Why You Shouldn’t Oversell Yourself in an Interview (And What to Do Instead)
We know what you’re thinking…
“Shouldn’t I sell myself as much as I can in an interview?”
Yes. But here’s the catch: you should sell your authentic self—not a version of you that’s over-polished or exaggerated.
Interviews are about showcasing your:
✅ Experience
✅ Knowledge
✅ Personality
✅ Skillset
It’s about helping your future employer see what you genuinely bring to the table—not selling them a dream you can’t deliver on.
Being ambitious and stretching yourself is a great mindset. It’s how we grow. But there's a difference between stepping out of your comfort zone and stepping into a role you’re not actually ready for. Overselling yourself in an interview might land you the job—but it can also set you up for a tough, unsustainable ride.
Here’s why playing it straight is always the better option:
1. They’ll See Through It—And It Could Cost You the Job
Before you even get the job, overselling can backfire.
Recruiters and hiring managers have seen hundreds of CVs and sat through countless interviews. They know what real experience looks like. If you’re bluffing your way through a skill or trying to sound more advanced than you are, it’ll raise red flags.
And let’s face it: if you’re dodging specifics or can’t back your claims with real examples, it starts to look like you’re not confident in your own experience.
Instead:
- Be honest about your current skill level
- Talk about where you want to grow
- Show you’re coachable—that’s something employers love
- Prepare real-life examples that match the job spec instead of stretching the truth to fit it
Overselling doesn’t just risk rejection—it can come across as arrogance. Confidence is good. But confidence with self-awareness is better.
2. You’ll Be Held to What You Promised
Let’s say you go big in the interview. You talk the talk. They’re impressed. You get the job. 🎉
But then reality kicks in.
The expectations? Huge. Your manager expects you to:
- Smash ambitious targets
- Lead projects you may not be ready for
- Train others
- Work independently right away
And if you can’t deliver what you promised? You’re now under pressure, overwhelmed, and possibly on the back foot with your employer.
Instead:
Set realistic expectations from the start. Show you’re hungry to learn and grow—but be clear about where you’re at now. This allows your employer to support your development and set you up for success—not stress.
3. You Won’t Feel Safe Asking for Help
When you oversell your abilities, there’s an unspoken problem: you box yourself into being the “expert”. That makes it much harder to raise your hand later and say, “Actually, I’m not sure how to do this.”
It can feel like admitting defeat, and for many candidates, that leads to:
- Quietly struggling
- Avoiding asking questions
- Piling on pressure
- Eventually burning out
Instead:
Being honest in the interview about where you’re still learning opens the door to ongoing support. You’ll feel comfortable asking for help, feedback, and clarity when things get tough.
And in turn, your manager can:
- Help you skill up
- Identify your strengths and development areas
- Support your career growth with a clear plan
- Give you the confidence to truly thrive
No one expects you to know everything. In fact, most companies prefer someone who is self-aware and coachable over someone who pretends to have it all figured out.
So, What Should You Do in the Interview?
Here’s how to be authentic and impressive:
- Align your real skills with the role
- Be honest about what you’re still learning
- Show your drive to grow, not just your current abilities
- Prepare examples that highlight what you’ve actually done
- Ask thoughtful questions about support and development
Being confident is great. But confidence rooted in honesty is what builds a long-term, successful career.
Want help preparing for interviews and knowing how to present yourself authentically?
We support property professionals across South Australia in landing roles where they don’t just survive—they thrive.
Get in touch with our team and let’s chat about your next move.
