Balancing Authenticity with Effort: Your Guide to Interview Success

Prior to attending an interview, you may get the helpful piece of advice, "Be Yourself". As valuable as this is, it is not synonymous with not putting in any work. This may sound contradictory as surely you do not need to work at being yourself. It is about being totally natural, correct?

Prepare - What and How

Put in time in any/all of the following worthwhile activities:

• Read

Read up on current issues affecting business environment or industry specifics. Be in tune with local and world news. Keep informed of the going-ons around you. If you are invested in your surroundings you are likely to have a well-formed world-view. Even if you have done little to this effect, it is never too late to begin.

• Ask

Ask for insights. If you know anyone in the organisation, consider it your good fortune. Try to find out what it is like working there. Be curious about the work practices, periodic events and celebrations. Any of these may reveal something of the organisation culture. You may also find out about opportunities for personal development and job advancements.

• Research

Research profiles. The internet gives you easy access to the online profile of the organisation. You may check for news coverage or read its press releases. View its social media page to obtain a feel of how it engages with its stakeholders. You gain a good view of its financial performance from the annual reports. Identify and see how its competition is faring.

Benefits of Preparing

Your aim is not to show off how much you know at the interview. Avoid regurgitating facts just to show you have been diligent.

Think of the interview as an in-depth conversation with an active exchange. Your preparation has armed you with knowledge that works in the background to inform your responses, meaning:

• It avoids your answers from being superficial and two-dimensional

• Your views reflect the nuances of your thoughts and give an inkling into the depth of your personality

• It naturally shows your interest and seriousness in wanting to be a part of the organisation

• You might also already make up your mind as to how badly you want (not) the job.

• In the process of preparing, questions have already arisen that you now have the opportunity to ask.

In being both authentic and prepared, you present a true and capable self - ready to embrace new opportunities.

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