Most people I know approach interviews with the mindset that they need to pass them

Most people I know approach interviews with the mindset that they need to pass them.

And you know what? Of course!

Isn't that the purpose of an interview?

But let me tell you something.

Throughout the process, you won't always pass every interview.

Not even most of them.

So, how should we approach a job interview?

Don't show up expecting to simply pass it.

There are so many factors that can influence the outcome that are beyond your control.

Maybe the company is looking for someone more frontend-oriented when your experience is more backend.

Or perhaps the interviewer is just having a bad day.

My suggestion:

- Change your perspective and focus on something you can control.

Go into that interview with the determination to learn something valuable from the experience.

This approach has several benefits:

Free tutoring: You're in front of a software engineer or engineering director with different experiences and backgrounds. Take advantage of the opportunity and ask questions about their code and technical decisions. Learn from every failure to ensure you improve with each rejection.

Confidence: Placing all your expectations on an outcome you can't control creates anxiety. Instead, enter with the assurance that the only outcome you’re looking for is in your hands. Paradoxically, by not obsessing over the result, you clear your mind and increase your chances of success.

Have more fun: We are in a challenging job market. Prepare for a long journey that may include rejections. Approach each interview with an open mindset and allow yourself to enjoy the journey a bit.

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And if you’re reading this, I’d love to hear from you!

Have you ever learned something valuable from an interview?

#interview #engineering #confidence #mindset #technology