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Bnaya Zilberfarb
Bnaya Zilberfarb

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The Importance of Humility in Interviewing

Interviewing is a crucial process in any hiring process, and it is essential that the interviewer possesses certain characteristics that will lead to success. After interviewing numerous developers over the past years, I have come to the conclusion that humility is the most important characteristic an interviewer can possess.

The interview process can create a power dynamic where the interviewer is in a position of authority, while the interviewee is put in a vulnerable position. This dynamic can cause the interviewer to become overly confident and less open to ideas, while causing the interviewee to feel insecure and unable to fully demonstrate their potential.

To counteract this dynamic, it is crucial for the interviewer to remain humble throughout the process. This humility will allow the interviewer to be open to the interviewee’s ideas and thought processes, enabling them to assess the candidate’s potential as accurately as possible.

One effective way to cultivate humility is for the interviewer to assume that the interviewee is senior to them. By adopting this mindset, the interviewer places themselves in a position of learning and humility, which will allow them to truly listen to the interviewee’s responses.

Assuming that the interviewee is senior to the interviewer also has the added benefit of disarming any feelings of insecurity the interviewee may have. By demonstrating respect and a willingness to learn from the interviewee, the interviewer creates an environment where the interviewee can feel comfortable and confident in showcasing their skills and expertise.

In conclusion, humility is a crucial characteristic for any interviewer to possess. By remaining humble throughout the interview process, the interviewer can create an environment that is conducive to showcasing the interviewee’s full potential. By assuming the interviewee is senior to them, the interviewer can create a power dynamic that encourages open communication and mutual respect, leading to a successful hiring process.

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