#7 The Interview Trap Everyone Falls Into (And How to Get Out of It)

6:00 p.m. and I’m staring at my reflection on Zoom.

I’m dressed sharp, camera-ready, sitting in the virtual waiting room with two things on my mind:

1. Don’t look desperate (hence, I’m “fashionably” early—two minutes).
2. Nail this interview.

This wasn’t just any interview. It was Adobe, and this was my shot.

6:01 p.m. passes. Then 6:05.

Where is he?

By 6:10, I’m caught in a mini stress loop. I double-check my calendar. I triple-check the time. Everything matches. But no hiring manager.

At 6:20, I finally log out, frustrated. The old me would’ve let it go, chalked it up to bad luck, and moved on. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

So, I do something I’d never usually do: I find him on LinkedIn and shoot him a message, casually pointing out that I’d been waiting on Zoom.

Thirty seconds later, a reply: “I was waiting for you too!”

Turns out, HR had sent us different Zoom links.

I bet you’ve been there.

You’re in front of someone who has the power to decide your next career step, trying to prove that you’re The One.

You’ve rehearsed answers, polished stories, and memorized your resume line by line.

But what if I told you that the classic interview prep—while useful—isn’t what seals the deal?

In a world full of equally qualified candidates, how do you stand out?

Here’s the twist: it’s less about what you’ve done and more about how you make the interviewer feel about you.

Why Interviews Are Really About Likability

Sure, qualifications are what get you in the room, but that’s not what gets you the offer.

Interviewing is really an exercise in social dynamics. Your resume proves you can do the job, but the person across the table is asking, “Do I want this person on my team?”

Think about it: most of your competition can do the job, but only a couple of people are going to get the offer.

That choice?

It comes down to who the interviewer sees as a fit.

Three Ways to Win in the Interview Room

So, if it’s not just about skills, what’s the magic mix?

Here are three qualities interviewers want to see (even if they don’t say it outright):

1. Impressive but Humble
   It’s tempting to run down the list of your awards and accolades. But if you’re throwing around achievements like it’s a college application, you’re missing the mark. Be confident but avoid coming off as arrogant. Show you can deliver without a side of ego.
2. Personable but Professional
   No one wants a robot on their team, but overdoing the friendliness is equally risky. There’s a balance—be relatable but keep it professional. It’s about showing that you’re someone they’d actually want to share a workspace with.
3. Someone They Can Stand Behind
   An interview recommendation is a reflection on the interviewer too. When they say, “Yes, let’s move this candidate forward,” they’re putting their stamp of approval on you. Show them you’re dependable. They need to feel confident you’ll represent them well if you get the job.

The Bottom Line

Interviewing isn’t about cramming every achievement into a 30-minute conversation.

It’s about making the interviewer want to say, “Yes, I want this person on my team.”

Next time you’re in that interview room, keep these three things in mind.

Leave the brag sheet at home and make it your goal to connect. Because in the end, it’s not what you’ve done—it’s how you make them feel about hiring you.