Post by Kennedy (@Yibin)

One interview question humbled me and taught me something I'll carry into every interview going forward.

A few months ago, I interviewed for a head of operations role.
I genuinely enjoyed the conversation. The questions were engaging, and because I'm currently a director of operations, I was able to answer them with confidence, drawing from real-life experience. I left the interview feeling good about how it went. But there was then this one question that came up during the interview.
"What do you think is the difference between your current role and this role?"
I answered almost immediately.
I said they were basically the same and went on to explain why I believed the transition would be seamless. At the time, I thought it was a strong answer.

However, it turned out I didn't get the role.

As is my habit, I always do a personal review after every interview. I ask myself, what went well? What could I have done differently?
When I came back to that question, it hit me. I felt strongly that my answers weren't wrong, but it wasn't complete. I had overlooked something very important, which I will highlight below.

No matter how similar two job titles may sound, no two organizations are the same.

Every new role comes with:

1. A different culture to understand.
2. Different systems and ways of working.
3. Different people, relationships, and leadership styles.
4. Different expectations and measures of success.

My experiences gave me a solid foundation, but that doesn't mean I already know everything about the new organization I am trying to join.

Looking back, I realized my response may have unintentionally suggested that I was walking into the role with all the answers, when what I truly believe is the opposite. Every new role is a chance to learn, adapt, and grow.

If I get asked that question again, my answer will be very different.

I'll highlight how my experience has prepared me for the responsibilities of the role. I will also be very categorical and equally stating how excited I am about learning the organization's culture, understanding its unique way of doing things, building relationships with a new team, and finding better ways to create value.

Not getting the job was disappointing, but I don't see the interview as a failure. It gave me something I couldn't have gained any other way, which is "a lesson."

I've come to realize that interviews are not just about convincing someone to hire you. They're also opportunities to discover blind spots you didn't know you had.

So, if you've recently been turned down after an interview, don't just move on. Take some time to reflect. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you walk away with isn't the offer, but it's the lesson that prepares you for the opportunity that's still ahead.

I'm looking forward to the next time someone asks me that question.
This time, I'll be ready!!!

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