What Do You Call Someone Who Is Being Interviewed

Ever been in the hot seat of an interview and wondered, "What am I supposed to call myself here? Am I just 'the candidate'? Or is there something more to it?" It's a bit funny because language shapes how we see ourselves in different situations, and interviewing is no different. Let's dig into that identity a bit more.

The Interviewee: It's More Than Just a Title

Alright, so technically, the correct term is "interviewee. " Sounds simple enough, right? But feeling like an interviewee can sometimes make you feel stuck in a passive role, just waiting to answer questions. That's not all this role is about, though. You're not just there to answer questions. You're there to have a conversation, to learn as much about the company as they're learning about you.

What I find interesting, and what many folks overlook, is the power in taking control of your narrative. Instead of thinking of yourself as just 'the one being interviewed, ' see yourself as an active participant. You're interviewing them too, in a way. You've got questions, you've got things you need to know before deciding on this job, right?

The Part Nobody Tells You About

Here's something people rarely tell you: being an "interviewee" is a chance to showcase your fit. Not just your qualifications. How often do people focus so much on rehearsing their answers that they forget to show their personality? Look, I'm not saying go in there cracking jokes like it's open mic night, but a bit of authenticity goes a long way.

Interviewers are trying to see if you're someone they want to work with day in and day out. So be yourself, just the polished version. Show them what it's like to work with you. Imagine you're already part of the team while you're chatting with them.

Redefining the Role

Think about redefining "interviewee" for yourself. Maybe you're a "prospective team member" or "future collaborator. " It seems silly, but how you think about your role can influence how you act and feel in that room. Confidence comes from knowing you're assessing them as much as they're assessing you.

You get to decide what questions you'll ask and how you'll steer the conversation at times. Don't underestimate the power of a well-placed question. It can change the dynamics of the session and set you apart from other candidates.

So next time you're prepping for an interview, remember you're not just an interviewee. You're a key player in that room, there to see if the role and the company are a fit for you as much as you're a fit for them.

And here's a thought to leave you with: instead of just preparing to answer, prepare to engage. Because that's where the magic really happens, not just in what you say, but in how you connect.