Level the Playing Field: Understand the Dynamics of Job Interviews

What is it about job interviews that make us feel powerless? Why do they feel so unfair?

We are not equal parties in an interview. Power dynamics play a major role in how we establish our relationships. The employer vs. candidate job structure reflects this. We also must consider gender, role seniority, race, and expertise. These factors inherently affect our interviews, consciously or not.

Why is this?

Companies have multiple applicants. To become a candidate of choice and join an organization, we often need to adapt to its direction. As with sports, we have to adapt to the flow of the game based on our team’s strategy.

How do we address these dynamics?

There are key ways that we, as interviewees, stay poised in interviews. Keep in mind that interviews are not about control or dominance, and more about fit.

• Prepare Well: Research, research, research. You cannot do this enough. Strong knowledge of the company’s values and job role will aid your confidence and positioning in the eyes of the interviewer.

Aspects to know (or find out) include: background/education, necessary skills, technology tools, responsibilities, hours, pay, benefits and eligibility, on-site/remote work structure, who you report to, hardware requirements, transportation needs.

• Be Aware: Understand the conversation’s context: be in the flow. Don’t be a robot. Q&A is a two way street. You are evaluating your fit with the company too. Do it with real questions.
• Ask Specific and Helpful Questions: Inquire about the role, team, and required tools. They are instrumental to understanding expectations for yourself and your employer as well as how your performance will be reviewed.
• Present Yourself: Great body language and diction reflect well on you, displaying your confidence and professionalism. Good listening and knowing the right time to ask questions are great details to focus on.
• Be Self-Assured: Speak up for yourself. Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and what makes you a great candidate.

Know your role:

Are you newer to the field, an experienced leader, or a specific value add to the team? Does the company want you to learn new software and techniques, be prepared to use platforms like Salesforce or Marketo, or have expertise in niche areas? You can build these up by pursuing certifications and expertise in valued areas. You need to understand what role the team is seeking and emphasize those strengths.

Consider the interview setting:

Think about with whom and where you are speaking. Will the interviewer be your peer, manager, or human resources? Is the meeting over Zoom, phone call, or in person? These affect how you speak and present yourself. For example, while you make eye contact for an in-person interview, you should look at the camera over Zoom. Body language matters; a smile humanizes you. With your potential peer or manager, you will likely discuss job details and day-to-day specifics. HR will see if you’re a good fit with the company culture. Prepare for the interview with the setting in mind.

What should we take away?

You are your only advocate in an interview. Exhibit self-confidence. You could be the right person for the job. You may do everything right and it still may not work out. Concentrate on what you can control. While the dynamics can be an uphill battle, these strategies help level the playing field. Your goal is to establish a win-win for yourself and the hiring company.

Max Kurtock , Intern at Lynn Hazan & Associates

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