The Biggest Red Flag in Interviews: Pretending to Be Someone You're Not

My Personal Journey: The Moment I Realized Authenticity Wins Interviews

Job interviews are nerve-wracking. You walk into a room (or log into a Zoom call), knowing you have a small window of time to prove why you're the right person for the role. The pressure is real.

And in that pressure, I once made a critical mistake: I pretended to be someone I wasn’t.

Early in my career, I was desperate to land a role at a top company. I had the experience, but I felt like I wasn’t “enough.” So, I did what I thought I had to do—I polished my responses, rehearsed my lines, and projected an image of "perfection." I walked into that interview playing a role rather than just being myself.

At first, it seemed like it was working. The interviewer nodded along, seemingly impressed. But then came the curveball—a question about a specific challenge I had faced in my previous role. Instead of drawing from my real experiences, I scrambled to fabricate a flawless response.

The result? I could see the interviewer’s interest fade. They sensed the lack of authenticity. And needless to say, I didn’t get the job.

That experience taught me something invaluable: You can’t fake confidence. You have to build it from within.

The Confidence Trap: Why You Can’t Fake It Till You Make It

Confidence is key in interviews. But real confidence comes from knowing who you are—not pretending to be someone else.

Think about it: If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect an employer to believe in you?

When you walk into an interview with a fake persona, two things happen:

1. You put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Keeping up an act is exhausting, and it takes away from your ability to engage authentically in the conversation.
2. Hiring managers can sense inauthenticity. They interview dozens, sometimes hundreds, of candidates. They can tell when someone is being real and when someone is trying too hard to impress.

So instead of forcing a polished version of yourself, lean into authenticity. That’s what truly makes you stand out.

The Power of Owning Your Story

Rather than fearing gaps, mistakes, or shortcomings in your resume, own them. The best candidates aren’t the ones with a “perfect” career path—they’re the ones who show growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

? Talk about your real experiences—even the tough ones. What did you learn? How did it shape you? ? Be honest about your skillset. You don’t need to have every qualification listed in the job description. Instead, demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt. ? Emphasize your unique strengths. Maybe you don’t have the same experience as another candidate, but you bring something different—your perspective, creativity, or problem-solving ability.

Hiring managers appreciate candidates who can self-reflect and grow. That’s far more valuable than someone who simply checks all the boxes but lacks self-awareness.

Why Companies Value Authenticity Over Perfection

The workplace is evolving. Companies today don’t just want employees who can perform tasks—they want people who can grow with them, contribute to the culture, and bring fresh perspectives.

Being authentic in an interview isn’t just about making a good impression; it’s about ensuring that you and the company are actually the right fit for each other. If you present a version of yourself that isn’t real, you risk landing a job that doesn’t align with your strengths, interests, or values.

But when you’re real? You attract opportunities that genuinely fit who you are.

Final Thoughts: How to Nail Your Next Interview by Being YOU

1?? Prepare, but don’t script. Have key points in mind, but let the conversation flow naturally. 2?? Focus on your real strengths. What makes you unique? How can your background, even if unconventional, add value? 3?? Don’t be afraid to share challenges. Every career has ups and downs—what matters is how you’ve grown from them. 4?? Engage in the conversation. Interviews aren’t just about answering questions; they’re about building a connection with the interviewer. 5?? Trust yourself. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be you.

At the end of the day, interviews aren’t just about landing any job. They’re about finding the right job—one where you can show up every day as your real self.

?? Have you ever felt the pressure to put on a “persona” in an interview? How did it go? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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