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According to an American human resources specialist, there are only 4 different profiles among those who undergo a professional interview. Knowing which personality suits you would also allow you to know your strengths and weaknesses. Ready to discover your personality?
The job interview is never an easy time. Stress, the desire to leave a good impression, a loss or excess of self-confidence can have disastrous consequences. But according to Anna Papalia, a job interview professional, and author of “Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing”, the success of an interview would rely as much on your knowledge as on your “professional” personality. And there are 4, according to her, that you need to know to be clear about your strengths and weaknesses.
The charmer
Charmers are extroverted people who view job interviews as an opportunity to sell themselves. To this end, they often do extensive research on their interviewers and the company to learn how to best position themselves for the position and are extra kind and attentive during the interview. “They will use the strength of their personality to make this person love them. Even if they don’t get the job. They just want to know that this person loved them.”, explains Anna Papalia. The charmer will therefore give priority to establishing a working relationship, more than to running for the position.
What are the limits of the charmer?
If he really knows how to sell himself and tell a story, the charmer sometimes forgets to talk about his skills and his qualifications. “If that’s all you do, you’ll look like an empty suit” warns the expert. This is why, if you are a charmer, remember to also talk about your abilities and the projects you have worked on, to share some statistics, some professional details…
The challenger
The challenger wants to be respected and heard, but to this end, he demonstrates his qualifications through his willingness to ask difficult questions during an interview. By being skeptical, trying to demonstrate what is wrong and how she could improve things if hired, the challenger thinks she is taking the lead in a job interview. He also prefers to stick to his positions than to charm his interlocutor
What are the challenger’s limits?
The challenger is good at preparing difficult questions, but too many challenges can also scare the recruiter: “You don’t have to criticize everything, we understand”. It is therefore better to do a little less to gain the trust of the recruiter.
The examiner
Reviewers come across as calm, reserved, and serious during job interviews, and that’s intentional. They are motivated by the desire to “do things right.” Their credo? They think they just need to show the hiring manager how well they can do the job to get hired, and they will provide plenty of examples from their resume to do so. “They tend to really focus on the facts, the figures, the details, their qualifications, unlike charmers, who focus on making a connection”declares the expert.
The examiner’s limitations
By wanting to be perceived as professional and competent, the examiner forgets to talk about himself and his personality during interviews, which works to their disadvantage and can make him appear cold or disinterested. To give a warmer impression, it can help to think like a charmer in these situations and tell a few more stories. “It’s not just about your qualifications. It’s also about how you’re going to get along culturally” rcalls Anna Papalia.
The harmonizer
Finally, harmonizers are those people who shine through their team spirit. They focus on how they can contribute to the overall goals of a team, are very good at reading the mood and intentions of others, and can tailor the conversation accordingly. “They listen a lot. And they are very interested in how they would fit into the group. This is very different from their polar opposite, the challenger, who is here to want to be respected and heard. “
The limits of the harmonizer
Although harmonizers are excellent collaborators, during an interview they may give too much importance to the group rather than to themselves. “Instead of sharing what they can offer the company, harmonizers make the mistake of stating that they will meet all of the employer’s needs and struggle to find their voice” explains the expert. Putting a little personal ambition into their presentation can only benefit them.