Authenticity

Picture taken of an antique German Printing Press, where old letters and keys were found!

The Golden Rule - Authenticity
The term authenticity ensues different meaning to different people, but in my world, it is quite simple. The person you represent yourself to be on paper is an exact clone of the person you are in reality. Of course, we have ‘layers of the onion’ to peel back representing our personality, but at the end of the day, you are to always be true and honest.
So, how does this apply to interviewing? Let’s start at the very beginning of building your resume, the foundation. When you begin compiling timelines for projects you have completed, it is important to recall them accurately. Not only do you want to recall them truthfully for your own well-being, imagine the EASE when you subject your information to the recruiter and you’re confident each sales number, and year end figure is precise. One of the top reasons a resume will hit the bottom of the pile is lack of authenticity, and correctness. Often candidates get so consumed by the process, they feel it will be “no big deal” to exaggerate a detail here and there. I beg you, please make no mistake, it is a HUGE deal and it will haunt you. These are just a couple examples of where authenticity is necessary, but it should be applied as a blanket statement throughout your personal and professional life.

Personal Portfolio
Time to put gather your documents, accomplishments and awards! This resource is going to be the black and white supporting the claims made on your resume and cover letter. Each candidates’ portfolio varies, especially from industry to industry. Often containing accolades, celebratory emails from a superior, business plans, sales rankings and examples of work created leading to a positive result. To dive a bit deeper, inaccuracy among sales numbers is the most common mistake noted by recruiters. I will continue to preach until I am blue in the face, to emit only the most truthful material you possess. Rule of thumb in career development, and life, keep the details clean. 

How Does this Affect my Interview Nerves?
Close your eyes for twenty seconds and think about the pre-interview nerves the majority of us feel. We are all human and about to enter an uncomfortable situation. The question is how do I walk into that room as confident, and flawlessly as possible? This brings us right back to authenticity. All the integrity you spilled into your documents will now shine through verbally across the table. Each question thrown at you comes with more ease and fluidity as you are recalling from pure facts, rather than any doctored information to make you look better on paper. You know you best, and if you’re able to conquer this one measurable chunk of the process, that is extraordinarily meaningful.

Full Circle
Similar to volleyball on the weekends, refurbing a dresser or knitting a scarf, practice makes perfect. Practicing and displaying authenticity will subject your technique to a new level of calmness. It is recommended to practice verbalizing before entering the interview, and it will also shake out any loose nuts or bolts. Not only will interviewers be impressed by your undeniable composure, you will leave them committed to the chunk of integrity you laid on the table. Check back next Monday for a new post about reducing stress throughout the job search process! I would love to hear your feedback below! Feel free to leave a comment.