The Art of Interviewing: How Good Interviewers Make Stellar Interviewees

Often, a good interviewer can make a good interviewee. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of skills and expertise that extend beyond the initial interview process itself. In this article, we explore the key aspects of being a productive interviewee, drawing insights from the methodologies of excellent interviewers.

Communication Skills

A good interviewer is a skilled communicator. They articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently. This skill set carries over when they become interviewees, allowing them to convey their ideas and thoughts effectively. For instance, in a technical interview setup, when faced with an unfamiliar problem, a good interviewee starts with a fundamental approach and seeks guidance through the process. They recognize that it's more about the journey than the end result.

Understanding of the Process

Effective interviewees understand the dynamics of the interview process, including presenting themselves, managing questions, and engaging with their audience. These skills are honed by being on the other side of the interview table. A seasoned interviewee knows the importance of being prepared and maintaining confidence. For example, during a technical interview, a good interviewee might start with a basic function and then ask for hints and guidance, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

Empathy and Perspective

Experienced interviewers often possess excellent empathy, allowing them to understand their interviewers' perspectives. They tailor their responses to what the interviewer is looking for, making the interaction more productive. This trait is crucial in both directions. When an interviewer provides hints and guidance, a good interviewee acknowledges and responds thoughtfully, rather than feeling lost or disoriented.

Preparation and Confidence

Preparation is key for a good interviewee. Understanding the format and expectations in advance can significantly boost confidence. This preparation involves not only technical skills but also understanding the company culture and the role's requirements. Good interviewees are proactive in their preparation, knowing that they may face unexpected questions and finding ways to stay composed and confident.

Active Listening

Being an active listener is a critical skill for interviewees. It allows them to respond thoughtfully and appropriately to questions, making the most of the opportunities presented. During technical interviews, for instance, a good interviewee listens carefully to the interviewer's hints and follows them systematically, even if the full solution is not reached. This approach not only helps in solving the problem but also showcases problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Key Differences: A Good Interviewer vs. a Not-So-Good Interviewer

The best interviewers excel in drawing out the best in their candidates. A prime example is a technical interview where the interviewer might ask a tricky question, and the interviewee is unsure of the answer. However, a skilled interviewer provides hints and supports the candidate through the doubt. The key is to maintain confidence and build towards a solution. This approach is significantly different from a not-so-good interviewer, who might make the candidate feel incompetent or demotivated.

Insights from a Real Interview Experience

Consider an experience where the author faced a challenging technical interview question. Despite having no idea about the problem, the interviewer provided hints and tests, guiding the author through the process. This supportive approach prevented the author from feeling shattered by the initial doubt. The lesson here is that a good interviewer is adept at maintaining confidence and encouraging the interviewee to continue thinking.

Understanding the Interviewees Mindset

A good interviewee understands the interviewer's intentions and adapts their approach accordingly. They recognize the difference between constructive feedback and testing. For instance, follow-up questions might be used to correct mistakes, test different technical skills, or introduce more challenging problems. An adept interviewee uses this feedback to refine their responses and enhance their performance.

Furthermore, a good interviewee knows how to sprinkle their answers with anecdotes and relevant details, making their responses more engaging and memorable. This not only showcases their technical skills but also their interpersonal skills, such as storytelling and communication.

It's important for interviewees to remember that the goal is mutual success. The interviewer wants to hire the best candidate, just as the interviewee wants to secure the job. A good interviewee approaches the process with excitement and confidence, making the most of the opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

In conclusion, the skills and insights gained from interviewing can significantly enhance one's effectiveness as a candidate. By understanding and leveraging these principles, both interviewers and interviewees can achieve a more productive and positive outcome.