Self-Awareness Is Key for Job Interviews

Your primary concern at a job interview is to make a positive first impression. No matter how much time you spend preparing to answer potential interview questions, the real tools for success rest in your ability to put your best foot forward by showcasing your personality strengths. Reviewing your DISC profile and taking other helpful assessments can help you become conscious of the important qualities interviewers are looking for: honesty, understanding, self-awareness, and a desire to overcome limitations.

How DISC Helps Interviewees Prepare

When you know your personal DISC style, you can prepare for interview questions related to your weaknesses and strengths. For instance, “D” personality types are interested in the big picture, so they may need to work harder to show that they understand the significance of details. While “S” styles may be deemed practical and steady, they may need to show their ability to make changes as necessary. “C” types can be sensitive and precise, and they need to show an interviewer they can still take criticism.

In addition, understanding DISC can also help you prepare for communicating with the interviewer. For example, an HR manager with a prevailing “D” in their character prefer direct communication, and they may struggle to wade through flowery language to find the root of the question. They may also need to work harder to avoid responding curtly. Another example revolves around “I” personalities and their conversational nature. How can you tone it down, ensuring you are not saying too much?

Essentially, a DISC report will provide you with the tools you need to represent yourself to an interviewer realistically, all the while demonstrating ways you can rise to meet the challenges of any potential limitations.

How Cognitive Thinking Style Helps Interviewees Prepare

The way you think also has a lot to do with your strengths and weaknesses. When you understand your thinking style, available as part of the StudentKeys report, you can better represent yourself to your interviewer.

For example, a Literal Thinker is direct and factual. An interviewer may pick up on this, so you should expect to describe ways in which you can be compassionate and consider the wishes of your clients. An Intuitive Thinker is perceptive and adaptable, which is necessary to showcase. At the same time, you should consider your ability to be pragmatic when the time comes. Theoretical Thinkers are analytical and thorough, and they need to show they are more adaptable than they may appear. Finally, Experiential Thinkers are challenging and curious, but they may need to show to an interviewer they can abide by company policies.

How Behavioral Attitude Helps Interviewees Prepare

Your behavioral attitude, available through The BAI Report, plays a significant role in the way you make decisions. While many people mask their true attitudes, behavioral attitude is something you show to others. It is your passion, which speaks loudly. When you know your behavioral attitude, you know what kind of attitude you show an interviewer and how to adjust your attitude so you fit the available role.

For example, those who display Economic/Tangible behavioral attitudes may be perceived as results and money-driven, but they will need to show the interviewer they can be people-driven and communicative as well. Those who are Artistic/Innovative are non-linear and curious, but they must demonstrate that they can be part of the team. You may combine your self-exploration with a 2D report, combining DISC and the Behavioral Attitude Index.

Using your Assessments to Prepare for Difficult Questions

When you better understand your personality, behavioral attitude, and thinking style, you can study for the questions considered most difficult for individuals with your attributes. No matter how difficult the question may be, one effective method of answering is to discuss ways in which you compliment a team. What do you bring to the table? When you know the answer to this question, your interviewer feels confident in your abilities.

Still not sure where you stand? Take the Student Strengths assessment and utilize the acquired self-awareness as your new secret weapon for landing your dream job.