Using Authenticity to Stand Out from Your Job Interview Competition
When you’re sitting in a job interview, it’s easy to get wrapped up in trying to present the image that you think the hiring manager wants to see. However, you shouldn’t try to conform to what you believe the company is looking for. Instead, you should be authentic and let the real you shine through every time.
What is Authenticity?
Authenticity means staying true to yourself, your character, and your personality no matter the circumstances or outside pressures. Authentic people don’t change who they are in order to please others, whether it’s family, peers, romantic partners or hiring managers.
Your skills and experiences matter in an interview but at the end of the day, they choose candidates because of who they are and the image they presented in the interview. However, because they interview people day in and day out, they know when someone is being authentic and when a candidate is saying things they think sound nice, therefore it’s always better to simply be who you are.
Why Authenticity Matters
The number one reason people leave a new job is misalignment with the corporate culture. In order to succeed, you have to be happy where you are. That means working for a company you believe in with a culture that aligns with your values and priorities, and with people who you respect and get along with.
If you are not authentic in an interview – that is, if you change who you are to make it seem like you fit in with the corporate culture, you’re doing yourself a disservice. This is true no matter how much you want the job. If you know you’re changing your values or priorities to fit a mold that isn’t you, it is almost a 100 percent guarantee that you won’t be happy once you’re on the job. If you show the real you in an interview and if you talk honestly and openly about values and culture, you can make a much smarter choice about whether or not a job is really right for you.
How To Be Authentic in an Interview
There is no trick to being authentic in a job interview. Simply behave professionally, as you would behave on the job. Don’t try to guess what the interviewer wants – the truth is, you don’t know what they are looking for. Instead of worrying about playing a part, just relax and be yourself. Prepare ahead of time, learn everything you can about the role and the company, ask smart questions that show you’ve thought about what it would be like to work for the organization, and don’t be afraid to let your passion for your field shine through.
Are You Looking for IT Jobs in Chicago?
If you are a talented tech professional seeking IT job opportunities in Chicago, work with the recruiters at CultureFit. We can connect you with opportunities where you will feel culturally aligned. Contact us today to learn more.
