The interview is one of the most valuable opportunities you have to convince a potential employer that you have the best skills and experience for the position. At Freddie Mac, we value and respect everyone’s desire to bring their authentic self to work every day, which we demonstrate through our recruiting and hiring processes, collegial interactions, team meetings and overall company experiences. As you navigate the hiring process, it’s important for you to show each interviewer that you are qualified but will also collaborate with the team and align with the company’s culture. To do that, you’ll want to bring your authentic self to every interview.
Freddie Mac recently spoke with Christine Tilton, lead talent advisor, to learn more about how to bring authenticity to the interview, why it’s important and tips for doing so successfully.
What does it mean to bring my authentic self to an interview?
In an interview, it’s essential to present your personality and your experience in a way that highlights your strengths and shows why you’re a great choice for the role. By doing this in an authentic and personable way, you can share your true self and show respect for the process in a way that builds trust early on.
Why is this important? How will it help me advance in the interview process?
Being authentic matters because it builds a natural connection with the interviewer, making you a more memorable and relatable candidate. By showcasing what makes you unique, you will stand out and be more likely to advance in the interview process. It’s important to realize the best version of you is you, and displaying who you are honestly and candidly allows the interviewer to get to know you authentically.
What are some ways I can convey my personality during the interview?
To show your true self and personality in an interview, share experiences and examples that accurately reflect who you are: your values, skills and qualifications. When you’re authentic, your passion and enthusiasm come through naturally, which employers and interviewers will appreciate.
For example, if competition is a big part of who you are, consider using a related analogy to illustrate your response. For instance, “making it to the finish line” for a project that you worked on in your professional life. By using real-life examples to highlight your accomplishments and thread in pieces of yourself, you are aligning with the role and its company’s culture.
What should I share about myself or my experience? How should I share it?
Relevant experience and skills are two key areas that you want to make sure you cover in an interview. Share your past roles, responsibilities, projects and accomplishments to illustrate your skills and knowledge.
A great way to share this information is to use the STAR method, though this is only one of many strategies. When asked a behavioral question, focus on responding with a description of the Situation, the Task required, the Action you took, and the Result or outcome — whether positive or negative, along with your learnings. Don’t forget to be concise and transparent in your answers. It never hurts to practice at home in front of the mirror before the interview to increase your comfort level, without being overly practiced.
How can I form a real connection with the interviewer?
You can build a connection via purposeful and active listening, asking thoughtful questions and relating your experiences to the company’s mission or goals. If shared effectively, the interview team will recognize that you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about the career opportunity. Remember to go into the interview relaxed and trusting of your preparation, experience and unique qualities. It is okay to admit your imperfections. Doing so can show self-awareness and honesty.
How can I connect my personal experience and values to Freddie Mac’s?
One way to connect your personal experience and values to those of Freddie Mac is to find instances where you can highlight your accomplishments and show how those align with the role and company culture. For example, if you are interviewing at Freddie Mac, review the website and do your research on values and outreach that support the corporate mission. For example, if you have participated in a Habitat for Humanity build volunteer project, share how you were involved and connect it to Freddie Mac’s mission of Making Home Possible.
Work for a company that allows you to bring your authentic self every day. Discover open opportunities at Freddie Mac today.
