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Hey Reader,
We can all agree that the job market has been…chaotic these past couple of years, right?
The wildest thing? Every job posting seems to get hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants. Sure, half of them are “spray and pray” applications sent to every open job on the internet, but still, the numbers can be intimidating.
So, who are the people who actually land these roles? 🤔
Well, my team and I speak directly with CS hiring managers on a regular basis, and they all say that the people who actually get invited to interviews are the ones who submit clear, relevant, personalized applications that make the hiring manager think, “Oh, this person actually gets it.”
But here’s the problem.
Even when people do the work to prepare personalized applications and prep for interviews… they sometimes over-prepare themselves straight out of the running. 💀
They memorize answers, force themselves into rigid interview frameworks, and end up sounding more like ChatGPT than a real person.
Which is ironic, because the whole point of interviews is to show the company you’re the one they’d actually want to work with every day – on Slack, in meetings, or while fixing something messy at 4:45 p.m. on a Friday.
So today, I want to talk to you about how to show your personality in interviews without losing your credibility or hurting your chances of landing the role.
Here are seven actionable ways to make sure you’re showing both your personality and your skills in a way that makes a positive, lasting impression:
1. Ditch the “That’s a great question” reflex
When interviewing, it’s okay to take a second to think, and you don’t have to fill the silence with filler words.
So instead of saying “That’s a great question” like a reflex, show them you get the question and you’ve lived it.
✅ Try: “Ooof, I’ve definitely had this happen to me. Here’s one situation that stands out…”
2. Invite the interviewer into the conversation
Usually, the best interviews feel like a dialogue, not an interrogation.
✅ Try: “I’m curious… how does that show up on your team?”
This not only makes it feel more like a real conversation, but it also helps you understand their priorities so you can tailor your answers on the spot.
3. Stop the monologue
If you’ve been talking for more than 90 seconds, you’ve probably lost the interviewer’s attention. To avoid that, give them a checkpoint so they can guide you to what’s most relevant.
✅ Try asking, “Want me to go deeper into that, or keep moving to my latest role?”
This approach keeps them engaged, and it stops you from oversharing the stuff they don’t care about.
4. Stop inserting STAR robotically into your talk track
Yes, STAR works, but no, you don’t need to narrate the letters like a checklist.
✅ Tell the story like you’re walking a coworker through it over coffee, not reading it from a manual.
That’s how you start sounding human again.
5. Let them see what lights you up
If you get excited when you talk about adoption strategy or renewal wins, let them see it.
✅ Try: “Oh, driving adoption is my jam. I love digging into the data…”
Thinking that passion is unprofessional is silly, so don’t be afraid to show some.
6. Match their energy
If they’re relaxed and casual, you can be relaxed and casual, too.
✅ Instead of, “Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience today…” try, “This has been awesome… what’s the next step from here?”
You’re showing them you’d fit into their environment naturally.
7. Ask for clarification
When you don’t understand a question, one of the worst things you can do is start guessing what they mean.
✅ Instead of making assumptions, try asking, “Just to make sure I’m on the right track, do you mean X or more like Y?”
This makes you sound confident, collaborative, and avoids the awkward “Oh no, I just answered the wrong question” moment.
Remember Reader: at the end of the day, hiring managers are not looking for a perfect robot – they’re looking for a human they can stand talking to for 8+ hours every day.
And the more you show them what it would be like to work alongside you, the easier it is for them to picture you in the role.
So yes, prepare, practice, but don’t forget to show a little bit of that unique YOU-spark. ✨
To your success,
Carly
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