I’m sure you’ve heard “be yourself” when it comes to job interviews. So what does that really mean?
Now arguably “be yourself” or “be your authentic self” could simply mean be whatever you are in the moment. Even if you’re feeling annoyed or argumentative or just plain full of yourself. So let me be clear … I’m not suggesting those are the parts of you (real as they may be) needed to wow an interviewer.
We all have lots of parts. True … some are not exactly at the top of hiring wish lists. But the real you has many good parts — ones that can get you a job. And you won’t need to put on a fake persona just to be what you think you need to be. (You don’t even know for sure that’s what they want anyway.)
It’s all so confusing!
So many articles telling you how to behave and, in essence, who to be. And many job applicants take that advice to heart, hoping to be what the interviewer is looking for. So by the time they get to present themselves in person, I’m not sure anyone in that room knows who the job candidate is … even the job candidate!
When you’re trying to remember
“Do this.” or “Don’t do that.”
You’re missing the moment!
So how do you get out of the way of all that extraneous stuff to let your real self shine through? And how do you act naturally when your head is swimming with so many pieces of “must do” advice … and a whole lot of nerves!
⇒ Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After
How to be yourself in an interview
Getting back to the meaning of the phrase, being yourself is really just acting naturally. And not putting out false versions of yourself. Yes … you want them to like you. But what makes you think you have to turn to well-intended trickery or an Oscar-worthy performance for that to happen?
If they don’t like the real you, you won’t last in the job anyway. And a manufactured version of you can often land you in the wrong job for you. Hard as it is to let any opportunity go — and I do advise you to do your best no matter what — you can always decide later whether to take it.
But so many times job seekers just don’t know what’s in the heads of interviewers … and they blow their chances by seeming unreal. Or simply someone who wouldn’t fit fit well into the company’s daily work life. I’ve seen that happen, even for well-qualified candidates.
So yes … prepare well. Research the company. Read things that help you answer questions — or ask them. Think of some good work-related stories to choose from that show your skills or ability to handle tough situations / people.
But also act naturally and let your best side shine. The real you has the most chance of finding the right job match. And practice answering questions ahead of time so the real you can also stay in the moment instead of trying to remember advice!
EXTRA TIPS
A warm, sincere smile (at natural moments) plus good eye contact with your interviewer(s) can help produce the chemistry bond you ideally want to create. And help you relax since they also want to connect if at all possible to see who “this person” really is. After all they’re hiring someone to be part of their team — someone they actually want to work with.
⇒ Interview Chemistry: Do You Feel a Connection?
And last but not least … before your interview think about who you truly are and what you really want. Taking the time to know yourself better will help you with your answers as well as your confidence. And most of all help you be yourself!
⇒ Know Yourself Better: Two Exercises To Get You Started
More posts to help
12 Things You Need To Know BEFORE a Job Interview
Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After
5 “Secrets” If You’re Worrying About a Job Interview
18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
Are You Trash Talking Former Employers in Job Interviews?
Positive Thinking in Interviews: Does It Work?
5 Interview Skills To Help Connect the “Hire Me” Dots
10 Impressions You Leave After an Interview
Add your thoughts!