You may have heard the phrase, "just be yourself" when it comes to interviewing for a job. While this advice may sound helpful, it can actually be detrimental to your chances of getting hired. In this blog post, we'll explore why being yourself in an interview is the worst advice you've received, and what you should do instead.
First of all, "being yourself" can be interpreted in different ways, which can lead to confusion. Does it mean being completely honest about your flaws and weaknesses? Does it mean sharing personal information that may not be relevant to the job? Or does it mean being authentic and confident in your skills and experience?
The problem with the "be yourself" advice is that it can lead to complacency and lack of preparation. If you believe that being yourself is enough to ace the interview, you may not put in the effort to research the company, study the job description, and practice your answers to common interview questions.
In addition, being yourself may not always be appropriate in a professional setting. While you want to be authentic and true to yourself, you also need to be aware of the company culture and the expectations of the interviewer. For example, if the company values teamwork and collaboration, you may want to emphasize your ability to work well with others, even if you are more of an introvert.
So, what should you do instead of just being yourself? Here are some tips:
1. Research the company and the job
Before the interview, research the company and the job thoroughly. Go through their website, social media pages, and any other resources you can find. Learn about their products, services, values, and mission statement. Look for any recent news about the company, such as new product launches, mergers, or acquisitions.
This information will help you understand the company's culture and values, which will come in handy during the interview. You can use this knowledge to show how you align with the company's mission and values.
2. Prepare answers to common interview questions
Prepare answers to common interview questions such as, "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "Why do you want to work for our company?" Rehearse your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend. Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice.
3. Be aware of your audience
Be aware of your audience during the interview. Pay attention to the interviewer's tone and body language, and adjust your responses accordingly. If the interviewer is more formal and reserved, you may want to tone down your humor and be more professional. If the interviewer is more casual and friendly, you can be more relaxed and conversational.
4. Emphasize your skills and experience
During the interview, emphasize your skills and experience that are relevant to the job Use specific examples to show how you have used these skills in the past and how they can benefit the company. Avoid oversharing personal information that is not relevant to the job.
In conclusion, while being yourself may sound like good advice, it can actually be detrimental to your chances of getting hired. Instead, focus on researching the company and the job, preparing answers to common interview questions, being aware of your audience, and emphasizing your skills and experience. By doing so, you can show the interviewer that you are the right candidate for the job.
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