The Importance of Being Authentic and Genuine In A Job Interview

In today’s competitive job market, it can be tempting to try to present a persona that is not your true self during a job interview. However, it is important to remember that honesty is key, and being authentic and genuine is the best way to make a good (and true) impression

 

Employers want to hire people they can trust, and if you are not honest with them during the interview process, they are less likely to trust you in the future. Here are a few ways to stay honest during an important job interview.

 

Be humble, but honestly self-promote

 

It pays to be humble, but being in a job interview requires you to learn your assets – and how you can contribute to uplift a certain company. Be prepared to talk about your strengths and weaknesses, neither sugarcoating them but not making self-deprecating jokes about your career journey as well. Everyone has both, and employers want to know that you are aware of yours and are working to improve them. Don’t exaggerate or lie about your skills or accomplishments.

 

Body language also plays a huge part in coming off as an honest person. Make eye contact with the interviewer, sit up straight, and listen actively to their questions. Avoid fidgeting or playing with your hair or looking at your phone when in the middle of the conversation. Even if what you’re saying is honest, you may come off as distrustful or skeevy about the topic at hand.

 

Don’t Be Too Self-Critical

It can be easy to downgrade your achievements in the guise of seeming humble, but for the hiring team who doesn’t know you beyond your application, it can come off as someone who doesn’t trust their skills at the job.

 

While self-awareness is essential, excessive self-criticism can undermine your confidence and hinder your performance during the interview. Remember that nobody is perfect, and every candidate has their strengths and weaknesses. Instead of fixating on your flaws, focus on your qualifications and the value you can bring to the company. Emphasize your accomplishments and skills, and approach the interview with a positive attitude.

 

Be Open About Your Goals for the Job

A part of being a genuine interviewer is being honest about where you see yourself down the line career-wise. Hiring managers and employers appreciate candidates who have a clear vision of what they hope to achieve in the role. Expressing your goals not only demonstrates your commitment but also helps both you and the interviewer assess whether the job aligns with you. It’s a chance to showcase your long-term commitment to the organization and how your skills and ambitions complement the company’s mission and objectives. 

 

Share Personal Stories

Don’t be afraid to share stories and examples from your own life to illustrate your skills, experience, and values. Although be wary of oversharing things not related to the job, this will help the interviewer get to know the real you.

 

Personal stories humanize you in the eyes of the interviewer, helping them connect with you on a more personal level. These stories can illustrate your problem-solving abilities, resilience in challenging situations, and your capacity to work well with others. When crafted effectively, personal stories can leave a lasting impression, making you a memorable candidate.

 

Lastly, Ask Questions Too

 

Let’s face it, we can often come off as boastful or inauthentic when we’re actually unsure how to act in an environment. Whenever you’re unsure when a question is thrown at you, it’s best to tell the interviewer to ask it again or even clarify it in your own words. 

 

That way, they can tell that you’re an engaging interviewee and see that you’re open to an actual conversation, not just a back-and-forth of memorized lines.

 

Your true self is your greatest asset, and embracing authenticity can open new doors that won’t just lift you professionally, but in your personal as well. Executive Resume Writers can help you open even more doors in your professional life. Click here to get started.