Lion

Learn more about your animal type.

The most repeated positive feedback for Lions following an interview is they appear sociable, grounded, fun, positive and energetic. The most repeated negative comments are they were too nice, unpredictable, and likely to become bored. What are interviewers likely to say about you? Here are some tips to help you do well in the interview.
As a naturally good talker, able to think on your feet, you should be able to provide detailed answers to questions you are asked. Be careful not to talk for too long. Your answer should just refer to the question you have been asked. Listen carefully to each question. If you are asked for two examples to demonstrate a skill or experience then give two, not three or more. If you would like to add more ask if you can, do not assume.
Do not interrupt the interviewer when they are speaking. You can sometimes take charge when trying to make a good impression which is great in many situations but not in an interview. Stay focused on answering the questions.
As a naturally flexible and spontaneous person you should be ready for unexpected questions or situations and be able to adapt your behaviour or answers accordingly.
As a naturally gregarious person you are likely to make a good impression with the people you meet before, during and after the interview. Use your natural skills to read the people and the situation to project a positive vibe.
Beware your tendency to see criticism where there may only be feedback being given, or an attempt to see how you react to a tough question. Stay focused and concentrate on providing clear answers. Do not get personal in your answers. The interviewer probably does not need to know what you didn’t like the people you used to work with.
Be careful not to be too modest about your achievements. You do need to showcase your best achievements and qualities in an interview. You can say things like ‘people say I’m kind/creative/organised, for example…’, if you don’t want to say, ‘I’m kind/creative/organised’.
Do ensure you have prepared fully for the interview. Do not be tempted to ‘wing it’ or ‘see how it goes’. Here is a checklist of the essentials: discover and adhere to the company dress code, be well groomed, on-time, check and stick to realistic travel times to reach your destination, research the company and the role you have applied for, take a folder containing your qualifications, certificates and references if you have been requested to bring them along, telephone beforehand to find out how long the interview will be, how many people will be interviewing you and if there are extras like tests or group discussions. All this preparation will serve you well. Fewer surprises on the day will put you at ease and help you retain control and composure.

Coping with change

As humans we are programmed to look out for danger and to avoid it. This helps us survive. We grow to like familiar things and prefer to avoid change. We can see change as a potential threat. However, some change is inevitable and most change is not a threat, but we are programmed to be wary and suspicious of change which can cause stress and unhelpful patterns of thought. We have a big brain which can make us worry in a big way. Our personality has a huge influence on our response to change.

Does change affect you the way it does people who share your personality animal?

During stressful times, our strengths often dessert us and expose our weaknesses

For lions, the usual lust for life and clarity of purpose can dissolve away. This can be replaced by internal confusion, misreading people and situations and a dread for an uncertain future. If you feel these emotions be reassured that they are temporary responses and a sign you should pause, reset, and use your strengths as your compass.

Lions are driven by a desire to live life to the full as generous party animals

The joy of living in the present can mean they miss changes going on around them. Learning to be more aware of these signs will help you see change coming and allows more time to consider a suitable response and plan.

They can also be prone to overindulge in sensory pursuits and have a ‘live now pay later’ attitude to their health or finances. Some things are too important to gamble and lions will prevent stress later if they identify these things early and do not delay their response.

Start positive change now, even small steps and you will feel much better. Do not procrastinate until you feel overwhelmed.

Lions can take on more than many others before feeling the weight of stress

So, when they do near breaking point, they often have much to consider. The solution for lions is to seek support, reassurance, and advice from those they trust. Because you will have supported friends in the past, they will probably be keen to support you.

It is useful for lions to seek alternative ideas and perspectives on the choices they face as they are sometimes too immersed in their situation to see all the potential positive options and solutions. Lions often see the best in other people’s motives so need to be careful during times of stress to make sure others do not take advantage of their good nature.