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The Art of Job Interviewing: Insights from Sabina Nawaz

Sabina Nawaz, a former HR executive at Microsoft, has witnessed a myriad of interview scenarios, some of which have raised significant red flags for her. Common mistakes include candidates arriving late, lacking knowledge of the organization, or dressing inappropriately for the occasion. On one occasion, she encountered a candidate who was fundamentally unqualified for the position and began the interview by questioning whether they would need to perform the job’s basic responsibilities.

However, Nawaz has also seen candidates excel in the interview process. Early in her career at Microsoft, she interviewed a recent Smith College graduate for a program management role. This candidate stood out for her thorough preparation and deep understanding of the company and position.

The candidate displayed a keen awareness of what it might be like to work in a large corporation like Microsoft. According to Nawaz, she recognized that the program manager role was distinctive to Microsoft and understood its unique challenges and responsibilities that were not commonly known. This level of insight implied that she had invested significant effort into her research.

“She probably tapped into her network to gather insights,” Nawaz points out, highlighting how proactive candidates can uncover essential information about their potential roles.

During the interview, the candidate was not only ready to address the questions posed but also engaged Nawaz with thoughtful inquiries of her own. For instance, when presented with a work scenario, she would request further details, asking clarifying questions such as, “Can you elaborate on this aspect?” or “Will the team be focusing on A or B?” This approach enabled her to frame her responses effectively, targeting them to align with the company’s objectives and the expectations of the role.

The interviewee’s ability to empathize with Microsoft’s customers was another impressive aspect. Nawaz noted that she could articulate how the product would serve its end users, demonstrating a mindset that could lead to the design of user-friendly solutions with broader appeal.

Nawaz emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in interviews, saying, “The term emotional intelligence gets thrown around a lot, but she exhibited this trait in abundance.”

Ultimately, the candidate’s extensive preparation allowed her to thoroughly understand the position and envision how she could tackle challenges effectively. Nawaz remarked, “She just blew me away,” underscoring the impact that preparation and understanding can have in a job interview.

Conclusion

In summary, Nawaz’s observations reinforce the notion that job candidates should invest time in preparing for interviews, researching the company, understanding the role, and considering the needs of the end user. Those who approach the interview process with this level of diligence are more likely to stand out and achieve success in the competitive job market.

Source
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