It was one of the most refreshing interviews I’ve had during my job search. I first came across the job posting on LinkedIn and decided to email the HR Manager directly. We had an initial call where I briefly shared my experience, skill set, and career goals. Then, she introduced me to the company and the role, and mentioned that she would reach out to arrange an in-person interview if I was shortlisted. I was later invited for an in-person interview. While waiting, I had the chance to observe how the employees interacted with one another, and the whole environment just felt super comfortable and they seemed genuine and happy to be there. During the interview, I was able to share more about my background, but the HR Manager also focused on what values are important to me, the areas I feel confident in, and the challenges I believe I may face. She was very transparent about both the highs and lows of the role, and used the conversation to align our expectations. I left the interview feeling safe and comfortable. It didn’t feel like an interrogation, but more like a two-way conversation to see if we were a good fit for each other.