The jury is divided – because there are two schools of thought when it comes to job interviewing success: Some gurus say that the only way to turn in an honest performance (and a job interview is definitely a performance) is to just ‘be yourself’: Be natural. Be cool. Let them know who you really are right from the start. The other half of the jury swings the other way. They say don’t you dare be yourself: Act professional. Act cool. Act like you’re already doing the job.

This could be confusing. (Duh.) You’re probably thinking that not being yourself is completely contrary to everything Mom ever told you. After all, why shouldn’t you be yourself? You’re a cracker-jack engineer, or an ace IT professional with oodles of experience and tons to offer.

You’re also a professional – with a professional persona – the one that you don when you’re going into a meeting with the company President in a heavily corporate environment.

But that’s not all you are. You’re a multi-dimensional, multi faceted engineer by day, marathoner, writer, car mechanic (when you absolutely have to be), super-hero to your children and salsa champion by night.

Where am I going with all this?

We all like to think that we’re the same person around everyone. But that’s just not true. You have several selves: your at work self, your hanging out with friends self, your driving in traffic self, your weekend self – and my personal favourite – the self you are when nobody’s around.

Let’s take it one step further: A star is a professional A-list actor who learns their lines and delivers consistent, stellar performances that seem real to the audience. A good actor can take an audience on an informative and emotional journey and leave them laughing, crying, and hopefully begging for more.

An interview is your opportunity to perform and turn in your own stellar performance. You should feel like a star – and perform like a star – every time. So if you’re Al Pacino or Meryl Streep, no worries! But if you’re not, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Remember the 60 Second Sell? It all revolves around that. Learn how to use it to your fullest advantage, perform like a star and ace that job interview.

What does this guru say about being yourself in an interview?

Read the next interview coach Interview Tip: The Verdict Is In!

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