When I asked him more targeted questions, a different picture emerged. He said: People come to me because they know I solve problems. I can simplify things, stay steady under pressure, and help people focus on solutions instead of panic. I understand the environment I work in and I know how to deal with it. That is not the same person as the one on the original CV.

Those explanations keep people focused on adjusting themselves rather than examining the fit between themselves and the role. That is a meaningful difference. You may be in the right field and the wrong environment. You may have the right level of responsibility but the wrong mix of tasks. You may be entirely capable of doing the work, yet still spending most of your day operating against your natural strengths.