Interview Tips for Success: How being first sets you apart

The other day, I got an email about a potential speaking gig.

Big company. Great opportunity. High fee.

They wanted to schedule a call with me on October 10th.

Most people would reply: “Great! October 10th works.”

I didn’t.

Instead, I asked my speaking agent a series of questions:

• How many other speakers are they considering?
• When are those meetings scheduled?
• Can I go earlier in the week instead?

Her response: They’re meeting with one other speaker at 3:30 PM on October 6th.

Perfect. I immediately asked to meet at 9 AM that same day.

Why? Because I wanted to set the standard before they met anyone else.

The Problem

Most people take scheduling at face value.

“They offered me Tuesday at 2 PM, so I’ll take it.”

“They said the interview is next Friday, so that’s when I’ll interview.”

“The application deadline is in two weeks, so I’ll submit it in two weeks.”

But here’s what you’re missing:

Timing matters. Order matters. Being first matters. Time kills deals.

The Big Small Thing

When you want something, be strategic about when and how you show up.

Here’s what I did with that speaking gig:

(Note: Nosy, Manipulative, Shameless, and Reckless are 4 of the 9 traits I write about in my New York Times bestselling book, Wild Courage. They’re traits you’ve been told to suppress — but they are the key to getting you what you want.)

I was NOSY:

I asked questions most people wouldn’t ask. How many competitors? When are their meetings? I wanted intel.

I was MANIPULATIVE:

I specifically requested to go first, before they met the other candidate. I wanted them to fall in love with me before they even talked to anyone else.

I was SHAMELESS:

I told my agent exactly why I was asking. See screenshot:

I was RECKLESS:

What if my agent thought I was being pushy or difficult? Who cares. I wanted the gig. Plus, when I get a gig, they make money too. Win win.

Here’s why going first works:

When you’re the first person someone meets, you set the standard. Everyone else gets compared to you.

When you’re last, they might have already fallen in love with someone else. Now you have to work twice as hard to change their mind.

How to apply this:

1. For job applications: Be in the first wave of applicants.

Don’t wait until the posting has been up for two weeks. As a hiring manager, I always paid more attention to the first 5-10 applicants. If they were fast to apply, they’ll be fast to get back to customers. I want that.

2. For interviews: Ask to interview early in the process.

Ask, “Would morning or early in the week work?” You want to be fresh in their mind, not the 10th person they’ve seen after interview fatigue has set in.

3. For internal opportunities: Respond to reorgs immediately.

When your VP announces a reorg or new initiative, be the first person to ping them about helping lead an initiative. People respond to speed and enthusiasm.

4. For meetings with executives: Time it strategically.

One of my clients waited until end of day when her VP’s door was open, then “casually” walked by with a question. Brilliant.

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How This Helps You Get What You Want

You’re not going to out-credential everyone.

But you can out-maneuver them.

When you’re strategic about timing, order, and access, you create advantages that have nothing to do with your resume.

Stop being passive about opportunities.

Start being intentional.