Many candidates fail to secure a job not because they lack skills but due to insufficient confidence and strategic preparation. While studying for an interview is crucial, standing out from other candidates requires a more tactical approach. The uncommon steps below reveal how you can leverage psychological tactics and intelligence-based strategies to increase your chances of success in interviews.Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experiences and insights shared by professionals in their respective fields. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect broader industry standards or universal truths. Readers should consider multiple perspectives and conduct their own research before forming conclusions. Conduct Intelligence A key strategy used by fresh finance graduates aiming for competitive investment banking roles is research and networking. They connect with alumni from top universities via platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights, tips, and even get recommended. We cannot ignore the reality and fact that in today’s world, it’s all about connections, which can open doors that skills alone sometimes cannot. Understanding the company's culture and expectations before applying can give you a significant advantage. Identify What the Company Needs, Not Just What It Wants Instead of focusing on why you need the job, position yourself as the solution to the company's challenges. Every workplace has gaps—identify them and show how your skills fill those voids. Sell yourself as an asset, don’t just seek employment. Human Hack – Know More Than the Interviewer Studying the hiring team’s expectations can be a game-changer. A well-known tactic among English teachers applying for jobs is to craft cover letters with advanced vocabulary, ensuring they appear more knowledgeable than the recruiter. Understanding the psychological aspect of hiring can give you an edge.Additionally, when asked about hobbies, try to somehow manipulate and align them with the recruiter’s interests—if you find common ground during your research, use it. This psychological approach, a subtle application of human intelligence and social engineering techniques used by intelligence officers, fosters mutual interest and rapport, giving you an advantage by leveraging shared experiences to create a stronger connection. Prepare with Confidence Nervousness is natural, especially for first-time applicants, but knowledge breeds confidence. Keep your answers concise and relevant, avoiding unnecessary details. When discussing weaknesses, choose ones that reflect growth rather than incompetence—such as being a perfectionist or overly detail-oriented. Many employers seek candidates who can work under pressure, so demonstrate adaptability rather than vulnerability. Final Thoughts The most important rule: Never quit. Every rejection is an opportunity to identify gaps and improve. Persistence and strategy will ultimately lead to success.