Your Personality Could Be Costing You Job Offers
Understanding Your Communication Style 🗣️
As a 20-year career coaching veteran, I've coached countless people on how to be the ideal candidate that employers want to hire. One major factor we focus on is their personality and communication style. Now, I never ask people to completely change who they are. Instead, I help them understand the strengths and potential weaknesses of how their personality comes across in job interviews.
The best way to gain this self-awareness is by taking a communication style assessment like the ISAT (Interaction Style Assessment Test) that I recommend to my clients. This free quiz reveals your dominant communication style—whether you're a Commander, Energizer, Empathizer, or Contemplator. Armed with this knowledge, you can anticipate how your personality may be perceived by different interviewers.
Flexing Your Style for the Interviewer 💪
For example, let's say you're a direct, serious Commander style. While that focused demeanor is great, it may come across as too intense or unapproachable to an Empathizer interviewer who values connection first. They may not feel they can bond with you or that you're open to their coaching.
On the flip side, if you're an outgoing, fast-paced Energizer, your communication style could overwhelm a more reserved, methodical Contemplator interviewer. They may struggle to follow your quicker cadence and energy level.
The goal isn't to fundamentally change your personality. But you do need to flex and adapt it based on who is interviewing you. If you sense the interviewer has a very different style, try to tone down or modify aspects of your personality that may rub them the wrong way. Show them you can still communicate effectively with them.
Giving Yourself the Best Chance 🌟
Some may say, "If they don't like my true personality, then I don't want the job." I understand that perspective. However, in this competitive job market, it's easier for employers to select candidates whose personalities naturally gel with the existing team when all other qualifications are equal.
You don't have to morph into someone you're not. But being mindful of how your personality impacts different people, and making small adjustments, can give you a considerable hiring advantage.
Don't underestimate the importance of personality assessment and adapting your style. It could be the make-or-break factor for getting hired.
Take Control of Your Career ✅
If you want guidance on understanding and optimizing your communication style for interviews from certified career coaches, I invite you to try Work It DAILY's program for a FREE 7-day trial. Our expert help could make a big difference in your next job search.
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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