Contributing author: Lisa Virtue, international career coach and founder of Her Career Studio

Over the years, I’ve guided countless professionals toward achieving their career goals, and there’s one principle I always emphasize: authenticity. In a world where fitting in often seems like the safest option, embracing your true self can feel daunting, especially during a job search where a lot is on the line and you are worried about saying the “right” thing at all points, from your resume to your interview, to follow up emails, etc. However, I’ve witnessed firsthand how authenticity can be a powerful catalyst for career success. Let me share why staying true to yourself is the surest path to personal fulfillment and professional achievement.

Defining authenticity in your professional life

Authenticity means being genuine and true to your personality, values, and principles. It’s about expressing your true self without succumbing to external pressures or societal expectations. In the professional realm, authenticity translates to presenting your genuine self while maintaining the necessary professionalism for your industry (such as dress and grooming standards).

The following personal and professional benefits can be achieved when staying true to yourself:

  1. Self-awareness: Authenticity starts with knowing who you are—your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and values. This self-awareness is fundamental for confidence and personal growth.
  2. Trust and respect: Authenticity builds trust and respect among colleagues, clients, and employers, essential for collaboration and leadership.
  3. Job performance: Being true to yourself enables you to leverage your unique strengths and talents, leading to enhanced job performance.
  4. Career satisfaction: Pursuing a career that reflects your values and passions results in greater job satisfaction and longevity.
  5. Mental well-being: Living authentically reduces stress and anxiety, promoting mental health by aligning your life with your true beliefs and values.

The power of authenticity in the job search and career success

Authenticity is good for business and good for your career. Here’s why:

Authenticity creates a unique personal brand

In a competitive job market, authenticity helps you stand out. It forms the bedrock of a unique personal brand that is memorable and respected. A strong personal brand can differentiate you from other candidates and establish your professional identity and reputation.

Authenticity attracts genuine connections when networking

People are drawn to those who are sincere and real. These authentic relationships often lead to valuable networking opportunities, mentorships, and career advancements.

Authenticity builds resilience and adaptability

Authentic individuals possess a strong sense of self, which makes them more resilient and adaptable. This inner strength helps them navigate professional challenges and adapt to changes more effectively. Two of the primary personality traits hiring managers often tell me they are seeking in qualified candidates are resilience and adaptability.

“Being yourself” in the recruitment process doesn’t mean abandoning professionalism. It means finding a balance where your true self shines through while adhering to professional standards.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Know your values: Understand what you stand for and ensure that your actions and words reflect these values during the interview process.
  2. Be honest and transparent: Speak truthfully about your experiences, skills, and aspirations. Authenticity is about honesty, even if it means admitting areas where you are still growing.
  3. Show your personality: Let your unique personality traits come through in your written materials, such as your résumé and cover letter, and all your interactions with team members. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit the company culture, and your personality is a big part of that.
  4. Embrace vulnerability: It’s okay to show vulnerability by discussing challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. This demonstrates resilience and authenticity.
  5. Stay professional: While being yourself, remember to maintain professionalism. Dress appropriately, communicate clearly, and respect the interview process.

The growing value of authenticity in hiring

In today’s world, where AI and automation are increasingly prevalent, hiring managers are placing a higher value on personality and authenticity. Recent articles by Forbes, Entrepreneur and Fast Company emphasize the importance of soft skills and personality when it comes to hiring in this AI environment.

Success story: Highlighting your personality in your resume

Sally, one of my clients, was constantly ghosted in her job search despite her extensive education and relevant experience. She felt frustrated and invisible, wondering why her impressive skills weren’t landing her interviews.

When Sally came to me, we took a fresh approach. We revised her resume to highlight not only her professional achievements but also her unique personality. We emphasized her creativity, leadership style, and how her genuine enthusiasm led to strong business impacts in her past roles. For instance, we showcased how her innovative ideas increased team productivity by 20% and her authentic leadership nurtured a high-performing, motivated team.

Within 48 hours of sending out her revamped resume, Sally received three interview invitations. Employers were drawn to her authentic self, not just her skills. Her personality shone through, making her stand out in a crowded job market. Sally’s experience proves that embracing authenticity in your resume can open doors to new opportunities.

Success story: Embracing authenticity in job interviews

Let me share a story about Sarah, a marketing professional I had the pleasure of coaching. For years, Sarah struggled with job interviews. She tried to anticipate the “right answers” to interview questions, masking her true personality in an attempt to fit what she thought employers wanted. This approach led to a series of rejections and mounting frustration.

Finally, Sarah decided to take a different approach and committed to being her true self in her job search. In her next interview, she spoke candidly about her experiences, her passion for marketing, and even shared personal anecdotes that highlighted her creativity and problem-solving skills. She focused on being honest about her strengths and areas for growth, rather than trying to present a flawless persona.

The result? Sarah received multiple job offers. Employers were impressed not just by her skills, but by her authenticity and innovation. By being herself, Sarah connected with hiring managers on a deeper level, showcasing her true potential and fit for the company culture.

Conclusion

Embracing authenticity is not just beneficial for personal fulfillment—it’s a strategic advantage in your career. By being your true self, you build trust, enhance job satisfaction, and open doors to unique opportunities. So remember: Authenticity is good for business and good for your career. It creates a strong personal brand, and fosters genuine connections.