The Complete Package

When applying for a position requiring highly developed competencies and senior experience, you would think that the application should reflect confidence, a broad and well-rounded skill set and advanced industry expertise.

Which it should. But there is a gamble in presenting yourself as having all the boxes ticked, and then more. If job applicants give the impression too strongly that they are self-reliant, self-trained and self-assured, it is more difficult to establish the basic fundamentals of a potential future working relationship.

Why does this person want to work for our company? What are they looking to gain professionally by joining the team? How will they respond to our management style and structure? How long can we foresee this person staying with us - and what are their expectations for career advancement?

These are typical questions with regard to any job applicant, but a good first impression is one that displays some modesty and moderation. Likewise for a first date with a possible new romantic partner - arrogance is a bit of a turn off. It's difficult to find a way into an engaging dialogue you do not feel that both parties are being entirely down-to-earth and open.

There is no disgrace in providing information about your efforts to continuously self-improve, to learn new processes, meet new people and gain further occupational knowhow. Employers like to know what they could provide you, as well as what you can give to them. Otherwise there is no implicit assurance that you will stay on and keep pushing yourself towards greater achievements.

So before presenting yourself next time as the candidate to beat all candidates, leave a couple of boxes unticked for now - they are your goals for when you start the position. And when they ask you in the interview, "what are your key weaknesses", you can proudly claim to have several, but they're a work in progress. Let me tell you all about them...