How to Be Your Authentic Self in an Interview

There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there in regards to how a job seeker should best prepare for an interview. For example, research shows that up to 40% of recruiters won’t hire candidates they don’t feel are confident in themselves. Alternatively, 76% of respondents in a different study said they would reject candidates who appeared arrogant.

Interviewees will often hear that they need to try and be themselves and remain authentic when they go in for an interview, while others will say that maintaining a strictly professional demeanor is the best way to go.

But is there a way to do both?

The answer is yes, although being authentic without losing your professional edge isn’t something that’s going to come naturally to most people. That’s why we’re here to help!

What to do Before the Interview

One of the best ways to set yourself up for honest, authentic interviews is to make sure you’re applying for the right jobs in the first place. Although you don’t need to meet 100% of the qualifications in order to apply for a position, you also shouldn’t be applying for jobs you’re entirely unqualified for. The closer your skills, expertise, and career goals match up with the job you’re looking at, the easier it will be to speak openly and answer questions honestly in the interview.

Assuming you’ve landed an interview for a job you genuinely desire and which you’re qualified for, the next step is to check your social media accounts. It’s estimated that at least 70% of employers use social media profiles as part of their initial screening process. This is an example where being too authentic can get you into trouble. Make sure you’re not posting anything on your public accounts that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.

Similarly, the way you dress for your interview also says a lot about you. You should wear clothes that are work-appropriate, but this is also a chance to show off your style and personality. If you’re someone who likes to express themselves through fashion, then wear something appropriately bold and memorable. If you’re not into fashion, then just make sure you’re sporting something you feel good in. Something that makes you feel confident and more like yourself.

Tips for Giving a Good, Honest Interview

You’re in the room now, sitting down with your potential employer, and it’s time to prove to them that they should hire you. Here are some tips on how to show them who you are and why you’ll make a great addition to their team, while also remaining professional.

What to do:

1. Answer their questions honestly and make sure your responses align with the information on your resume and cover letter—which, by the way, should all be accurate and truthful as well. When asked what their number-one deal breaker was in an interview setting, 71% of employers reported being the most concerned when a candidate was caught lying about something.

2. Try to remain calm and casual, while also demonstrating respect. An example of how to achieve this delicate balance would be to address everyone as either ‘sir’ or ‘ma’am’ but to also start the interview out by asking how everyone’s doing or see if anyone watched the same program you did the night before.
3. Form a connection with the interviewers as soon as possible. It’s estimated that recruiters only need 90 seconds to determine whether they are going to hire you. Make sure to come into the room with a smile on your face, and ready to make polite, relatable small talk.
4. For virtual or at-home interviews, you want to make sure your space is tidy, but not too sterile. Reporting for an interview from your home is another opportunity to show off your personality, so instead of just sitting in front of a blank wall, you could try having your favorite band poster hanging up in the background, or perhaps even some artwork you did if visual art is one of your hobbies!

What not to do:

1. Do not mention any negative personal information. Even in a joking manner, referencing things like marital problems, controversial political topics, legal trouble, etc. could be seen as major red flags by an employer. It’s best to keep serious topics like this to yourself.

2. Do not swear or use any kind of unprofessional language. Even if the interviewer curses first, that should not be seen as a free pass to say whatever you want. In fact, research shows that 51% of employers believe swearing in the interview to be grounds for instant dismissal from consideration.
3. Try not to fidget or appear too nervous. Studies have shown that fidgeting or playing with things on the table are seen by employers as two of the top five body-language mistakes to make in an interview. This can be especially hard when you’re conducting an at-home interview, seeing as you’ll be surrounded by your own things which you may be used to fiddling around with throughout the day. Try to clear any distractions from your space before starting the interview, and if fidgeting helps you relax, then perhaps consider having one small item you can keep in your hand out of view of the camera. Just make sure it isn’t a pen, because pen clicking is many people’s number one pet peeve.