<aside> ✨ Stressed about applying to internships? Not feeling like the “perfect” job candidate? Would you believe us if we told you there is no “perfect” job candidate? This week, join us as we take a look at the importance of embracing your unique skills and personality when applying to jobs to find an organization that best supports your goals and interests!
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Applying for jobs and internships can be a stressful experience, and it’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to your peers. It sometimes feels like you need to be a part of 10 different organizations on campus, already have 2 internships under your belt, and be taking 60 units worth of classes in order to be interviewed and hired.
While there are benefits to being involved on campus and gaining industry experience, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pack your resume and overload with high involvement activities.
<aside> ⏰ “…there’s a myth that to be successful in tech, you need to be Type A”
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<aside> ⚡ Type A: ”consistent high-achievers, lovers of competition, and very deadline-motivated”
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<aside> 🌊 Type B: ”tolerant of ideas and people, laid-back about most things, and avoidant of stress”
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Type A and B personalities are not the only personality types out there, and people often identify as a combination of the two, but they can be helpful as “high-level generalizations”. It can sometimes seem that Type A personalities are desired by companies because they are competitive go-getters. In reality, both Type A and Type B personality types, and everything in between, bring valuable skillsets to any organization. It’s also important to keep in mind that every company is different and has its own work culture when looking for a company that best supports your goals.
<aside> 🧠 “The best workplaces include Type As, Type Bs, and everything in between”
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In the article, **“Am I Interesting Enough?” -** A Type B’s guide to workplace harmony by Jess Bullock, you get a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Type B working in the design world of a widely successful tech company, Airbnb. Bullock states that, though intimidating at times, there are clear benefits to having a mix of Type As and Bs working on projects together. While Type As may be keeping meetings detailed and driven, Type Bs can help maintain over-arching goals and visions.
<aside> ✨ “By focusing on how our abilities dovetail, we can carve out spaces that celebrate our unique talents. Type As will galvanize their team to care about the details, while Type Bs will be a reassuring and calming presence.”
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As recruiting season commences, know that you don’t have to be a Type A or any specific personality type to be hired. Know your strengths and passions and show them off in whatever way feels most natural to you!