Over the years, I’ve realized that interviews have taught me as much about myself as they have about any company I’ve applied to. Early in my career, I used to walk into interviews nervous and unsure of how to talk about my experience. I had the skills and work ethic, but I didn’t always know how to communicate them clearly. Sometimes my answers were rushed or off track, and even though I knew I was qualified, it didn’t always come across that way.
That changed with time, experience, and a few lessons learned the hard way. Now, when I walk into an interview, I carry myself differently. I’ve learned how to stay calm, listen carefully, and respond with purpose. My answers come from real-life experiences, in the challenges I’ve faced, the projects I’ve led, and the moments that taught me what accountability and professionalism really mean. I take pride in being well-mannered, respectful, and confident without crossing the line into arrogance.
Looking back, I can see that the best interviews I’ve had were reliable, meaning they were consistent across candidates, and valid, because the questions actually measured the skills and decision-making needed for the job. The ineffective ones lacked structure and didn’t truly reflect my abilities, which made them low in utility for both me and the employer. Interviews that are structured and based on job-related questions improve reliability, validity, and fairness in hiring decisions.
If I could advise those employers now, I’d tell them to keep their interviews organized and relevant, to ask behavioral questions that reveal how candidates think through real problems, and to create an environment that helps people relax enough to be authentic. The more genuine the conversation, the better the results.
Every interview now feels less like a test and more like a conversation about fit, growth, and potential. I’ve learned that being genuine and grounded is what really leaves a lasting impression. Confidence grows when you stop performing and start speaking truth.