Description
Job interviews can feel like a performance, where the stakes are high, and the temptation to over-polish or embellish your persona is real. While it's important to put your best foot forward, being fake can backfire, leaving you misaligned with the company’s culture or trapped in a role that doesn’t truly suit you. Instead of pretending to be someone you’re not, focus on adjusting and refining your approach to authentically present your best self. Here’s how to strike the right balance.
1. Understand the Difference Between Adjusting and Being Fake
It’s crucial to recognize that adjusting doesn’t mean abandoning your personality or values. It’s about tailoring your communication style, demeanor, and responses to align with the context of the interview.
Adjustment:
Highlighting relevant strengths that resonate with the role.
Adapting your language and tone to the professional environment.
Demonstrating enthusiasm for the position authentically.
Being Fake:
Pretending to have skills or experience you don’t possess.
Suppressing your core personality to fit a mold.
Saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear instead of what you believe.
Pro Tip:
Think of an interview as a two-way street: it’s as much about them assessing you as it is about you assessing the company.
2. Be Honest About Your Skills and Experience
One of the biggest pitfalls of being fake is overstating your capabilities. This not only leads to stress if you land the job, but it can also harm your credibility during the interview.
How to Be Authentic:
Share examples that truly reflect your experience.
If you lack a specific skill, acknowledge it, but emphasize your willingness and ability to learn.
Focus on transferrable skills that show your potential.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
Instead of saying, “I’ve managed dozens of large projects,” when you haven’t, say,
“While I haven’t managed large-scale projects, I’ve successfully led smaller initiatives and am eager to take on larger responsibilities.”
3. Align Your Answers Without Sacrificing Authenticity
When interviewers ask questions about your values, goals, or working style, they’re looking for alignment with the company culture—not perfection. Tailor your answers while staying true to yourself.
How to Adjust Authentically:
Research the company’s mission and values to understand what they prioritize.
Share stories that naturally connect your experiences to their goals.
Highlight aspects of your personality that complement their team dynamics.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
If collaboration is a key value for the company, instead of saying,
“I thrive in every team dynamic,”
say,
“I enjoy working collaboratively and find that open communication helps me contribute effectively to team success.”
4. Prepare Without Over-Rehearsing
Preparation is essential, but over-rehearsing can make you sound robotic or inauthentic. Instead, focus on practicing key points while allowing room for spontaneity.
How to Prepare Authentically:
Anticipate common questions and outline your main talking points.
Practice aloud to build confidence, but avoid memorizing responses word-for-word.
Be ready to think on your feet—authenticity often shines in unscripted moments.
Pro Tip:
Use mock interviews or record yourself answering questions to refine your delivery without losing naturalness.
5. Show Personality While Maintaining Professionalism
Interviews are not just about skills—they’re about you as a person. Employers want to see your personality to determine if you’d be a good cultural fit. However, there’s a fine line between being personable and oversharing.
How to Let Your Personality Shine:
Share anecdotes that highlight your character.
Use humor sparingly if it feels natural but avoid forced jokes.
Balance enthusiasm with professionalism—show excitement without being over-the-top.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
Instead of saying,
“I’m perfect for this role because I’m a total workaholic!”
say,
“I enjoy diving into my work and take pride in producing high-quality results.”
6. Address Weaknesses with Honesty and Growth
The classic “What’s your biggest weakness?” question often tempts candidates to fabricate a response. Instead of masking weaknesses, focus on your growth mindset.
How to Answer Authentically:
Choose a real weakness that won’t disqualify you for the role.
Share how you’ve worked to improve and continue to grow in that area.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
Instead of saying,
“I’m a perfectionist, and it’s my only flaw,”
say,
“I’ve struggled with delegating in the past, but I’ve worked on building trust with my team to improve collaboration and efficiency.”
7. Be Genuine About Your Career Goals
When asked about your future aspirations, it can be tempting to give the "right" answer to align with the role. However, authenticity here ensures you find a position that truly suits you.
How to Share Your Goals Authentically:
Be honest about your aspirations, even if they extend beyond the immediate role.
Connect your goals to the opportunities the company offers.
What This Looks Like in Practice:
Instead of saying,
“I want to grow within this company for the next decade,”
say,
“I’m looking for a role where I can build my skills in [specific area], and I see opportunities for growth here that align with my long-term goals.”
8. Embrace Your Unique Perspective
Every candidate brings something unique to the table. Lean into your individuality instead of trying to fit a generic “ideal candidate” mold.
How to Embrace Your Authenticity:
Share personal experiences that shaped your professional journey.
Highlight diverse perspectives or approaches you bring to the role.
Be confident in your unique strengths.
Pro Tip:
Authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing; it’s about showing who you are in a way that’s relevant to the role.
Adjusting yourself for interviews doesn’t mean putting on a mask—it’s about presenting the best version of yourself in a way that aligns with the role and company. By preparing thoughtfully, being honest about your skills, and letting your personality shine, you can make a genuine connection with the interviewer while staying true to who you are.
Remember, the right role will value you for your authenticity, not for a performance. Authenticity breeds confidence, and confidence is the most compelling trait you can bring to any interview.