I often get asked for advice prior to an interview.
Questions like:
1. “What should I say? Or not say?”
2. “What should I wear?”
3. “What should I know?”
4. “How should I prepare?”
5. “What should I bring?”
My response is always the same – be yourself. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be your BEST self and just wing it. You should still prepare and know as much as you can about the company and the job. But trying to be something or someone you are not usually doesn’t end well.
I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes. – Henry David Thoreau
Whether the literal meaning or not, I’ve always thought Thoreau’s quote to be very applicable to new jobs or opportunities. If you have a sense of humor, don’t hide it during the interview. If you are serious, don’t try to be funny. If you hate suits, be wary if you find you’ll have to wear one every day.
Pretending to be something or someone you aren’t will only result in unhappiness – both for you and your employer.
Any any job change should (as much as possible) result in more happiness, not less.
Be who you are.
Related articles
- Tools to prepare for your next interview
- What employers want from you in an interview
- The Two-Way Street of lnterview Etiquette
