Brooke Whittington, PharmD, is a 2022–2023 APhA executive resident in Washington, DC.
“Just be yourself.” How many times have you heard this interviewing tip?
I remember thinking “What if ‘myself’ isn’t enough?” I strived for perfection while I practiced my elevator pitch and interview answers, and as a result, I struggled with showing my personality during interviews. Being authentic can be difficult in stressful situations.
With interviewing season in full swing, student pharmacists often get caught up in preparing flawless interview answers and forget to sprinkle in a little personality. Once you’re offered an interview, use this opportunity to let the employers get to know you and your capabilities. Maintaining professionalism and adding in your personality by speaking candidly can help distinguish you from other applicants. Employers may sense inauthenticity through scripted answers and develop feelings of distrust.
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned on how to successfully navigate interviews authentically.
1. Reflect and connect
Be sure to emphasize and explain why the position or company interests you. This could be the rotations, projects, or other opportunities they offer. It could be that the company’s mission and vision strongly resonate with you. Be sure to connect these reasons to your experiences and goals.
2. Align your skillset and passions with the position
Pay attention to the company’s culture and consider if the workplace environment fits your personality traits and strengths. If a company has values that you believe in, it will be much easier to produce candid answers.
3. Practice storytelling
Effective storytelling can humanize you and highlight your soft and technical skills. While your answers should not be scripted, storytelling requires some practice. It can be easy to ramble and offer extraneous details when telling a story, so to be sure to prepare enough to captivate your audience.
Also, do not feel pressured to prepare the “perfect” answers, as the interviewer may doubt your credibility. An example of this would be: “My weakness is being a perfectionist.” Instead, show the interviewer how you have overcome your weaknesses. This demonstrates that you are able to learn and grow from feedback and experience. However, be weary of being too self-deprecating. Remember, this is your chance to humbly brag about your accomplishments!
4. Expect the unexpected
Companies may ask an unpredictable question to throw you off-guard. They typically do this to get a glimpse of your personality and to see how you think on your feet. Expect this but don’t stress about these odd-ball questions.
5. Smile
Body language is so important and can make stressful interactions more calming and pleasant. A genuine smile can show the employer that you are excited to be there and give you that boost of confidence.
6. Ask questions
It’s important to do research on the company, as this shows that you have a genuine interest in being a part of their team. Asking thoughtful questions can help you stand out in a pool of applicants. Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
Practicing authenticity in your answers will help you find a workplace that fits you. Always remember that you are more than just your resume and cover letter. Best of luck!