When it comes to landing a job, the first thing to do is get your resume up to date and begin the application process.
If your resume is a good match for the job brief, you will likely get an interview and then (in an ideal world) land the job!
If only it were that simple!
(if it were, I wouldn’t be in business)
I wanted to dig deeper and found some interesting stats and research I wanted to share with you.
A recent study by TopInterview and Resume-Library reveals that a candidate’s personality may play a larger role than previously thought.
In fact, 70% of employers consider a candidate’s personality to be among the top three factors in deciding whether to extend a job offer, surpassing education 18% and appearance 7%.
Interesting right?
I went away and digested this and came up with 3 reasons why personality matters and how you can use this to your advantage.
Let’s dive into why personality matters…
1.Culture is Crucial
Employers want to hire candidates who are qualified for the job and uplift the company culture.
Your personality can reveal a lot about how you would interact with the team and how you would deal with clients and customers.
Employers look for people who share their values, work ethic, and communication style. So, it’s essential to be yourself during the interview and demonstrate that you would be a good culture fit, or as I like to call it, culture add!
How can you add value to the company and uplift the organisation?
2. Soft Skills are Invaluable
Soft skills like communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are highly valued in today’s workplace. With all of the advancements in technology, including AI, EQ (emotional quotient) is increasingly more important when it comes to hiring new teammates.
This is the one thing (currently) humans have over AI, so I advise developing your softer skills, as this will set you apart.
The facts are that employers want to hire people who can work well with others, handle stress, and think critically.
Your personality traits can reflect your soft skills and show how you would contribute to the team. For example, if you’re a good listener, you can demonstrate empathy and collaboration, which are essential for building strong workplace relationships.
To show your soft skills, think about some challenging situations you have encountered over the last few years and how you handled the situation, kept the team engaged, hit the deadline and got the job done. Practise the art of storytelling and keep the interviewer engaged when you are showcasing examples of your soft skills.
3. First Impressions are Lasting
Your personality can significantly impact the interviewer from the first moment you meet. Employers evaluate candidates based on what they say and how they say it.
“People forget what you said, but they never forget how you make them feel”
A positive attitude, a friendly demeanour, and a confident posture can create a lasting impression and make the interviewer more likely to remember you. The saying goes, “People forget what you said, but they never forget how you make them feel”, so be aware of how you present yourself and the energy you bring into the interview.
On the flip side, a negative or aloof personality can turn off the interviewer and reduce your chances of getting hired. Before entering an interview, do something that puts you in a good state of mind.
For example;
- Exercise
- Breathing exercises
- Listen to a motivational podcast
- Listen to music or meditate
Just ensure you show up as the best version of yourself that day.
So, how can you make your personality work for you in a job interview?
Here are a few tips:
- Do Your Research
Top Tip! Connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn and send them a quick DM saying:
“Hey (name), looking forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to interview for (role you have applied for). Love to connect with you (your name)”
Once you have connected, take a look through their LinkedIn profile and see what they like, follow and engage with it.
This will make you feel prepared and make the first impression a little warmer too!
2. Practice Your Soft Skills
Practice your communication and listening skills before the interview. This can help you demonstrate your abilities and show that you’re a well-rounded candidate. Practise introducing yourself in the mirror or role-play the interview with a family member. It all helps to ensure you are ready and prepared.
3. Be Yourself
Don’t try to be someone you’re not during the interview (people can see straight through this). Instead, be authentic, and let your personality shine through. This can help you build rapport with the interviewer and show that you’re genuine. Remember, you are unique, and that is your superpower.
Overall it’s clear from the research that your personality plays a crucial role in a job interview, and it’s essential to make it work for you.
By focusing on culture fit, soft skills, and first impressions, you can demonstrate your value to the employer and increase your chances of landing the job.
Remember, employers hire not only for skills but also for personalities, so make sure to showcase the best version of yourself during the interview.
You’ve got this!
