Most job seekers think standing out means having the perfect resume, perfect answers, or the perfect LinkedIn profile.

And yes — those things matter.

But in later-stage interviews, especially onsite interviews, the real differentiator is often something else entirely:

✅ Memorability.
✅ Emotional connection.
✅ A moment that makes the interviewer say, “I won’t forget this person.”

Today I’m sharing one of the most unexpected (and effective) tactics I’ve ever used to stand out in an interview.

The Story: Two Onsite Interviews, One Simple Strategy

Back in my first major job search (2016), I was interviewing for two high-stakes roles:

• Equifax (Atlanta)

• Alert Logic (Houston)

I was doing everything I teach now — strong preparation, research, tailored messaging, practice sessions, and strategic positioning.

But as I prepared for the final rounds, I asked myself a question that changed everything:

“What can I do that’s thoughtful, unique, and impossible to ignore?”

So I Brought a Gift.

I bought a few paperback copies of the book “Grit” by Angela Duckworth — a book I admired and genuinely recommended.

Then I did something most people never even consider:

I brought 2–3 copies with me and gifted them to a few interviewers at each company.

Here’s what happened:

• Neither set of interviewers had ever received a gift from a candidate before.

• The gift was simple and low-cost (about $10 each).

• It stood out immediately.

• And yes — I got offers from both companies.

Now, I’m not claiming the books “got me the job.”

But they were part of a broader strategy that absolutely helped:

✅ It showed I cared
✅ It demonstrated thoughtfulness
✅ It created a memorable moment
✅ It positioned me as someone who goes above-and-beyond

The Proof? It Was Remembered Years Later.

A couple of years ago, Patrick — the VP of Sales I interviewed with at Equifax — messaged me on LinkedIn.

He told me:

He still remembered that gift.

That’s the power of standing out the right way.

Why This Works (And Why It’s Not “Too Much”)

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about bribing anyone.

It’s about something far more powerful:

Being the most thoughtful and intentional person in the room.

Most candidates show up trying to be “qualified.”

The best candidates show up being:

🔥 memorable
🔥 intentional
🔥 prepared
🔥 distinct

And in competitive interviews, those are the people who win.

What Makes a Great Interview Gift?

If you’re going to use this tactic, here are the rules:

✅ Small and appropriate (low-cost)
✅ Thoughtful and relevant
✅ Easy to carry
✅ Doesn’t cross a professional boundary
✅ Feels like gratitude, not persuasion

Think:

• A book you genuinely recommend

• A coffee gift card (if you already built rapport)

• A small local treat from your city (cookies, donuts)

• A handwritten thank-you note (this one is so underrated)

Important Disclaimer: Know Your Industry

Some industries (finance, government, highly regulated companies) may have strict gift policies.

If that’s the case, you can still use the concept without the “gift”:

✅ A thoughtful one-page takeaway
✅ A short “30/60/90 Day Plan”
✅ A personalized insight document
✅ A follow-up message with tailored resources

The point is the same:

Create an interaction that feels rare, personal, and meaningful.

The Takeaway

Here’s what I want you to walk away with:

Do something unique and admirable in your job search.

It doesn’t need to be expensive.

It doesn’t need to be flashy.

It just needs to be memorable.

That small $10 book purchase?

It was remembered for years.

And the best part?

Almost no one else is doing this.

Want More Interview Tactics Like This?

This is one of dozens of strategies we teach in Job Seeker Pro for:

✅ Standing out in interviews
✅ Becoming the obvious top candidate
✅ Turning “maybe” into “yes”
✅ Winning offers without feeling fake or salesy

Let me know how I can help you win!

Brian Howard - Job Seeker Pro