How to turn interviews into learning experiences. The candidate perspective.

Interviews aren't just about showcasing your skills, they’re also incredible opportunities to learn. 

They offer unique insights into company culture, technology, and people. But there’s even more to gain if you approach them the right way.

Interviews can expose you to diverse ways of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. 

Unfortunately, this potential is often missed because interviews often become a never-ending series of closed questions.

Here’s my approach to turn interviews into learning experiences:

Explain your reasoning.

When answering questions, elaborate on your thought process. Don’t just give the “what”, explain the “why.” 

Explaining your reasoning not only helps the interviewer understand your approach but also opens the door for valuable feedback.

• If your reasoning is solid, the interviewer might build on it, adding new perspectives or layers of complexity.
• If you’ve missed something, the interviewer may share insights, helping you see gaps in your thinking.

In either case, you learn something new.

Ask questions.

The next best way to learn is through asking thoughtful questions.

But not all questions are equal.

• Shallow questions can kill the conversation.
• Thoughtful questions spark meaningful dialogue and invite the interviewer to share their experiences, challenges, and insights.

Mind the timing.

Don’t let long introductions or wordy explanations eat into your time. A well-paced conversation leaves room for meaningful discussions and increases learning opportunities.