How to Be an “employee” in Your Next Job
Do you know the “funny” badge at your workplace? Well, these colleagues are self-aware and they speak out. It’s called “personal hiring” and the term is popular on TikTok from those who claim their charisma got them a job, not the qualifications listed on their resume.
Behind the jokes and self-deprecation lies a grain of truth in the art of showing employers that you have a good character. It takes a lot to charm your interviewers— the importance of storytelling , for example—but to what extent is “hiring a person” real? I spoke with Tony Frana, Career Services Manager at FlexJobs and Remote.co . Here’s what you need to know about the role your personality can play in getting your next job.
Personality is important, but it’s not everything
The idea of a true “personality hire” – someone with no skills, just vibes – is a bit far-fetched. In most industries, personal qualities alone won’t get you a job. However, Frana notes that HR and hiring managers evaluate factors beyond the requirements of the job . They can do this by asking key questions about the candidate’s cultural background or “how well their personality, character, values, and professional goals fit with the organization.” After all, many employers use the hiring process to get as much information as possible about whether or not you will truly fit the company in the long run.
Of course, the reality is that not all applicants are ranked equally. You can shine in a job interview and still lose to a manager’s son or a fraternity brother. Or maybe your incredible sense of humor doesn’t resonate with the older white person conducting your interview. The idea of ”hiring a person” is replete with perks, so take it all with a grain of salt.
Personality can tip the scales in the hiring process
Frana puts it this way: “While skills can often be taught, the individual must match the team.” Your sense of humor, communication style and attractiveness will have a strong impact on the interview . In fact, Frana believes that even if you do not fully meet all the requirements for a job, personality can tip the scales in your favor. Use your unique personality to demonstrate that you will be a positive influence in your future workplace.
Tips for showing off your personality during a job interview
Letting your beautiful personality shine is not always easy. After all, for most of us, an interview is not the ideal setting to relax and “be ourselves.” Especially when you’re tired of applying for jobs after work and rarely get a response.
However, Frana emphasizes that optimism does attract employers. Try your best to show aspects of your personality like optimism throughout the entire process, from your cover letter to the final interview. According to Frana, here are the top personality traits that hiring managers value:
- Professionalism
- Reliability
- Leadership Ability
- Friendliness
- Confidence
- Intelligence
- Learnability
- Sympathy
- self-awareness
- Kindness
- Honesty
Balance your personality with professionalism
While Frana recommends showing “a sense of levity and humor during interviews,” she strongly advises that you continue to be professional. Here are some of the best ways to show your personality but still be professional in a job interview:
- Prepare a story to help break the ice during the first 30 seconds of your interview. It doesn’t have to be work related, but it should still be professional (like something about volunteering or family fun).
- Smile as you tell a story about a positive work experience.
- Don’t be afraid to tell your future boss what you want to say, as long as you do it in a respectful way.
- Imagine that your job interview is just a conversation between the two of you that can help you focus on having some real fun and presenting your personality, skills, and experience in the best possible light.
Takeaway
While you can’t get a job on charisma alone, your personality can help you gain an edge. Set yourself apart from other applicants by giving the impression of a well-rounded, likeable person. And while you’re pulling the pants off your interviewer, make sure you’re prepared to answer these questions , which you can expect in just about any job interview.