hack the planet | interviewing is a muscle
Hey y'all,
I am still looking for a job. I want to share some things I have learned through this process that might help you now or in the future.
If I were to tell my past self something about this process, it would be that "understanding how potential employers perceive your value is a complex endeavor." Companies, varying in stages and cultures, seek more than just skill—they seek a candidate who embodies their ethos, a realization that has become increasingly clear to me.
During interviews, the challenge is not merely to demonstrate competence but to align with the expected dynamics of the role. It's tempting to share one's passions and engage enthusiastically, yet the crux of success in these settings often hinges on restraint and adaptability. The interviewer seeks a candidate who meets the job's technical requirements and seamlessly integrates into the team's culture. A friend's experience poignantly illustrated this: despite a strong interview performance, he was ultimately not selected because he didn’t quite fit the "vibe" the company sought.
An enlightening, albeit disheartening, moment in my job search journey was a particular interview I floundered in. Feedback pointed this out, overshadowing my otherwise satisfactory performances. Immediately, as the questions were being asked in the interview, I realized how long it had been since I last considered them. Afterward, I studied what was asked and more to ensure it would not happen again.
A piece of advice that resonates with me is approaching the job search strategically, treating early interviews as practice sessions. By prioritizing less desired positions initially, one can hone interview skills, decipher common question patterns, and learn the language that resonates with employers. This preparation can be invaluable, equipping candidates to excel when they eventually encounter their "final boss" — the job they aspire to secure.
A job search is less about proving technical prowess and more about demonstrating cultural and interpersonal alignment. Job seekers can navigate this complex landscape with greater confidence and insight through strategic preparation and a nuanced understanding of the interview process.
thank you,
breadchris
https://breadchris.com