Think our culture has gone overboard with selfie-snapping and self-promotion?
That this “Look at me! Everything I do is interesting” attitude can’t possibly serve you well in the job seeking process — where part of the deal is relating to your interviewers and figuring out the most valuable ways to contribute?
I hate to say it, but the surprise is on us! Forbes published a study earlier this year demonstrating that narcissists do better in job interviews. Check out the article, here.
Makes sense when you consider it. Interviews are one of the rare places when you’re expected to show off and talk about yourself, your achievements, and your dreams for the future. Candidates that exude confidence, charisma and boast about their accomplishments are hired more readily than those that are more modest. Often, it’s not because they are the better candidate. These self-lovers prove stubborn, uncooperative and prone to dramatics on the job. But they’re charming and irresistible in interviews.
So now that you know this, how can you make it work for you?
As the job seeker:
Learn to present your unique skills and contributions in a compelling way. Tease out the great story. What’s the impression you’re going for? Selfies are all about this. In a single, memorable sound byte they say: “Look at where I am and what I’m doing! How cool/crazy/funny is that?!”
Just make sure what you’re saying is really noteworthy, because there’s nothing more tiresome than an average thing trying to be prolific. “Own up to the lameness of your work,” one client of mine was fond of saying. Here’s where self-awareness and thoughtful editing can serve you better than unbridled self-promotion.
Smile and engage your interviewer. Many an interview has been lost by the stiff and under-caffeinated. But don’t be so arrogant as to think this is all about you and what you want. How do get people to Like you on the social platforms? Be relatable. Like their stuff. Take notice of what’s important to them and join the conversation.
As the hiring manager:
Don’t be snowed by presentation alone, the Forbes article advises. Return to skills, case studies and results. Look for substance and detail in the candidate’s answers. Make sure you can articulate why they’re good for the job, rather than coming away from the interview with a vague sense of “I like this guy.”
