The manager may be fortunate enough to find numerous candidates who tick all the right boxes and answer the interview questions perfectly. So what will ultimately help them to make a decision on whom to hire? The answer is simple: your personality.
And this article will give you that extra push over the finishing line, here are 3 ways to bring out your personality for a job interview:
1. Ask the interviewer a question
Job interviews are very stressful and tense experiences and it will help you to settle in quicker if you start with a little conversation. A job interview isn’t always just about yourself, and the hiring manager will be presently surprised if you ask them something too.
Those early ice-breaker questions are designed to help you with nerves right at the start, so take advantage of this and don’t be afraid to break into conversation. In addition to asking about the role and the company, you should also consider asking an informal question to break the ice. A job interview isn’t just a one way street, and asking your own questions is an important part of the process.
2. Tell a story
A word of caution however: the story needs to be appropriate and not controversial in any way. Don’t bring up something political or religious as you will risk offending the interviewer. If you’re happy that the story will help break the formal mood and get a few chuckles, then go for it. The strategy of telling a story during a job interview carries some risk, but if you get it right, it can pay off big.
Think about a time during work where something funny or strange happened. Telling a work related story during the interview is a great way to cut the tension. Plan this story out in advance and attempt to seamlessly insert it into the interview when questioned about your work history.
3. Talk about your hobbies
Take advantage of demonstrating your personality by talking passionately about your hobbies. It may be that the interviewer shares the same or similar interests and you earn even more brownie points.
Another potential benefit can be gained from hobbies that would benefit the employer. If you have an interesting hobby like playing in a band or racing remote controlled aeroplanes on the weekend, then you have another great conversation starter.
Most job seekers don’t realise how important hobbies can be to a CV. The opportunity could be created when you are asked about your skills. If the interviewer is clearly digging to find out more about a certain soft skill, you could consider diverting them to your hobby as evidence of that skill.
