How to Nail Your Interview at Blinkist

Got the job application jitters? You’re not alone. But luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to ensure you nail your interview, every time. In this series of articles, I’m going to let you in on the unwritten rules of recruitment that will increase your chances of getting a job at Blinkist — or anywhere else, for that matter! After all, recruitment is like a game — the better you know the rules, the more likely you are to win. Ready? Let’s go.

Now you’re all set for your interview with us! While it is definitely something to look forward to, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety for most people. In this article, I’m sharing with you three actionable tips that will help you relax and do your best during your interview at Blinkist.

1. Be Yourself

Blinkist is one of the few companies I know where you can bring your whole self to work. You have the right to be emotional, vulnerable, euphoric, moody, or even wear a banana costume in the office if you feel like it. Whatever it is, Blinkist is a safe and supportive space to experiment and even fail once in a while. The same rules apply with candidates: we want to meet the real you, not the really-well-rehearsed you.

✨ How To Do It ✨

As I wrote in the previous article How to prepare for your interview at Blinkist, anticipating questions and practicing is a key success factor, especially to make sure you feel relaxed in your interview. However, remember to keep it real. Instead of learning a list of answers off by heart, note down a few things that you care about, that you want to express or ask about the most and keep them in mind throughout your day.

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Silence

We care about what you say and how you say it more than the speed at which you are able to say it. Resist the urge to come up with an answer as quickly as possible. Instead, allow yourself to reflect before you speak. Some questions will be deliberately open-ended and complex, so it’s totally OK to pause for a minute and think about it. Remember: it’s not so much about the final answer you come up with, but rather about how you think, solve problems and make decisions.

✨ How To Do It ✨

If your mind is blank or you need a little time to collect your thoughts, don’t be afraid to say it. Ask questions when you need clarification. Think out loud. Use a pen and paper or draw on the whiteboard to illustrate your thought process.

3. Dig Deeper

During most hiring processes, at Blinkist or any other company, you will be asked why you want to join the company, why you applied for a particular role, why you are leaving your current job, and what you are looking for. Yes, these questions are cliché but we ask them for a reason: we want to get a sense of your motivations, needs, and drivers, and see if it matches the role and what Blinkist has to offer. These questions are also an opportunity for you to reflect on what you really want to do next, express your wishes and desires, and see if the role is aligned with your bigger goals.

✨ How To Do It ✨

Prepare, prepare, prepare! Find the “why” behind everything you say and provide concrete examples to prove your point.

There’s no need to rush through your interview. Just take your time, provide examples to back up your points, and crucially, don’t try to sound like anybody else. We want to get to know you, not to hear lines you’ve learned by heart. So relax! You’ve got this. 😎 Thanks for reading! Also, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn.

👀 You might also want to take a look at How to get invited for an interview at Blinkist and How to prepare for your interview at Blinkist.