Why Is Self-Awareness Essential At An Interview ?

Self awareness is a crucial aspect when facing interviews. The norm is that we focus more of our attention on the career tools (resume, cover cover letter and LinkedIn profile) and neglect the other aspects of the interview on the characteristics we require excel in an organisation. Usually, when you are called for an interview, the organisation knows that your skills match the relevant position. However, especially at a global level, what the organisation wants to know is your level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, you attitude and mostly about information which is external to the resume.

Knowing yourself is a vital aspect when you are thinking of a career transition. It’s essential that you take time and spend time with yourself and see which areas you need to improve skills wise and well as knowledge wise. Thereafter, you could explore your opportunities in the arena you are aspiring for the career change.

I have often seen candidates who are quite complacent during interviews. This may be a lack of self-awareness on the fact that they think they know well. This hinders career progression due to the impression the candidate creates during the interview.

Self awareness is the differentiating factor between desirable and undesirable candidates. Research has indicated that there is a better correlation between self-awareness and decision making and communication skills. Employees with better self-awareness are great workers and they have a tendency of getting promoted.

Here are 3 reasons why you should practice self-awareness;

1. Gives deeper understanding about thoughts, feelings and emotions: It gives you a sense of empathy. It’s easier imagine what’s happening in another environment since you are solely focused on the internal environment. This enables you to empathize with them in a deeper level.
2. Enhanced Stress Management: Life is a blend of moments and events that cause stress which is a physical or mental response to an external reason. Self-awareness makes you notice your thoughts, emotions and behaviours as signals or clues to your overall health. Self-awareness could have a sense of protection to your working memory. Integrating mindful breaks into your daily routine will help you re-energize. Even a 5 minute breathing exercise of a brief walk would reset your mental state and boost your productivity.
3. Better maintenance of self-control: Stronger self-control is key to success at an interview. Individuals with better self-awareness are not only mindful about effects of their actions on other people but they are accountable for themselves as well. Self aware people maintain a set of internal values that help enhance their personal brand as well and they are conscious about their reputation at all times.

These 3 reasons tell you why you need to be self aware or know about yourself during an interview. Self control is essential; you cannot get carried away during an interview; it’s about holding your nerve, managing your fear and reframing your thoughts and answering the questions in a calm manner.

For a one-of-a-kind career, you need to be one-of-a-kind.

Let’s connect, collaborate and celebrate your global career breakthrough…

Wish You Success !

Sasanka Dias