World-renowned job-finding expert Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic spills the secrets on what employers are looking for.
1. Interviewers often ask, ‘what’s your greatest weakness?’. How do you suggest people answer?
Try and look like you’re thinking about the answer, because the more you look like you’ve rehearsed, the less truthful your answer will seem. Avoid common clichés such as ‘I’m too much of a perfectionist’ or ‘I’m too self-critical’. Avoid being completely honest, too. Much like a first date, an interview is not the time to reveal your deepest darkest secrets, so instead highlight the things your interviewers may have already identified as weaknesses, be it gaps or shortcomings in your CV and background, which will show self-awareness.
2. What’s waiting for graduates out there?
Jobs today can pay well. They can also be interesting. They can also require creativity and fulfil multiple life needs. Competition is fierce though and qualifications are only a first pass filter – without them, you can do very little; but without understanding your personality, experience, connections, and self-awareness you’re not going to get very far, either. We live in a talent economy and the main talent passport you have is your reputation. How are you different and better from your competitors? I don’t like the idea of cultivating your personal brand – it sounds trivial, vacuous and narcissistic – but if your reputation doesn’t stand out in a crowded market, or if you can’t explain how you will use your talents at work, you’ll only make it if you’re lucky.
3. What’s the most important skill a graduate can develop to flourish after university?
Your main competitive advantage lies in discovering your own skills. You’re at the beginning of your learning curve, so understand that this journey is probably not going to be a straight line
4. If you could redo your time at University what would you do?
I would spend more time on extracurricular activities, getting real world experience. It’s important to focus on your studies but use your spare time to create something, pursue hobbies, internships, projects and interact with people, proving to yourself that you can influence others and work well with them. These interpersonal skills are critical in any company.
5. What are the most common mistake graduates make as they begin a career?
Thinking they’re better than they actually are. When in fact modesty, self-awareness, the right career choices, and hard work will open doors. Expect less and give more. You’re at the beginning of your learning curve, so understand that this journey is probably not going to be a straight line. Nothing will open more doors than performing in your current role and being valued by those that you work with.
6. What do you wish you knew when you graduated?
That, from now on, life will only get harder and more complex, but the rewards feel even greater. In a real sense, you never truly graduate – it’s a constant flow of learning, adapting and gaining more insight into yourself. Learning how best to leverage your curiosity and creativity, drive and how to work with others will be the greatest way of finding success.
7. What’s your top tip for somebody working out their next step?
Self-awareness can go a long way. The better people understand their own strengths, limitations, and interests, the smarter their career choices will be. They’ll end up liking their jobs more, performing better, and staying put longer. Self-awareness, in other words, is a sorely undervalued talent enhancer because it can help people identify jobs that actually match their values and skills. Remember: talent is largely personality in the right place.
