Personality Goes a Long Way
by Trevor Calton
You might think your resume, your degree, or your skills are what get you noticed. But in reality, it’s your personality that makes people remember you.
It’s how you show up, your energy, your humor, your curiosity, that turns a brief interaction into a lasting connection.
Why Personality Matters
Most job seekers focus on facts and figures:
- GPA
- Years of experience
- Technical expertise
Those things are table stakes. Everyone has them.
What sets you apart is:
Who you are, and how you make others feel.
Personality as a Career Tool
Think about it:
- The colleague who always lightens a tense meeting
- The candidate who tells a quick story that nails the point
- The leader who brings out the best in their team with genuine interest
These people are remembered not just for what they do, but for who they are.
How to Let Your Personality Shine
Be Curious
Ask questions that matter. Listen with real interest. People love talking about what they care about, so give them that chance.
Share Stories
Facts inform. Stories connect. Weave a brief example or personal anecdote into your conversations, bios, and posts.
Show Your Values
What matters to you? Integrity, collaboration, innovation? Let those values guide your tone and your actions.
Use Your Natural Voice
Ditch jargon, clichés, and corporate-speak. Write, speak, and interact the way you actually talk, professionally, but authentically you.
When to Dial It Back (and When to Lean In)
Your personality is your asset, but context matters. Gauge the environment, the culture, the audience, and adjust without losing your essence.
In a formal interview, you might tone down the jokes but keep the warmth. In a team brainstorm, you might let your humor and creativity run free.
The Bottom Line
You can’t fake personality, so don’t try. But you can cultivate self-awareness about how you show up, and lean into the traits that make you, you.
When you do that, you won’t just be another candidate. You’ll be the one everyone remembers.
Remember, people do business with people they like.
Want to Amplify Your Career with Authentic Impact?
Career Building from the Inside Out helps you harness your personality, your strengths, and your story to build a career that feels purposeful and rewarding. Explore the program here
Ready to bring this to your team or audience? Book me for a workshop or keynote
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