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88 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k j u l y/a u g u s t 2 0 2 3 When was the last time you interviewed for a job? Until recently, it had been well over a decade for me. Shortly after my interview, a colleague shared a similar story. It led me down a path of curiosity that involved asking nearly everyone I encountered about their last interview experience. While reflecting on this small and informal study of accounts, a series of thoughts resulted in a "lightbulb moment" that caused me to rethink interviewing as I had known it. First, I recognized that no matter one's level or years of experience, interviews are nerve-racking. Nerves aren't just for newbies; in fact, I'm fairly certain few people are immune to this feeling. However, I realized that a shift in perspective could result in a shift in this physical/emotional response. After all, our thoughts and beliefs about an experience are what cause our bodies and emotions to be affected. This led me to think there is an oft-overlooked aspect of the interview process—there are actually two parties interviewing each other. What would happen if the people on each side of the interview relationship kept this concept at the forefront? And how would seeing employment itself as a relationship change the way you prepare for your next interview? If you want to interview "like a boss" (in other words, extremely well, and with the least amount of anxiety and greatest likelihood of getting what you want), I propose you learn to interview literally like a boss. essential skills | BACK TO BASICS Interview Like a Boss Your Questions Could Land You That Next Great Job By Cindy Williams THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP Consider this: If you were in the hiring manager's shoes, would you see yourself as the kind of person you would want to hire and work with? This leads to the question of what makes an excellent employee or coworker. Similarly, if this company were viewed as a candidate being interviewed for the role of employer, would they be the kind of company you want to work with? What makes an excellent employer? Successful relationships require partnership to thrive, even if there is a power differential (meaning one person is in a position of authority). Therefore, both sides need to consider what they each have to give and what they need to receive to reach optimal outcomes and meet common goals. They also need to be clear about what those outcomes and goals are. WHAT MAKES AN EXCELLENT EMPLOYEE? While it's clearly important to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are outlined in the job description, I am going to posit that of equal importance is whether you project yourself as someone who is great to work with. Interviewers don't want to know only what you have done, currently do, or plan to do if you get this job. They want to know who you are. Think about it. No one wants to work with someone who is difficult. KINDEL MEDIA/PEXELS.COM