As a job seeker, you’re preoccupied with appearing organized, capable and more suited than your competition for the job you’re after. That’s great! But, what if we told you the one asset you should be highlighting is probably the one you’re leaving out?
That’s right. Most job seekers are keeping their personality out of focus in cover letters & applications and during interviews, and this is a BIG mistake. By asserting your individuality and speaking from personal experience, you stand out from the stack of other applicants AND create better rapport with hiring managers.
Many job seekers are afraid that too much personality might come off as too casual, too outgoing or not focused enough on skills and professional achievements. Fortunately, there is a way to exude your personality while remaining focused and professional. We’ll show you how to strike a balance in the five ways that matter most:
How to Showcase Your Personality as a Job Seeker
Your Cover Letter. You can make your cover letter more personal by writing a unique letter or heavily modifying a template every time you apply for a different position. In it, feel free to express your larger career goals and where you’ve come from to get to this point. While you should leave out personal stories that may not be relevant to the hiring body, you can and should explain why you’ve applied and feel free to highlight unique skills that may apply to the role – more than just those required from the posting.
What You Wear. On interview day, make sure you dress professionally in anything from business casual to formal business-wear. To make this more unique and personable than everyone else’s black or grey business suit and sensible shoes, add a more colorful, patterned blouse, button up shirt or tie. Accessorize with a fun bag, patterned socks or your more interesting jewelry or glasses. Make sure you leave the “personality” to ONE key piece of your outfit and let the rest exude from your smile.
Through Your Body Language. Speaking of smiles, bringing yours with you to an interview is imperative. Don’t be afraid to pair it with a few laughs where appropriate. An onlooker to your interview should be able to tell you’re in a business meeting and it’s going well. Avoid keeping your arms crossed, sit how you usually would in a business setting and maintain good eye contact.
With Words. Speak in your normal tone of voice, using the kind of language you normally would (while keeping it professional) and talk about your unique experiences and ideas about the working world. No one else has been through the exact lineup of jobs you have, with your educational background and your skills. All of this makes up who you are as an employee and as a person and it’s all welcome. By sticking it stock answers, you deprive your interviewer of this insight. Remember: your employer is likely looking at your potential to fit with the culture of their company and team as well as your fluency with a given software or ability to complete given tasks.
When Following Up. Sending a follow-up email is necessary. To make sure yours stands out, be sure to mention a specific moment from your interview or background that will jog the hiring manager’s memory and resurface your time together in their mind.
With these tips, you will be sure to stand out in your next interview and make the impression you deserve to make. For more job seeker advice or to begin your job search, start with Management Registry, Inc.