Just Be Yourself

Interview Skills

'Be yourself' is the advice given on just about every Interview Skills course, book, website, career advice column, etc.

So what exactly does it mean?

Putting On An Act

Quite simply it's about not putting on an act that you think will impress others.

They'll see through you, if not at the interview, then quite soon thereafter.

If you've put on a 'false' persona in order to get the job, then you ultimately won't be happy either because you'll be waiting to be found out.

It's A Confidence Thing

Now we know that lots of people, whether deserved or not, wait to be found out.

It's a confidence thing.

Find out what? We ask.

Not Up To The Job

That you're not good enough, that you're not up to the job, etc. etc.

And loads of people who wait to be found out really have nothing to worry about.

But if you haven't been yourself then you do have something to worry about!

Genuine Person

People need to know that the person they are interviewing is genuine.

This doesn't mean you have to be perfect or be so articulate as to stun them with your brilliance or have stacks of creative ideas tucked in your back pocket.

It does mean saying things that demonstrate who you are rather than saying things for effect.

Let Them See Who You Are

It means personalising what you say, using self-disclosure and telling stories and anecdotes that help the other person 'see' you for who you are.

Being yourself doesn't mean you have to tell them everything about yourself (heaven forefend!) - too much information, too much personal disclosure and you'll probably lose your audience.

Make A Plan To Be Yourself

There's nothing wrong with planning how to 'be yourself'.

Before an interview make a list of not just your outstanding qualities and achievements but also what it is about you that your friends and family like - what makes you special.

Why Would You Hire Me

Ask friends ahead of time why they would hire you - their responses won't solely be about your skills they will be about who you are as a person.

When you then go for your interviews or promotions, you can present yourself 'featuring' some of the things people said about you.

Welcoming

For instance, say one of your friends mentions that you have a smiley, welcoming face.

You then need to make sure you don't put on a serious face because you think that's what you ought to do to make a good impression, but to ensure - when appropriate - that you allow yourself to be smiley and welcoming.