Meet Bob: 15 minutes early to the interview, sitting in the waiting room, palms sweating, heart racing, waiting to be called in for an interview. I've been Bob before, and you probably have been too. In this moment, we are deep inside our little big heads wondering if we'll do alright, if we'll make a good impression, if we'll remember how the sliding window works. But, have you ever stopped to think about the person on the other side of the table? As someone who's recently been involved in conducting interviews, I've come to realize that interviewers experience their own set of anxieties.
It's easy to forget that interviewers are also under pressure. They're responsible for finding the right fit for the team, assessing a candidate's skills and experience in a limited time (2 hours really flies by fam), and representing the team in a positive light (we want you to think we're cool too!). It's a lot to juggle!
Here are some insights I've gained from my recent experience on the other side of the interview table:
- We want you to succeed: No interviewer wants to see a candidate fail. Like, not a single one. Ever. (We sifted through dozens of applications specifically to find someone like you. Of course we are rooting for you - 😭.) We're genuinely hoping you're the right person for the job. We want you to showcase your skills and tell us why you're the good fit for this role (keep it down-to-earth and factual though).
- We're also trying to make a good impression: Just as you're trying to present your best self, we're also trying to represent our team in a positive light. We want you to leave the interview with a good impression, regardless of the outcome.
- We're not trying to trick you: Those brain-teaser questions or challenging technical problems? They're not designed to make you feel inadequate. They're there to assess your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges. (And on that note, talk through your answers! Strong problem-solving skills are highly valued. It's a significant advantage. This is particularly helpful when you don't know or are unsure of the answer.)
- We appreciate your questions: Asking thoughtful questions shows that you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role and the team. It also helps us understand what's important to you. Interviews are a two-way street after all. It's not just about us getting to know you, it's also about you getting to know us. It's important for you to understand what you're potentially getting into. You will be spending 8ish hours a day, 5ish days a week, 48-50 something weeks a year, for as many years as you choose to work with these people. That's a lot of time, so ensuring the team is a good fit for you is crucial.
- We understand that interviews are stressful: We know you're nervous, and we take that into account. We're not expecting you to be perfect. We're looking for potential and a good fit for our team.
Here's a small example of how even interviewers can get flustered: The other day, I was so focused on making sure my colleague and I covered all the key points that I blanked out on the introduction. It was a small thing, but it made me realize how easily we can get caught up in the moment.
So, next time you're in an interview, remember that the person on the other side of the table is also human. They're likely just as invested in the process as you are. By keeping this in mind, you can help create a more relaxed and productive conversation, which benefits everyone involved.
And for those of you who are or will be interviewers, here are a few tips:
- Be empathetic: Remember what it feels like to be on the other side of the table. A little empathy can go a long way in creating a comfortable environment. A quick pointer on how to help with this is starting the interview with a few ice-breakers, maybe one referring to their hobbies on their CV. This person could be your next jungler for your League of Legends (DOTA too) team.
- Be clear about the process: Explain what the candidate can expect during the interview. This can help reduce anxiety and allow them to focus on showcasing their skills. (They laid this one out during my interview and it was super duper helpful in reducing the feeling of anxiety trying to rise up in my neck.)
- Be prepared: Review the candidate's resume and have specific questions in mind. This will help you make the most of the interview time.
- Be open to a two-way conversation: An interview shouldn't be an interrogation. Encourage a dialogue where both parties can ask questions and learn from each other.
By acknowledging the shared experience of interviews, we can create a more positive and productive process for everyone involved.
I'd love to hear about your own interview experiences! Share your stories in the comments below. Have you ever noticed an interviewer seeming nervous? Or have you, as an interviewer, experienced a moment of nervousness yourself? Let's create a space to share and learn from each other - ✨.