Newsflash! “Applicant with Great Personality Gets the Job!” Stay Tuned for Details.
How much influence does your personality affect the results of your job search? How many times have you heard that a decision is pretty much made in the first 5 minutes (or some might say 5 seconds!) of an interview? Maybe not so much that you absolutely got the job, but rather that you are a contender — or not. Makes those first 5 minutes pretty intense, doesn’t it?
But what if you are shy and somewhat more introverted? Even hearing the word “networking” sounds like a horror film. You don’t know how to – or even care to “work a room”. Does this mean you don’t stand a chance?
There’s some good news. Hiring managers and corporate America always want “the perfect candidate” to fill a vacant, or soon to be vacant position. But, fortunately, they are becoming more and more aware that just because a person interviews well, it does not mean they are the best candidate. Every job opening does not require a gregarious, go-getter, who is full of enthusiasm and the life of the party. Yes, believe it or not, there’s plenty of room for the pleasant, serious, dedicated and even a quiet, passive type of individual.
Keep in mind that there’s a distinct difference when we discuss “personality” and “personality type”. Many people tend to use the term to describe an individual as falling into one of two categories: 1) an outgoing person or 2) not memorable, meaning not much of a “personality”. Generally they are referring to the ubiquitous “magnetism” of this particular person. It may be difficult to believe but there are plenty of people who are having a difficult time finding employment who are described as having “a great personality.” This, in and of itself, does not get a person hired. It may, in some cases help, but many other things are taken into consideration. Are the people who are the “dynamos” getting the job done? Or are they just good at talking about it?
A “personality type” is generally what is considered when an employer is trying to create the best match between the open position and their selection of available candidates. Different personality types have different preference in their career choices and odds for success. Much the same way as credentials are checked along with the backgrounds of candidates, many employers are utilizing various personality tests and profiles. Not a surefire method, but a way to weed out those personality types who typically don’t match well with the tasks required to successfully handling a job.
There are many opportunities for the quieter, less gregarious individual. The tactic to get their proverbial “foot in the door” requires a different approach and strategy – everything from getting an interview through to the follow-up. A candidate with a solid work ethic, who is service oriented and knows their field, is always in demand.
Lauren Castle is the owner of Impress Express, a professional image firm, focusing on career development, resume preparation, presentation skills, etiquette and interview coaching. We are members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers. For help with your image, posting your resume, or preparing your internet-friendly resume, contact Lauren directly at 858-459-7400. And, as always, please forward your image and career-related questions to info@impress-express.com for further information.