While it’s essential to present your best self during the interview, it’s equally important to be genuine and honest. Big tech companies value authenticity and want to understand who you truly are as a candidate. Candidates should not use examples they found online, and present genuine experiences from their past. Interviewers generally ask clarifying questions and it might become a struggle answering them if the examples you shared aren’t yours.

It’s necessary for candidates to be true to themselves and present their genuine experiences, thoughts, and beliefs during the interview process. Here’s a deeper explanation of why it’s important:

• Transparency: Big tech companies, like Google, Meta and Amazon, value transparency and integrity. They want to get to know the real you, not an exaggerated or fabricated version. Being authentic means providing truthful information about your skills, experiences, and qualifications. Avoid embellishing or exaggerating your accomplishments or skills. Interviewers are skilled at assessing authenticity and can often detect when someone is not being genuine.
• Cultural fit: Tech companies often prioritise cultural fit when evaluating candidates. They want to assess whether you align with their values, work ethic and team dynamics. Trying to mould yourself into what you think the interviewer wants to hear might lead to joining a company that isn’t the right fit for you. By being authentic, you give yourself a better chance of finding a company where your values and personality align with the culture.
• Building trust: Authenticity builds trust. Interviewers are more likely to trust and connect with candidates who come across as genuine. Sharing real experiences and insights allows the interviewer to understand your decision-making process, problem-solving skills and interpersonal dynamics. Trust is crucial in building successful working relationships, and it starts from the initial interview stage.
• Handling weaknesses: It’s natural to have areas where you may not excel or have limited experience. Being honest about your weaknesses or areas for improvement is essential. However, when discussing weaknesses, focus on how you have addressed them, learnt from them, or developed strategies to overcome them. Interviewers appreciate self-awareness and growth mindset.
• Long-term success: If you are hired based on a false portrayal of your skills or experiences, it can lead to challenges in performing the job effectively. Being authentic helps ensure that your skills and qualifications align with the role. It also enables you to confidently and truthfully answer follow-up questions or provide examples related to your experiences.

Remember, being authentic and honest doesn’t mean being unprofessional or sharing overly personal information. It’s about presenting yourself in a genuine and truthful manner, allowing the interviewer to evaluate your suitability for the role and the company culture.