You’ve worked diligently preparing for this job interview. You know you were lucky to get an interview. The big day arrives, and you do your best. The interview ends, and you wait… and you wait… wondering whether you’ll get the call for the second interview and whether you made the right impression.
Then the question becomes:
- Can you get a job by being yourself?
- Is it better to be yourself than being fake or unreal?
This article discusses about – authenticity in job interviews: how to present your genuine self professionally?
How should you act in a job interview?
Throughout our years in the workforce, we will face the task of going through a job interview more than once.
The debate becomes whether you should act as yourself or act as someone you think they want to hire. The general consensus among interviewers is that they want to see candidates be themselves.
There’s a degree of assurance and comfort that comes from knowing the person being hired is genuine.
About being genuine
When you go to an interview, the interviewer is viewing you just as you are viewing the interviewer.
The company is viewing you just as you are viewing the company. However, the interview focus tends to be the candidate. Just as it is important for you to be genuine, it is important for the interviewer to be genuine too.
Striking the Balance:
Authenticity vs. Professionalism in Job Interviews
In a job interview, it’s important to strike a balance between being yourself and presenting a professional image.
Here are some points to consider when it comes to showcasing your genuine self while maintaining a level of professionalism:
1. Emphasize your strengths and qualifications: Being yourself doesn’t mean disregarding the need to highlight your relevant skills and qualifications for the job.
While staying true to who you are, focus on showcasing your strengths, experiences, and achievements that align with the position. Be confident in presenting your abilities and how they can contribute to the company’s success.
2. Show enthusiasm and passion: Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the job and the company.
Let your passion shine through by expressing your interest in the role, the industry, and the company’s mission. Share examples of how your personal values align with the organization’s values and how you can make a positive impact.
3. Demonstrate adaptability and openness: While being authentic, it’s important to show that you are adaptable and open to learning and growth.
Employers value individuals who can adjust to new environments, work well with diverse teams, and embrace change. Highlight instances where you have successfully adapted to new situations or overcome challenges by being open-minded and flexible.
4. Maintain professionalism in communication: Being yourself should not translate to being overly casual or informal in your communication style.
Use appropriate language, maintain a professional tone, and adhere to the norms of business etiquette. Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language, eye contact, and active listening to show respect and engagement.
5. Address weaknesses honestly and constructively: When discussing your weaknesses, be honest but focus on showcasing your efforts to improve and grow.
Highlight instances where you have recognized your weaknesses and taken proactive steps to develop those areas. Emphasize your willingness to learn and your ability to handle constructive feedback.
6. Research the company culture: Understanding the company’s culture can help you align your authentic self with their values and expectations.
Research the company’s mission, vision, and work environment to gain insights into their preferred professional behaviors and attitudes. This will enable you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your fit within the organization.
More Tips
1. Think about the future
If you are dishonest about who you are, even if you land the job, you’re likely not going to be happy, and they’re not going to be happy with you. Moreover, many times the interviewer will see through your pretense, and you’ll be eliminated right at the first interview.
2. Showing real interest in the job
It is also important for you to be honest as well as genuine. Before you go to the second interview, you should have taken some time to create a list of questions that relate to the company. Those questions should relate to things such as:
- Job expectations
- Job challenges
- Promotion and professional advancement
- Work environment
- Dress code, work hours, working conditions.
3. Different “self” roles
It’s important to recognize that there may be a difference between your professional self and your personal self. All of us have different “self” roles.
There is the traffic self, school self, party self, family self, and your job self. When you are showing yourself, make sure it is your job self or your professional self that shines through.
Translated, this means you need to ensure you dress the part, behave the part, and speak the part so that the interviewer sees who they will be working with on their team, should he/she decide to hire you.
4. Being Professional
Being yourself is great, provided it doesn’t include being rude, being late for your interview, declining to answer questions, or demonstrating inflexibility.
These characteristics will certainly hinder your chance of being chosen for the position.
Summary
Remember, being yourself doesn’t mean disregarding professionalism or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Strive to be your authentic self while presenting the best version of yourself that aligns with the job requirements and the company’s culture.
By showcasing your genuine qualities, enthusiasm, and professionalism, you can make a positive impression and increase your chances of securing the job.