Based on the heading, you might be expecting tips on how to ace interview questions, what to wear for an interview or how to perfect your resume. However, none of those things matter unless you are genuine.

Genuine is defined on Dictionary.com as, “ possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic; real."

I believe that I was chosen out of 100 applicants because I was genuine and let my uniqueness shine through. Let me explain. During my interview for this position, I was asked a variety of different questions. Some difficult, some creative, some tricky, but they all had one thing in common; they aimed to get to know who I was.

One of the first questions my interviewers asked me was, “on a scale from 1-10, how weird are you?” The first thought that ran through my head was to answer in a manner that would please my interviewers; however, I did quite the contrary. I answered as if I was talking to my best friend. I did the same thing on the questions that followed, I responded to the questions as openly and candidly as possible.

After my interview was completed and I was about to leave, the interviewer asked me how I felt that it had gone. I responded, “I answered every question honestly, acted myself and now the decision is out of my hands.” He smiled and said he would get back to me within the next week. The next day I found out that I received the position.

The point of this story is that in any situation, especially stressful or scary ones, you have to stay true to yourself. I could have easily tailored my answers to fit what I thought the company would want to hear, but then if I did get the position they would imagine me as someone that I am not. I am the biggest proponent of everyone embracing their uniqueness and in this case, it had some great perks to go along with it.

Stay honest, truthful and proud to be you and good things will come your way.