![Interview Process[1]](https://image-assets.eu-2.volcanic.cloud/api/v1/assets/images/56d9af01f8dc156ceafec292c8886198?fallback=true&format=webp&size=900x400%23&version=latest)
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. You want to make a great first impression, impress the interviewer, and land the job. In an effort to smash the interview, it can be tempting to want to transform yourself into who you think the hiring manager is expecting you to be, even if that is not actually a fit with your own personality.
We know that you want the job and yes, you should absolutely be your best self in a job interview. It’s very easy to get caught up in the whole hiring process and wanting the job that you may forget to be yourself during the interview to work out if you’re the right fit for the job, the team, or the company and if they are the right fit for you.
It's important to remember that being yourself during the interview is crucial. When you are yourself, you are more likely to feel confident and comfortable and this can help you present yourself confidently and clearly, leading to a more successful interview.
Be authentically you:
Being yourself during a job interview shows authenticity, which is essential for building trust and establishing positive relationships with the interviewer. By being true to who you are, you can avoid pretending to be someone you're not, which can lead to stress in the long run.
One main thing that both you and the hiring manager should look for during the interview is - will you be a good fit? Try not to create a “pretend you” or fake your way through the interview, because if you get offered the job, it’s likely that it isn’t a match for your interests, skills, or experience. You may end up disappointed and discouraged in the future with the company that hired you and be on the lookout for a new role. We recommend getting it right the first time.
Honesty:
During a job interview, it's important to communicate your skills, experiences, and goals honestly. Being yourself allows you to communicate clearly and authentically, helping the interviewer assess your fit for the role.
You could also allow for little aspects of your personality to shine through. This will allow both you and the hiring manager the opportunity to determine whether or not you would be a good fit for the team and company. Being yourself will also give you the opportunity to find a company and a position that falls in line with your values and goals.
If there was something said during the interview that was not authentically you, it could come out later down the line, so be yourself and be proud to be who you are.
Questions and answers:
Try not to over-prepare. If you’ve memorised your responses, you’ll run the risk of answering in a way that doesn’t come across as natural. It’s a good idea to have an idea of how you’d like to answer questions, but there’s no need to memorise your responses beforehand. Give yourself some flexibility so you can follow the flow of the conversation.
Try to work in personal anecdotes and examples from your previous experiences when answering the questions when possible. These little additions can reveal a lot about who you are and what you’re passionate about and could lead to a natural conversation with the hiring manager about a common interest.
Cultural fit:
Companies often look for candidates who align with their culture and values. By being yourself during the interview, you can help the interviewer assess whether you would be a good cultural fit for the company. But it can also help you determine whether the company and job are a good long-term fit for you. You want to work for a company where you can be your true self and grow personally and professionally.
Key takeaway: being yourself during a job interview is essential for building authentic relationships, establishing cultural fit, and communicating honestly. You want to find a job and company where you can be yourself, and the interview process is an opportunity to assess whether the company is a good fit for you. A job interview is really just a conversation. And, the most engaging and memorable conversations happen when you’re being yourself. So, be yourself, be confident, and be proud of who you are.