The Importance Of Being Yourself In A Job Interview

It’s easy to get caught up in what you believe you “should” do and say in a job interview. Though you should do your research and come prepared, over preparation can hinder you if it means sacrificing your authenticity.

In the past, there might have been a time and place for your interview persona. But in the modern world, being your truest self is key to landing a position where you can thrive.

Wondering how being yourself in a job interview can help you find the position that’s right for you? In this article, we’ll share our tips on how to embrace your best qualities, curate your personal brand and make yourself the obvious choice.

There are certain questions you can count on in any job interview. Recruiters and managers want to understand your strengths, opportunities and how you can impact their team. What companies want to know is how you would fit the role and how the role would fit your goals.

When you’re responding to these common interview questions, frame your answers with your short- and long-term goals in mind. For example, if the question is about why you’re interested in the position, don’t just talk about the role in its current state. Explain how that role would help you reach your goals over the next several years.

When it comes to open-ended questions like “tell me about yourself,” honesty is the best policy. You want to set truthful, realistic expectations about your skills as they relate to the position. You should also describe your values and priorities in a way that markets your best qualities.

Everyone has different strengths. Maybe you’re a natural conversationalist who can build trust and find common ground with anyone. You could be a Microsoft Excel expert with an equation to solve any question.

Regardless of your specific strengths, it’s important to emphasize your skills as they relate to the position you desire. Don’t focus solely on the hard skills. Represent the soft skills and personality traits that may benefit you in the role.

If you’re applying for a job in project management, discuss how you manage your time. Give examples of how you move multiple projects forward at once. If you’re looking for a role in customer service, talk about your interpersonal skills and describe a time when you’ve solved a problem for a client.

Bringing your personal attributes to the conversation helps the recruiter or hiring manager see your value beyond your resume. It may be what sets you apart from the competition.

Making a good first impression is important but remember that words are just one of the things a recruiter might notice in an interview. Your body language, including things like posture, facial expressions and eye contact, can also play a role in the hiring team’s decision.

Your body language and how you carry yourself says a lot. The right body language can radiate confidence and positivity, while the wrong body language might be a sign of nervousness or even disinterest. Although body language is often a subconscious practice, try to be aware of the signs your body may be sending.

Some good rules of thumb are to keep eye contact, show signs of active listening and avoid restless habits like shaking your leg. With a virtual or phone interview, remember that your tone takes the place of body language. It also serves as a sign of your enthusiasm.

There’s nothing wrong with putting your best foot forward when your dream job is on the line. But there’s a big difference between showcasing the best version of yourself and putting on a show with what you believe the recruiter wants to hear.

Being your true self is the key to finding and getting a job where you can succeed, so you should always lead with authenticity. That doesn’t mean you should be overly casual and greet the interviewer with a fist bump. It’s about balance. Be professional but be yourself.

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