Interviews: From the Other Side of the Table

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 08:29:51 +0000

Interviews are terrifying for me. They are dreadful. Some pushed me into the valley of anxiety, made me question my existence, and left me wondering why I was selected after a barrage of humiliation. Rarely have I encountered a kind, warm, or comforting panel. The only time I felt interviewed, rather than interrogated, was during a recent selection process for a postdoctoral position. The panelists greeted warmly, introduced themselves before asking “tell me something about yourself,” explained the project's purpose and need, and shared what they already appreciated in my resume. They asked questions without immediate judgment, occasionally nodding or smiling in encouragement. Of all the interviews, this one stayed with me. I am not used to kindness in interviews.