The Most Important Characteristic For Job Interviewing, Part One

Many of my clients come to me for guidance to prepare for job interviews; the majority are ESL students. Typically, the student wants to walk into the interview confidently and deliver these perfectly polished, flawless responses. They are surprised when I tell them that I do not recommend that and that I teach another approach, which is not what they think.

That’s usually the point where I get a lot of puzzled looks.

In my opinion, the best strategy for a job interview and for life in general is to be your authentic self. Embrace your true self, and be vulnerable enough to let others see that.

That attitude is the very definition of self-assurance. We know who we are and what we want. Authenticity allows us to be both confident and humble.

Authenticity also guides us to do the right thing because it is consistent with the core of our being and what we believe. It requires less effort and thus less energy, which gives us the ability to focus on the present.

Focusing on the present allows us to hone our skills, be creative, and respond to problems in a solution-focused way.

Authentic people generally form deep, meaningful relationships. People can sense when you are being real, and they are drawn to you.

In a job interview, you quickly inspire trust, and therefore, your words carry more weight. In addition, companies want people who can connect and build genuine relationships with colleagues, customers, and so on. Authentic people do that naturally.

Those who live their lives authentically have a more positive outlook on life. If you’re being genuine, you’re more likely to make choices that align with your values and goals, paving the way to success and a sense of fulfillment.

The world is filled with imposters and organizations, and people in general want real, genuine individuals rather than perfection, or should I say the image of perfection. So be yourself, and it’s okay to be a little awkward and clumsy at times because I will let you in on an incredible secret.

Living authentically is incredibly powerful.