You spend hours fine-tuning your resume, researching your dream job, wondering if you should actually send your application out. Your negative self-talks convince you that no one will ever be interested in you and you start believing them. The whole process around having to “sell yourself” on the work market is pretty scary and can create lots of anxiety! And one day… you receive the so long-expected call inviting you to come and meet with one of the employers you have approached. And your level of anxiety now reaches its peak! Interview can cause severe anxiety, it’s no news! You start panicking, your hands start sweating, your heart palpitates, the idea of being interviewed scare the hell out of you!! 

Why? Because you look at the interview process from the wrong perspective! Stop thinking that you are the one who is going to be evaluated and start thinking that you are actually the one who’s going to evaluate them. Not getting it? Well, it’s simple, let me explain. 

Interviewing is a two-way street. While the interviewer is judging your suitability, you are evaluating the position, the people and the organization. You should have a very clear idea of what you are looking for in a job, a team and a working environment before showing up to the interview. More you know what you want, and easier it will be to cross-check what’s on your list. How much are they meeting your criteria? How much the job and the culture meet your values, interests and career goals?

The interview is a meeting, a conversation between two professionals who are trying to close a fair deal. You are at the same level as your interviewer. Be your best investigator and collect as much information as possible to have a very clear idea of what you can expect if you decide to take the role. This is not an oral exam! Show them how you can fill the need they have. They’ll be checking that your style, personality and other attributes will be a fit with the chemistry and culture for the organization. Do the same! Check whether the management, people and environment best align with who you are, what you value and the vision of your future.

If you don’t feel they are the right fit for you, then just don’t bother! Keep searching, keep interviewing! You are the one interviewing to find the best fit for yourself. 

They have already read your resume, and they called you because they are interested in your skills. Now, they want to know more! More about you, the kind of person you are. So it’s just a matter of being your authentic self. What’s difficult about that? 

Some more food for thought: as you enter in the interview process, the audience is on your side. The interviewer is hoping that you will be the right candidate for the position so they can successfully and quickly conclude their search. That’s all! Easy, right?