Why You Should Not Follow Most Interview Advice out There

“But above all, in order to be, never try to seem.” This is a quote by Albert Camus that always stuck with me. 

Authenticity is something that we all like. Yet we rarely show it in the workplace. Why is that?

The professional setting has changed significantly since the start of corporations. People have become more casual regarding many different aspects of a job. Whether that means that you don’t wear a suit, don’t talk formally to colleagues, or show your dog during a Zoom meeting.

However, when it comes to interviews, most of the advice makes it seem that you need to be this perfect image of professionalism, including your outfit and overall presence. And sure, sometimes that is important, if you, for example, work with clients in a bank. 

What about roles where you need to work on a computer, in an office, or at home? Why is this so relevant in those cases? I think this is a question that many people ask themselves. 

To perform well at an interview, you must dress to win, be memorable, anticipate how they want you to answer questions, and then provide the answer they want.

Wrong. 

This does not work

Thinking of interviewing in this way does not do anything for anyone.

Why would you agree if you are someone who doesn’t like to work with people, and they want you to work with people? Where will that take you?

Furthermore, the company in question wants someone naturally good with people and enjoys working with them, so they didn’t get their end of the deal. This aspect of interviewing could be the main factor in companies having a high turnover of employees because they end up with a mismatch in needs and wants. 

So if they ask you, would you be comfortable working overtime most days and you are someone who cares significantly about work-life balance, why would you answer yes? Sure, you may get this role, but at what cost? Why would you want to work there? You probably won’t enjoy it much. 

Reality of things

Interviewing is a two-way street. In addition to the interviewers “judging” you, you should also be “judging” them. You want this company to be a place where you feel comfortable and where you can thrive. 

Being authentic during an interview means that you will end up working for a company that matches your needs and theirs. Similarly to barter economics, hiring people comes down to a coincidence of wants. And it should be that way. 

Going back to my quote, never try to seem:

• Seem that you would enjoy something that you would not
• Seem that you would be comfortable with something that you would not
• Seem like you have this ability and skill if you do not have it  

Be honest and authentic, and you will end up in a company and role that you enjoy, in a company that you want to work for and care about. This alignment will result in the company also getting what they want. So it’s a win-win situation.

Upgrade to All-Access and schedule a 15 minute call with me!