive job market, recruiters are more interested in a candidate’s energy and enthusiasm than their raw skill set alone. This law underscores the idea that while qualifications matter, interviewees can stand out by demonstrating preparation, engagement, and a positive attitude. With so many applicants vying for positions, job seekers need to focus on the aspects of their presentation that they can control: their attitude and the energy they convey during the interview.
To master this law, the text suggests five practical ways to project energy: smiling, offering a firm handshake, adjusting voice volume, using gestures, and maintaining good posture. Smiling is considered crucial, as it’s the first impression a recruiter will have of your energy. A strong, positive handshake follows, setting the tone for a successful interview. Adjusting your voice volume slightly can convey more energy, while purposeful gestures add dynamism to your speech. Finally, maintaining good posture—especially leaning forward when making key points—signals engagement and confidence.
The text also advises incorporating laughter into your interview practice to help create a relaxed, personable atmosphere. While these tactics may feel awkward at first, the recommendation is to practice them regularly, especially on video, so they become second nature. By refining these behaviors, you can effectively demonstrate Horstman’s 3rd Law and boost your chances of making a memorable impression on recruiters, showing that you're not just qualified but also the right fit for the team.
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