Confidence Isn’t The Key To Crushing Your Interview

Other stuff matters more now.

I’ve hired hundreds of people in my day job.

Step one is to determine whether or not they’re a culture fit for our company. Another worn-out, trendy HR buzzword, right? I’m even tired of using that expression. We really need a new one.

If I was gonna define it, I’d say it’s an intangible compilation of conversational skills, attitude, well-roundedness, personality, and passion. Basically, are you the type of person that will fit in? Will you be able to get along with people or will I be getting a recap of your day one with all sorts of “concerns” from your direct report?

Over the years, what I look for has definitely changed, as has the age range and attitudes of the applicants.

Millennials show up and have an entirely new approach to being interviewed and how they sell themselves. Many show up with a mindset that I can only interpret as, “you’d only be so lucky to have me”, and good for them.

Knowing your worth is important.

Gen X and Boomers are sometimes stuck in a time warp, still speaking the language that used to mean something a decade or two ago, but not so much anymore. I know that because I am one of these.

Being a workaholic isn’t that admirable these days, though having a good work ethic still is.

It’s also not super desirable to talk to someone who is so confident that I have to worry if they will integrate well with the team.

It won’t work if you have guns a-blazin' on day one. Confidence is a tough line to walk.

It’s better to focus on your life as a whole. Things that never used to be a big deal are now, and the things that attract me to a new team member now even surprise me sometimes.

Your Life Is Balanced

Being a workaholic isn’t cool anymore. You need to have balance and really show an interest in other things beyond your career. Being a well-rounded person matters. Talk about things you like to do in your free time, your family and friends, and things you care about.

A strong work ethic is to be respected, but so is the person who has firm boundaries in place to protect their family time, life pursuits, and health. When those things are prioritized and woven into your life, it’s fairly certain that you’ll bring a healthy, happy, balanced person to your job.

My thought: That will improve the team.

You’re Creative

Outside-the-box thinkers are highly valued. Bucking the system and pushing envelopes are qualities that get a little sparkle in my eye. This shows you’ll be adaptable and find creative solutions for any issue you encounter. You’ll follow the rules, but you’ll also take matters into your own hands if there’s a “fire” to put out.

Creativity makes you a real asset in meetings and in collaborative efforts. You can be counted on to share a unique perspective, and that makes meetings so much better.

My thought: That’s good for everyone and will spice things up.

You’re Not Just In It For Yourself

People that get great joy in seeing others succeed are hard to find. Most want to secure their own journey to a higher position without really considering that those around them want that too.

It’s powerful to demonstrate that you are eager to not only share what you’ve learned with others but are also willing to hear differing thoughts and new ideas from your team members.

My thought: Other people matter to you and that matters to me.

You’re Open and Available

If you’re open, people feel comfortable talking to you, asking questions, and giving you feedback. There’s nothing worse than dealing with someone who has a chip on their shoulder or is unapproachable. It makes others uncomfortable and unable to also be open with you.

Being open is an important trait not only in work but in life. Being someone that will make time for others and be receptive to their ideas makes for a great co-worker, leader, or friend.

If you can share a story or two about taking feedback using it to improve yourself, big points.

My thought: You’re humble and willing to grow every day.

I have geared my interviews now to address these traits rather than the standard experience and “challenging scenario” questions. I think it’s safe to say that what companies are looking for today is much different than it used to be.

Your well-rounded life, overall health, and the ability to interact well with others are increasingly taking the place of being willing to overwork yourself and a high level of confidence.

While confidence is still an important and worthy skill, when assessing that good ole’ culture fit, there are many other personal traits to consider that speak to that.

Those things matter more now.

I have a shortlist of favorite random qualities that I have found are good indicators of a quality hire for our company, that I believe work across the board.

1. You read books or continue to better yourself through expert knowledge. It’s a teller that you don’t think you know everything there is to know and speaks to your ability to be flexible and open to new ideas.
2. You have a cause that you care about. Communicating that you make an effort to give back and have a generous spirit can often speak to your generosity as a leader.
3. You demonstrate organization, personally and professionally. Being on time for the meeting, but also taking care of how you dress, balance your life, your family, and your home. I've found that conversation about how you “do life” can be very telling to how you will do everything else.
4. Friends and family are a pillar. Plain and simple, I enjoy hearing things about close friends or family. Having relationships that matter to you outside of work speaks to what motivates you and that you have meaningful interactions with others.
5. There’s something sticky about you. When I remember something about you, that’s huge. I interview hundreds of people a year and if I remember you, anything about you, that’s an advantage but also speaks to creativity and individuality. Expressing your personality matters.

A final note about confidence. I believe its definition has changed when it comes to what an employer values. It seems to me to be less about being self-assured, secure, and a clear communicator and more about being a well-rounded person who cares that their life has balance, and has the expectation that their life improves their work, not the other way around.

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