Personality Pays—How to Interject Yourself into the Interview!

The best advice anyone can give you is to be yourself! We have all heard the saying,
“Nice guys finish last.” Well, in this case, “honest guys (and gals) finish first!”

So often in the interview process, candidates feel like they have to put on a show
and try to be the person they think the interviewer wants them to be, rather than
the person they really are. You are better off walking away from a job that does not
fit your core personality than accepting a job in which you will not be happy.

There is no such thing as an “ideal interview personality.” The person you are is a
reflection of your life experiences. Make an accurate assessment of yourself and relate
that honestly to the interviewer. Personality does pay – let your personality show!

Some companies will even ask you to take a personality test to gauge your core
personality. Sometimes people try to act like a chameleon during the interview.
Do you remember those little lizards at the zoo when you were a kid that you
couldn’t see because they changed their colors and faded into the tree branch or
disappeared in the leaves? Chameleons adapt to the situation by changing their true
colors. If the personality test comes out that you have a totally different personality
style than the interviewer sees, it is going to send up a red flag and you more than
likely won’t get called back for another interview. Potential employers want to see
your true colors.

Some things to consider about your personality in the interview:
• Nobody is perfect, and don’t be afraid to admit it. If you have made mistakes in
the past, don’t try to hide it. Discuss what happened and focus on what you learned
from the experience. Follow up by highlighting your strengths.
• If you are nervous during the interview and it shows, own up to it. Say something
like, “I apologize, I am very excited about this job and am a little nervous. Do you
mind repeating the question?”
• There is an old saying that “enthusiasm is contagious” – is yours worth catching?
This statement has never been truer than in an interview environment. If you are
someone with a great sense of humor, use it (where appropriate). If you are not
one of those people with a naturally outgoing, gregarious personality, then don’t
try and pretend you are. Remember that interviewers can usually sense people who
are acting fake!

Rather, use the skills you do have to show your enthusiasm. Ask well thought-out,
pertinent questions about the company and the job responsibilities. Show interest
by researching and discussing interesting facts about the company. Demonstrate
why you should be hired based on past accomplishments. And remember that many
times the interviewer is just as nervous as you are!