lesson #5—interviews are a two way street

Facing a job interview can be a little nerve-racking. We don't have much control (if any) over how the interview will be conducted by the company, but we do have the tools to be well-prepared and make it a two-way interaction.

Something that eases anxiety is remembering that they are not just interviewing you; you are also interviewing them. It's a two-way street: just like in life, it's not just about waiting to see if they like you or not. You have to see if you like the role, if it fits with your interests, professional and personal goals, and your values.

Job interviews are an opportunity for you to ask questions too. Avoid assuming a passive role: your proactivity when approaching the interview can differentiate you from other candidates and provide you with all the necessary information so that, given the opportunity, you can make an informed decision confidently.

How can I make the most of my interview?

Do your research on the company & what they do

Preparing for a job interview requires some research. I believe there hasn't been an instance where I wasn't asked what I knew about the company and what caught my attention about the place (both when they contacted me and when I applied). It's essential to read about the company to understand what they do and for whom (everything you can find online).

Have your questions ready

Show interest in the role and the person taking the time to interview you. The more specific the questions you bring to the table, the better you can identify if the proposal aligns with what you want and need.

Here are some questions I like to ask during a job interview. Many of them get answered as the conversation flows, so you might not have to ask them explicitly. Maybe not all of them will fit your industry/role, but they can serve as a foundation for going in as prepared as possible.

I recommend having them on hand while you converse! Personally, I like to jot down some notes while talking. If you do it, make sure to let the interviewer know so it doesn't look like you're distracted.

To have a better understanding of the context: Why is the role open? What type of clients/projects do they take on?

To have a better understanding of the role: What soft skills would help me in my role? What is expected from the role?

To understand the team's structure: To whom would I be reporting? Is there mentorship? Are there 1:1 evaluation instances?

To map your growth: What is the career path? How do you progress/grow in the role?

For the interviewer: What motivates you the most about working at X company? What is your day-to-day like at work?

Specific to design roles: How is the design team structured? What processes do they follow?

Reminder: don't put too much pressure on yourself

Remember that it's an opportunity to get to know each other. Treat it as a conversation (because it is). The idea is that, from both sides, you can see if your expectations align. I understand that sometimes a lot is at stake, and it's normal to have high expectations for these processes. It's important to keep in mind that it's a process, and like any process, it may take time. There might be many 'no's before you find that 'yes' you've been searching for, and the process will help you better understand what you want and don't want in your professional life.