Be yourself: What does that look like in a Job Interview?

You’ve researched the job. You’ve researched the company. You think you know the type of candidate who would be an ideal fit for both and you’re ready to shape yourself into that persona. While this might seem like the perfect way to land the job, pretending to be someone you’re not is rarely a good idea. Here’s why.

The purpose of a job interview is twofold. You want to know whether this is the ideal job and company for you. The employer wants to find the best person for the role. That means someone who can do the job well, fits with the company culture, and has a future with the organisation. That fit must be genuine or:

• you could end up in a job that doesn’t suit your capabilities and personality
• you may underperform if you’re unhappy in the role
• the employer may be forced to go through the effort and expense of hiring your replacement, should you decide to leave

Being yourself in a job interview is always the best approach, but how do you do that?

How to be yourself in a Job Interview

The concept of ‘being yourself’ isn’t anything new but what does that look like in the context of a job interview? Here are three ways to let the real you shine through.

  Strike a balance between Authenticity and Professionalism

Being yourself in a job interview is about adapting the best version of ‘you’ to fit the context of being interviewed, the expectations of the job, and the company culture. By adapting, instead of putting on a mask, you can showcase your suitability without hiding who you are as a person.

Authenticity means drawing from your real experiences and values, instead of simply saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear. So start by considering which parts of your personality and experience are most relevant for the role.

Respect the rules of the interview scenario by dressing appropriately, turning up on time, bringing requested information and documents, listening actively, and communicating clearly. Sticking to the rules doesn’t mean suppressing your individuality. It simply provides an opportunity to express who you are in a way that connects with the interviewer and their expectations.

Striking a balance between authenticity and professionalism means being true to who you are while showing that you’re a great fit for the role and the company.

  Highlight your Unique Traits

One of the most powerful ways to stand out in a job interview is to showcase what makes you, you. Your personal mix of traits and work experience is unique. Nobody else has that exact same combination.

Consider which of your professional skills, work experience, and personal qualities are relevant for the job and the company culture. These are the factors that you should highlight when answering interview questions. Create a number of examples that demonstrate the value you can bring to an employer and what a brilliant fit you are for the job.

Still unsure which skills you possess? Read Using your CV to identify your skills.

  Use Notes instead of a Script

While practicing your answers to interview questions and thinking up those examples mentioned above, it can be tempting to create a script of what you will say. The downside to scripted answers is that they won’t perfectly fit the questions you’re asked, or they just don’t sound like you.

A more useful approach is to create a set of notes that cover:

• examples of how you used your relevant skills and traits in a work setting
• your skills, traits, and work experience that match those listed in the job description
• the information you want to learn during the interview

By using notes, instead of a script, you’ll find it easier to adapt to the questions you’re asked and sound like the authentic you.

Red Flags: What Being Yourself in a Job Interview is Not

While being yourself is essential, it’s important to understand what that doesn’t mean in a job interview. Here’s what you should avoid:

• oversharing personal information that isn’t relevant to the interview, the role, or the company
• being too casual and treating the interview like an informal chat with a friend
• criticising your current or past employers
• talking at length about topics that are irrelevant to the interview or the job

Being yourself in a job interview means demonstrating who you are in a way that’s suitable for the setting. It’s about creating a positive impression, while respecting the interviewer’s time and expectations.

Wrapping it up

Being yourself in a job interview is always the best approach but it can take confidence and planning to make that work. The employer has already learned about your qualifications, work experience, and skills from your CV. The interview is your chance to build on that first impression. Strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism by adapting your personality to the professional context of the interview. Highlight how your unique combination of traits and experience make you an excellent fit for the job. And don’t be tempted to stick to scripted answers to interview questions. Instead, make notes that you can adapt to any question you may be asked.

If you can follow these three steps and avoid common interview mistakes like oversharing and talking about irrelevant topics, you can improve your chances of landing that job.