More Than Questions

M Mehran

Interviews always seemed straightforward to me. You answer questions, showcase your skills, nod politely, and leave. Or so I thought.

I learned that an interview is never just about questions and answers—it’s a window into yourself, your fears, your aspirations, and, sometimes, your resilience.


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The Morning of Doubts

I woke up that day with a knot in my stomach. The interview was for a position I had dreamed of for years, a role that could change my life. My outfit was neatly pressed, my resume polished, and yet, I couldn’t shake the doubt gnawing at the edges of my confidence.

On the bus, I rehearsed answers in my head, imagining flawless responses to every possible question. I even practiced my smile in the reflection of the window, as if preparing my face would somehow armor me against failure.


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First Impressions

Walking into the office, I noticed how the room hummed with quiet tension. Other candidates were there too, sitting stiffly in chairs, eyes flicking nervously around. It struck me that interviews were microcosms of life itself: people striving, hoping, and silently comparing themselves to strangers.

When my turn came, I was led into a small, sunlit room. A single interviewer sat across the table, her gaze calm but probing. She offered a polite smile and gestured for me to begin.


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The Unexpected Question

The first questions were standard: “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” I answered confidently, reciting practiced lines. But then she asked something unexpected:

“What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?”

I froze. For a split second, panic surged. This wasn’t a bullet-point question; it demanded honesty, self-reflection, and courage. I thought of the time I had missed a critical deadline at my previous job. I had been embarrassed, ashamed, convinced it marked me as incompetent. But as I spoke, I realized the story wasn’t about failure—it was about growth.

“I learned that preparation is crucial,” I said, my voice steadying. “But more importantly, I learned to own my mistakes, to ask for help when needed, and to turn setbacks into opportunities for improvement.”

Her nod was subtle, but I felt a weight lift from my chest.


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The Human Connection

Interviews are often described as tests, but I found they can also be conversations. As the questions continued, she shared her own experiences—challenges, lessons, moments she regretted. Suddenly, the interview was less about performance and more about connection.

We spoke about teamwork, communication, and resilience. Each question became a bridge, linking my experiences with hers, creating a dialogue rather than a monologue. It was the first time I realized that interviews could reveal not only what a candidate brings, but also how humans relate to each other.


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Moments of Reflection

As the interview drew to a close, she asked one last question: “Why do you want this role?”

I took a deep breath. I could have recited a rehearsed answer, full of corporate jargon and ambitions, but instead, I spoke from the heart.

“I want this role because it challenges me,” I said. “Because it allows me to grow, to contribute, and to be part of something meaningful. And because I believe that when people are given the right opportunity, they can exceed even their own expectations.”

She smiled, a small but genuine expression, and thanked me. I left the room feeling lighter, as though the interview had not just tested me, but taught me something about myself.


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Lessons Beyond the Resume

I didn’t immediately know if I got the job. But in those forty minutes, I had discovered something essential: interviews are mirrors. They reflect not only your skills and experiences but also your mindset, your honesty, and your ability to engage with another human being.

I learned that confidence is not pretending to be perfect. It’s acknowledging imperfection and showing how you navigate it. That preparation matters, yes, but authenticity matters more. That courage isn’t just about answering difficult questions—it’s about listening, connecting, and showing the person across the table who you truly are.


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The Bigger Picture

Weeks later, when I finally received the job offer, I realized the real reward wasn’t the position itself—it was the transformation I had experienced in preparing for and facing the interview. I had stepped into a room full of anxiety and emerged with clarity, self-awareness, and confidence.

Interviews are often feared as judgmental encounters, but they can also be moments of revelation. They remind us that growth comes not just from succeeding, but from embracing the challenge, reflecting on our experiences, and connecting with others along the way.


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Closing Thought

An interview is never just a list of questions. It is a journey, a reflection, a conversation between the person you are and the person you aspire to become. Each one teaches you something, if you are willing to listen.

And sometimes, the most important lesson of all is this: the courage to face yourself, your fears, and your potential is more valuable than any job offer you could receive.