Interviewing like a Hardo?
Are we expected to wordsmith and talk superficially (embellishing things, kind of like the way consultants talk) during interviews? I notice some of my peers do this but I've always tried to be more genuine and laid back.
Personally, I have had some decent interview success but I'm wondering my mindset is completely wrong and I should be talking more like a hardo? I have a relatively strong resume and experiences so I don't try to gas up any of my achievements beyond what they are. Just a freshman so I can't really compare my interview results to reflect.
My language might be extreme because I know that I would never want to interview like a hardo, but I might be better off superficially talking like I am more intelligent, being extra enthusiastic, etc.
Nah. The interviewer is trying to see what you're like to work with. If the interviewer is chatting normally with you it would just be awkward if you didn't match his vibe
Here's the three interview rules you gotta know. Especially for a freshman who got plenty of time to learn.
Rule Number 1: Don't be a faker
Rule Number 2: Don't be a douchebag
Rule Number 3: Don't forget number 2
Coming off as a hardo never helps but a few thoughts on where this is useful
1. On your resume - don't be ridiculous about it, but there is some art to bullet point writing and wordsmithing is helpful
2. Interviewers rarely listen to the actual answer in detail, especially for softball or "tell me about a time when". If you start down the right track and sound convincing that is usually fine. You need to practice telling a story or situation in a concise way or talking about how you delivered an outcome.
3. Don't come across as too laid back. I like the casual interviewees, but the MDs rarely do as they find them unprofessional, while the super-polished kids come across as strong as clients. There is a balance.
Interviews should be in person chill in office for day fix my hair you guys think I’m cool? Ok legs crossed I’ll be in tomorrow etc lmao. But being serious I’m moving to more conversational in general like
Thought I was having a stroke reading this
Jesus christ, just be a normal human and be able to have an intelligent conversation with another normal human
I’ve noticed that when I show up for interviews in normal clothes. Dress shirt, no suit jacket, no tie, business casual — I am treated better and ultimately respected more. Acting like a hardo makes people dislike you, and they “won’t see you as a fit”. Match people’s energy.
Definitely be extra enthusiastic in interviews bro. You’re a freshman in college, your enthusiasm and excitement should far outmatch people that’ve already been doing this shit 80 hours a week for 1-30 years. Your competition will be bringing the energy, and you don’t get any points for appearing disinterested or chill while others show true excitement for the field and make their interviewers feel like they will run through a brick wall for the job.
When you first start or when you’re interviewing, your enthusiasm, willingness to go the extra mile, intellectual curiosity, excitement for the role, and work ethic are the only value you have. Unless your dad’s company or fund is a client, you don’t actually bring anything of substance to the table, so you definitely want to lean in on those positive soft personality traits.
Lastly, just because you see jaded experienced professionals on WSO and on the job complain or act cynical, doesn’t mean that same attitude is cool or impressive or desirable from a college student. Don’t lie about accomplishments, but go full hardo on positive attitude and excitement for the role.
Sit libero non similique officiis. Voluptatibus ut recusandae et temporibus eum facere. Et impedit rerum dolorem ut. Qui quae voluptas quo nesciunt accusamus.
Sit qui quis dolore quia incidunt dicta voluptas. Aliquid dolores tenetur fugiat aliquam. Molestias magnam et laborum blanditiis repudiandae veniam. Doloribus provident aut reiciendis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...