Getting an interview is a big win! You’re not quite at the finish line of having a new job yet, but it’s a reason to be excited. It’s also time to start preparing.

While searching for a new job in Hawaii, it’s good to keep in mind the cultural traditions and practices that can go a long way toward making a good impression and showing that you’re the best candidate for the job. It’s a mix of personal and professional values and philosophies that speak to values and ethics that can make you a great friend in your personal life and a great colleague in your professional one.

Let’s start with the word most associated with Hawaii: Aloha. It’s not just a greeting!

Across the islands, it is understood that the word is more than just a way to say hello and to bid them farewell. It’s a whole approach to life compose of five core values:

Alaka’i, or leadership, means establishing yourself as someone who is willing and eager to take initiative, to build strong relationships with the people on your team and in your community to help everyone become their best selves and to work together toward shared goals. It also builds confidence, both within yourself and within your team, that allows you to move forward with a sense of certainty.

Lokahi, or teamwork, builds on that leadership principle and brings it to the next level by instilling a sense of unity and shared purpose. It calls for maintaining a feeling of unity and harmony, that everyone is working together, valuing each other’s ideas and contributions and knowing that you need to do your part to contribute to the team as well. This concept also supports the importance of collaboration and sharing in ways that will benefit everyone.

Olu’olu, or graciousness, means being willing and happy to share — whether it’s your time, your expertise, your knowledge, your abilities or your snacks. Being able to empathize and give to others, whatever they need, in a way that helps them feel supported adds to a healthy and happy team environment. All of this comes from a place of understanding and wanting to advance the greater good, rather than just personal gain.

Ho’okuleana, or responsibility, means speaking up when something goes awry and being willing to own up to your mistakes. We all make mistakes — the difference is being able to admit it and to learn from it to move forward. It’s also the feeling of ownership and respect that comes from knowing your actions will impact those around you and wanting to be held accountable to that standard, acting in ways that will keep everything on track and positive.

Ahonui, or patience, is really important at work and in life. We all feel stress from time to time and we all lose our cool, but our ability to keep things together, taking a deep breath when we want to lash out and instead taking a moment to cool down before speaking, keeps us in good standing with our coworkers. We need to be patient with everyone, including ourselves, and trust that everyone is trying their best. Bad moods pass! Patience is also important when trying to make progress, or in the case of interviews, it’s important to be patient when finding the right job. You’ll be so much happier when you find the place that makes your life better in innumerable ways.

What does any of this have to do with interviewing for a job?

You want to demonstrate in your conversation that you embody all of these characteristics. Talk about times you’ve been a leader, at work or in your personal life, and how you’ve helped people move through a difficult time or when you’ve learned from a mistake. Have personal examples ready to share that show you understand the importance of Aloha and all its component parts, that you’re eager to be a dedicated worker who is patient and invested in the team, ready to lead and share your abilities and learn from others at the same time. Tell how you’ve learned from others and how you’re richer for meeting people with different backgrounds or approaches to things because it showed you something new.

When preparing for your interview, be sure to do your homework and learn all you can about the company, but bring good questions with you to show you’re curious and want to learn more. Speak confidently but humbly — you know you can do the job but you still need their approval to earn that opportunity. Don’t be afraid to smile at any moment that calls for it and be sure to offer a handshake at the beginning and end of the meeting to express your appreciation.

Find a great job in Hawaii Today!

If you’re not quite sold on the company after the interview — you’re finding out whether the company is a good fit for you during these conversations as well! — or if you’re still considering your options, why not give Bishop & Company a call? As a recruiting firm and staffing agency, we can help you find a job that fits your interests and your needs, one that will help you build and advance your career while helping you grow as a person and live the quality and kind of life you want. Take a look at the jobs we currently have available and then reach out to see how we can help you make a great impression with our clients. Your bright future starts with a call to Bishop & Company!