How can you use lateral thinking in an interview?

1 What is lateral thinking?

Lateral thinking is a term coined by psychologist Edward de Bono, who defined it as "the ability to think creatively, or 'outside the box'". Lateral thinking involves breaking away from conventional patterns of reasoning, and finding new ways to connect the dots. Lateral thinking can help you overcome mental blocks, generate alternatives, and find solutions that are not obvious or linear.

2 Why is lateral thinking important in an interview?

Lateral thinking is essential during an interview as it can help you stand out from other candidates who may utilize more conventional strategies. Showing your interviewer that you are curious, creative, logical, and adaptable can demonstrate your ability to think outside the box. You are open to exploring different possibilities and perspectives, and not limited to the status quo or the obvious. Additionally, you can come up with original and novel ideas, challenge assumptions, test hypotheses, and evaluate evidence. Lastly, you can adjust your thinking and behavior to different situations and contexts.

3 How to use lateral thinking in an interview?

Using lateral thinking in an interview can be beneficial, depending on the type and purpose of the questions asked. For example, when responding to behavioral questions, you can choose an example that is relevant, but not too common. Explain how you used lateral thinking to approach the situation and what steps you took to find a solution. Highlight the outcome and the impact of your lateral thinking. When responding to situational questions, ask clarifying questions to understand the context and constraints of the scenario, generate multiple possible solutions, and evaluate and compare your solutions. Lastly, when responding to brainteasers, relax and have fun, think aloud and share your thought process with the interviewer, and use clues and hints from the question or from the interviewer's feedback.

4 How to demonstrate lateral thinking in an interview?

In addition to using lateral thinking to answer questions, you can also demonstrate it during the interview in various ways. Ask insightful and original questions that show your interest and curiosity in the role, organization, or industry. Share examples and stories that demonstrate your lateral thinking skills and how they helped you overcome challenges or create value. Use metaphors, analogies, or examples from other domains to explain your ideas or concepts in a memorable and relatable way. Show enthusiasm and positivity, expressing a willingness to learn, grow, embrace change, and handle uncertainty. Overall, lateral thinking is a skill that can give you an edge in an interview and career by showcasing your value as a versatile candidate who brings fresh perspectives.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?