How DISC Can Help You Nail Your Interview

If you’ve ever experienced a job interview, you’re likely familiar with the popular question; “Tell us about yourself.” In theory, it seems straightforward. After all, who knows you better than yourself? But when nerves kick in and you’re suddenly put on the spot, the words might just vanish.

The last thing you want in an interview is an awkward silence ruining your first impression. You also want to respond to this question in a manner that highlights your value. Merely sharing a common interest with the dentist, such as being an animal lover because you own a dog, doesn’t inherently make you a more valuable candidate. 

How can you ensure your answer reflects your value effectively? This is where knowing your “DISC” personality type can be extremely beneficial in forming a well thought out, unique, and valuable answer.

What is Disc? 

DiSC is an acronym that stands for the four main personality profiles described in the DiSC model: (D)ominance, (i)nfluence, (S)teadiness and (C)onscientiousness. The DISC personality assessment is a tool used to evaluate an individual’s behavioral tendencies and communication style. Each type reflects different preferences in how individuals approach tasks, interact with others, and handle challenges. 

DOMINANT 

D’s focus on achieving results. They favor action over planning and are typically guided by a long-term, big-picture vision of what can be accomplished. D’s seek challenges and take risks that will yield big rewards. D’s are assertive, direct, and competitive. They don’t like to waste time and their bottom-line nature drives how they communicate. They want straight answers and “call it like it is.” They thrive in positions of power and seek to control their own destinies. Their tenacity and natural confidence enable them to accomplish even the most demanding objectives.

INFLUENTIAL

I’s have active minds, seek constant stimulation, and enjoy interacting with people and the world around them. This allows them to thrive in social environments and drives their thirst for adventure. With their boundless optimism and innate people skills, I’s are highly persuasive and inspirational. They have fun wherever they go and infuse play and positive energy into all aspects of their lives.

The I’s intuition and free-spirited nature enable them to create “out of the box” ideas. They don’t get bogged down in minutiae, as details would only restrict their imagination. I’s are future- focused and live in the realm of possibility, where everything is exciting and achievable.

SUPPORTIVE 

S’s seek to minimize conflict and create calm, safe environments. S’s are friendly, compassionate people who patiently listen with empathy. They build deep, loyal relationships and are steadfast friends and partners. S’s favor practical, tried-and-true procedures that ensure stability. They like familiar, predictable patterns that produce consistent and reliable outcomes, and they often work behind the scenes and prefer to support, rather than to lead.

COMPLIANT

C’s focus on achieving complete and total accuracy in everything they do. They constantly question processes and ideas to ensure that things are done properly. C’s are systematic, practical, and efficient. Rather than being guided by the emotion of a situation, C’s make decisions based upon logical analysis of observable, quantifiable information. While C’s often prefer to work independently, their even-tempered nature enables them to remain objective and diplomatic when dealing with others.

“TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF”

Before understanding my DISC personality, my response to this question typically sounded like this:

“Let me tell you a bit about myself. I’m a huge animal lover—I have two dogs and three cats. I absolutely love hiking with my golden retrievers and spending time outdoors. Oh, and I have quite the sweet tooth, so you can count on me to keep the break room filled with chocolates and cookies.” 

Now, with an understanding of my personality, my response to this question has evolved:

“A little bit about myself is that I have an Influential and Supportive personality type. The Influential side of me is really why I pursued a career in dental hygiene. I place great value on building meaningful and trustworthy relationships. I had the privilege of being treated by the same hygienist, Jennifer, from my childhood through adulthood until her retirement last year. Her care not only greatly influenced my dental health but also had a significant impact on my life as a whole. I want to form this same type of connection, comfort, and trust with my future patients. That’s why finding the right “forever” dental office is incredibly important to me! The supportive side of my personality highlights my strength as a team player. I thrive in collaborative environments and prioritize ensuring that not only my day runs smoothly, but also that of my coworkers and, of course, ensuring your day, Doctor, is seamless. I am usually the first one in the office and the last one to leave. We all know a dental office cannot run smoothly without teamwork!” 

You can see how understanding my DISC personality enhanced my response and added more value to myself, highlighting how I can contribute to the dental office. It’s important to remember that when hiring, the office is essentially making a “purchase”. Therefore, it’s crucial to articulate just how valuable you can be! 

Knowing your DISC personality provides value in answering interview questions, but it also provides insights into your behavior, communication style, and interactions with others. Knowing this information empowers you to navigate interviews and advance in your career more effectively. 

DentalPost offers a DISC assessment that you can take when setting up your free career profile, and I highly recommend investing just five minutes to complete this assessment. It can unlock valuable insights and help you understand yourself on a deeper level.