Interviewing is Hard—Don’t Be Discouraged!

Why Landing the Right Job is More Than Just a Skill Match

Interviewing is one of the most subjective processes in the professional world. It’s not just about your skills or experience—it’s about whether you fit what the company is looking for at that moment. Sometimes, you’re replacing someone, inheriting their expectations and responsibilities. Other times, you’re stepping into a brand-new role with undefined boundaries. The outcome often depends on who is interviewing you and what they believe the ideal candidate should be—sometimes, that perception is entirely different from what the job truly requires.

Why Interviewing Might Feel so Frustrating

The subjectivity of it is what makes interviewing exhausting. In the software engineering world, particularly in management, expectations vary wildly. Some companies want a people-first leader, others prioritize technical expertise, and some seek an elusive hybrid of both. You might check all the boxes on paper, but if the interviewer’s personal expectations don’t align with your strengths, you won’t make the cut. It’s not always about being the "best" candidate—sometimes, it’s about being the right candidate for them.

Reinventing the wheel Interview Process

If you’ve ever left an interview feeling discouraged, remember this: interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, it can be improved. Here’s how you can shift your mindset:

Perfecting Your Story – The way you present your experience matters as much as the experience itself. Practice answering common questions, but don’t just memorize responses—craft a compelling narrative about your career journey.

Story-telling is a good approach on explaining your point clearly while maintaining a good level of engagement.

Communicating Your Value Proposition – What makes you the right person for the job? Articulate your strengths in a way that directly connects with the company’s needs. Research the company, understand their challenges, and position yourself as the solution.

Some people may feel uncomfortable when they “sell themselves.” They may feel like they are a salesperson (awful!) or even a liar. The truth is, if it’s not you, someone else will do it and they will succeed.

When a company needs a strong, capable person, they want to be sure they are making the right decision with you—people can’t read minds, but they can hear your confidence and your assurance that you will get the job done.

Making It a Two-Way Street – Interviews aren’t just about impressing the employer; they’re about evaluating if the role is right for you. Ask thoughtful questions about the company’s culture, leadership expectations, and long-term vision. The right job is a mutual fit, not just an offer letter.

I’ve had several situations where asking many curious questions brought an offer to my door. Questions show excitement, curiosity and a desire to support the organization to reach their goals.

I've also encountered people who ask questions as if they were reading from a script. Don't just ask questions and move on to the next one - interact with the answer, ask follow-up questions and show a genuine interest in what's in front of you!

Rejection Is Redirection

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you don’t land the job, but remember: interviewing is a numbers game. Even the most qualified candidates face rejection. What matters is how you respond.

Keep refining your approach. Keep learning from each experience and take bunch of notes! perseverance is key and you could be your greatest blocker from reaching your goals.

The right opportunity is out there—it’s just a matter of time.