Your personal “best”: Authenticity and your job search

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Success in a job interview requires your very best suit, your very best smile, and putting forward your very best face.

What does “best” mean though when it comes to presenting yourself in a job interview?

Of course you need to prepare, speak professionally, and demonstrate your experience and background.  But there’s a line between telling a potential employer what they need to know, and what they want to hear.

As you answer interview questions, note your gut feeling as you’re talking.  Does what you’re saying feel natural, or does it feel like you’re trying too hard?  Are you saying things that you don’t really believe?  What will be the impact of this?

Don’t get me wrong.  By all means, go in there and paint yourself in the best possible light.  But understand that the questions asked in an interview reflect the organization’s priorities.  If they ask you if you’re okay with long days, you can bet you’ll be expected to work them.  If they ask you how you feel about being in a management role, chances are management will be part of your day-to-day activity.  Say what feels right in the moment, but understand that when the job offer comes your way, you’ll want to consider those pieces of the discussion that gave you pause as important factors in a potential employment agreement.

The more you can be yourself in an interview, the better you’re likely to fit into the organization.  And the more that you have to dance around the way you really feel on certain topics, the more likely that you’ll struggle with these issues when you get on the job.

What have you compromised for a job?  How did it work out?

photo credit: *L*u*z*a*

Related posts:

1. Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
2. Job search tip: Finding the hiring manager, Part 4
3. How to lose a job in 10 days
4. The “What if?” factor
5. Evaluating work/life balance in an interview: Ask the right question

Tagged as: Career, career advice, goals, inspiring work, interview, interview prep, job, job hunt, job search, job seekers, kristi daeda, offer, passion, pr, success, work/life balance