You’re Interviewing Them Too: Interviews are a Two Way Assessment of Fit
Oftentimes job seekers feel like they are being judged and put on the chopping block during interviews. But don’t forget that you are also there to determine whether they are a fit for you as well. While it may seem like you need any job and fast, you also want to avoid a situation where you join a company and it’s so misaligned that you’re very unhappy or not succeeding.
Sometimes, declining an offer could be the best thing that you do. While no role or company is perfect, you want to understand what would be a fit for you, so that you know how any particular opportunity aligns, or doesn’t. The key is 1) fully understanding yourself and what you need in your future role and 2) understanding what the role, team, and company is all about as accurately as you can, so that you can make an informed decision.
I once had a client tell me “I am getting into a mindset where I feel that I am assessing roles and companies more than they are assessing me. If it weren’t for you, I would have taken a job offer that looked good on paper but doesn’t feel right for me, I’m happy I ended up turning it down.” Remember that you are an equal party in this decision, and when you show up with an air of confidence (not overconfidence, just confidence!), it will help you stand out as a candidate who knows themselves well.
