Job Search Tip of the Week #29 (2017)

How to Snag a Job You’ll Love: Show the Real You

Turns out, your mother was right: “Just be yourself” is excellent advice, especially when pursuing job leads. Recent studies have shown that during a job hunt, being genuine actually leads to better long-term job performance and satisfaction.

According to a 2012 study in The Academy of Management Journal, “Striving for Self-Verification during Organizational Entry,” creating a false interview persona can be detrimental to the hiring process and job retention. On the other hand, candidates who opt for “self-verification,” or being authentic and honest, are much more likely to do well in the interview and land a job they love.

The benefits of being yourself

Think the truth might make you come off too quirky? Think again. “Self-verification in pursuing and landing a job leads to improved job satisfaction and job performance without diminishing the chance that the position will be offered in the first place,” notes the study.

This means that being honest about what you’re looking for and what you can and can’t offer is reassuring for potential employers. Understanding if you’re a good fit for the job benefits everyone, including you. By opening up from the beginning, it saves wasted interview time and ensures that you’re primed to excel in any position you’re offered. It’s a win-win.

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