Authenticity in Interviews: Why Being the Real You Matters
Job interviews. For many, it triggers nerves, anxiety, stiff suits, rehearsed answers, and trying to deliver the "perfect" responses to impress a hiring manager.But what if we flipped the script? What if, instead of aiming for perfection, we aimed for authenticity?
As recruiters, we've seen it all. We've heard every textbook answer to "What’s your greatest weakness?" and the neatly polished responses designed to impress. We’re not just looking for the best answer or the perfect candidate; we’re looking for a good human who will our teams us to solve problems and who get the job done.
So let’s talk about why authenticity matters—not just for the hiring companies, but for candidates, too.
Authenticity Shows Who You Are
A hiring process isn’t about finding someone who can recite the company’s values or rattle off their achievements. It’s about finding someone who will thrive in the role and contribute meaningfully to the team. If you’re not being your authentic self in an interview, the employer isn’t getting the full picture of who you will be and how you’ll perform in the role.
By being authentic, you show potential employers how you think, how you approach challenges, and how you engage with people. You’re giving them a real preview of what it will be like to work with you day to day. And isn’t that the point of an interview—to find out if it’s a good match for both sides?
Employers Want Real People
I can only talk for myself, but I am done with listening to an AI script 'what to say during an interview'. We want to know what makes you tick. What’s your unique perspective? How do you solve problems? What are you passionate about?
When you’re authentic, you stand out. You’re not just another candidate giving the same answers we’ve heard dozens of times. You’re someone who is real, relatable, and memorable. And those qualities are invaluable in building strong, collaborative teams.
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