The Most Overrated Interview Advice: “Just Be Yourself”

You’ve probably heard it before: “Just be yourself in an interview.”

It sounds harmless. Simple. Even comforting. But here’s the truth — it can actually mislead you if you take it literally.

I’ve seen candidates walk into interviews thinking they can wing it. They figure their natural way of talking will be enough. And most of the time? It isn’t.

Why It Can Go Wrong

Interviews aren’t casual chats. If you behave exactly like you do with friends, a few things can happen:

• You might talk about stuff that doesn’t matter.

• You could come off scattered or unprepared.

• The interviewer might not see your real strengths.

Being “yourself” without thinking about the setting often looks careless, not authentic.

How to Actually Be Yourself

Being authentic isn’t about blurting out whatever comes to mind or just showing off. It’s about showing who you are in a way that fits the professional context.

• Share real experiences that matter. Don’t tell every story you remember.

• Show your strengths naturally, but focus on how they help the role or team.

• Let your personality shine, but in a way that connects to value. If curiosity is your trait, show how it helped you solve a problem, not just that “I’m curious.”

A Small Example

I once worked with a candidate who thought being themselves meant winging it. They froze when asked technical questions.

We practiced a few stories about real projects and challenges. When they told them naturally, it felt like them—but polished enough to make sense professionally.

The difference was striking. By the end of the workshop, the same person left interviews looking like someone ready to contribute, not just someone answering questions.

Check out the workshop here: Exclusive Career Workshop

Final Thoughts

“Just be yourself” isn’t bad advice, but it’s incomplete. The real goal is to be yourself strategically. Show your personality, but also show that you can add value, learn, and fit in.

It’s not about casual honesty. It’s about being real in a way that actually impresses.