“Just be yourself” sounds comforting. But in an interview? It can sabotage you.
First, *which* self? The one who thrives in a code? Vents to friends after 12s? Spends Sundays doomscrolling? You’re a whole human—but not every part belongs in the room.
When you lead with your *professional* self, you focus on clinical reasoning, communication, how you handle conflict or complexity. That’s not inauthentic—it’s relevant.
But lead with your *personal* self? You might overshare, over-joke, or get reactive. Suddenly you’re explaining your last manager’s issues or joking about burnout—and now you’ve clouded the picture.
Even worse, it can dysregulate *you*. If you’re trying to “connect,” you may miss signs about the actual job, culture, or team dynamics. You’re not calm, clear-eyed, or asking sharp questions—you’re performing.
You can’t fully hide your personal self—and you shouldn’t. But lead with the self that knows why the work matters, and what you bring to it.
Ever seen this play out? Or caught yourself in it mid-interview? Let’s hear it.