Apparently all that chirpy, gregariousness may not be such a good thing. It can signal the interviewer that you're a potential problem child. Someone who makes waves.

That's if the interviewer has read about a recent study reported by Amy Norton for Reuters. The study suggests that some of the most outgoing employees are also the biggest troublemakers.

The study was conducted by Alan Witt of the University of New Orleans in Louisiana. According to the article, Witt found that people who are highly outgoing and less-than-conscientious "may make for the most counterproductive of employees," calling them "high-maintenance."

This may seem contrary to what you thought of people who are extroverted and outgoing. Because if you work in the United States, you are a part of an extroverted workplace, where in general, extroverts-people who are energized by being around others and think things through as they speak-are seen as energetic and highly productive. And because they tend to be easy to converse with, they're perceived as good to have around and to interact with.

But the key to this study is that it looked at combinations of personality traits when it comes to predicting a job candidate's odds of being a productive employee. And it's the combination of being outgoing and less-than-conscientious that raises a red flag.

"Less-than-conscientious" could mean the person may have the tendency to act before thinking or not follow workplace rules or norms. Apparently, this may more commonplace with extroverted people.

Folks with this combination of personality traits, the author says, can be described as "immodest," "reckless" and are "sure to let others know when there is a problem."

But extroverts who are conscientious workers were least likely to be rated counterproductive.

It's interesting to note that counterproductive behavior among introverts may go unnoticed, with the author saying introverts "usually don't get into too much trouble."

But this doesn't mean introverts have it made. Introverts, who tend to think before they speak and are energized by reflection, are often misunderstood. They can be seen as not having much to contribute. Even anti-social and suspicious. They can be uncomfortable about approaching people.

One man recently told me that an introvert he interacted with in a meeting seemed as if he couldn't wait to get away from people and back to his office where he could just work on ideas by himself. When I shared this with the introvert, he was shocked, saying how much he enjoyed hearing what others had to say.

Does all this mean you should be less affable at interviews? Or try to be all chipper and chatty when you're more inclined to be quieter and reflective? No, on both counts.

You always want to be yourself. But it's smart to be aware of your natural tendency and learn to shift your style, depending on what the situation calls for. This is especially true at a job interview, when it's important to think before reacting and not offer more information than necessary.

For example, if you're highly extroverted, you might want to tone down your style and exuberance at times. Listen, instead of talk. Take a few seconds before you answer a question. Think before you react

And since this is an extroverted workplace, if you're introverted, consider shifting into a higher gear when you need to. Speak up. As uncomfortable as it may be, go out of your way to show interest in others.

The study is a helpful reminder for not only interviews, but all types of situations you'll find yourself in, which is: know your style, when it can have a negative impact and when it needs to be curbed or pumped up.

© by Andrea Kay