As ever, when it comes to thinking of ideas for my blog, it's quite often prompted by something I've read in the media. This month, my idea source was an article in The Times about whether being your true authentic self in an interview is a good idea. Part and parcel of my role is prepping candidates for interviews and ensuring that they're equipped with all the necessary knowledge they need to impress a future employer and to secure the role. That said, there is only so much a recruiter can do and when it comes down to it, role hiring often comes down to those dreaded words 'the right fit'.
In the creative sector, we perhaps have more leeway when it comes to interviews than in other sectors. For example, I imagine that in Professional or Financial Services it's important to still adhere to a certain dress code, to prepare for interviews mostly conducted by HR Managers with a competency based approach and perhaps also to complete psychometric testing. In our world, whilst HR Managers do exist and we are still required to dress appropriately, the setting is generally less formal than it might be for other sectors.
In the creative sector, we perhaps have more leeway when it comes to interviews than in other sectors. For example, I imagine that in Professional or Financial Services it's important to still adhere to a certain dress code, to prepare for interviews mostly conducted by HR Managers with a competency based approach and perhaps also to complete psychometric testing. In our world, whilst HR Managers do exist and we are still required to dress appropriately, the setting is generally less formal than it might be for other sectors.
It's a mad old world out there and the Times article was entitled 'why you should never be your true authentic self in an interview'. Yes it's a headline but on the whole, I agree with them. There was a story where the ex Head of Duolingo used to use the same taxi firm to ferry candidates away from the HQ after an interview. They'd then ask for feedback from the taxi driver as to the behaviour of the interviewee and use that as part of the decision making process - the takeaway - never ever be mean to a taxi driver after an interview!
The advice instead, is to be your best self not your whole self. We're lucky that in our sector recruitment is still mostly human led. I've always counselled to err on the side of caution, yes show some personality but read the room and don't over share. Your future employer is mostly concerned about whether you can do the job (obviously) and whether you will 'fit' both their internal team and with their clients. Whilst we may not like the term 'fit', it is important and it actually works both ways - for you as well as them. So some personality and some authenticity is required - we're not suggesting you give a fake impression of yourself but during the interview process, you do need to pitch yourself to the client and that does mean being your best and shiny self. Whilst more corporate firms will opt for lengthy interview processes and psychometric testing, most owner managed businesses will opt for 'instinct' and following up references.
Many employers will ask you to tell them a bit about yourself during an interview and this is where it's important to find balance. You don't want to come across as bland or beige in your interests but equally, at the other end of the spectrum, talking about your golf handicap, marathon time, obsession with cats might (depending on the interviewer) might lead to negative judgement (a gamble - they might also be obsessed with cats). We're back to reading the room and gauging what the interviewer is giving you. Perhaps you may need to counter any claims of sporting supremacy with a bit of self deprecation or equally you could get into a conversation about best marathon courses for PBs.
I've downloaded it but not yet read it - the article recommended a read of Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic’s Don’t be Yourself — Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead). I suspect that this will include some useful life lessons. 'Skilled impression management' is highly recommended over the being your best unfiltered self. Food for thought!
By Fiona Christian 24/04/26.