Reading this email from Valerie made me realize that I need to clarify one or two important points I made in that "HR spies" blogl.
First, there's no such objective thing as likeable.
If a hiring manager or a colleague finds you likeable, that's their subjective opinion. It's more of a reflection of them rather than you. Yes, you should put on your best behavior during an interview. Yes, you should treat people with respect. Yes,you should present yourself as a warm and friendly person.
Sometimes, though, you can do all these things and, for whatever reason, there's no chemistry and the hiring manager decides to pass you over. It's not because you're "unlikeable". It's more likely that you're simply not a good fit for their team's culture. That's okay. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. It doesn't mean you need fixing.
Second, being a chameleon isn't always a good thing.
Have you ever worked in a place where you simply didn't fit in? Perhaps they'd blast out loud music all day and it drove you mad. Or maybe it was a highly politicized environment that just didn't suit your style.
There's little worse than spending three, four, or maybe even five years of your life, working in an environment where you don't belong.
It tramples your confidence into the ground. It drains you of your passion. It makes you resent waking up early every morning to come into work.
In short, it turns a dream job into a "just a job".
So don't be in too much of a hurry to become a chameleon. It's better, in my humble opinion, that you stay true to who you are.
It might lose you a few "opportunities" in the short run. In the long run, you'll land a job in a role and environment where you'll excel and be happy.
That's my two cents, anyway.
By the way, when I designed Interview Success Formula, I didn't set out to create a process that works 100% of the time. Instead, I worked to perfect a process that works 100% authentically with who you really are, what your soul really yearns for, and what you as a professional really have to offer.
Why?
Because landing the job isn't always "success". You need to land a job in a team where you'll fit in, where you'll feel happy, and where you'll excel.
That is "success".
If Interview Success Formula doesn't get you the job, you can rest assured that it's because you don't belong there (and it doesn't belong in your life), not because you weren't "likeable" enough.
That's enough pontificating for one day.