What's the most surprising thing you've learned about yourself through the interview process? How has this self-discovery impacted your career journey?

Question

Interviews can reveal surprising truths about ourselves, often in ways we least expect. This article explores five unexpected insights that can emerge during the interview process, drawing from the wisdom of industry experts. From embracing support roles to leveraging unique experiences like wrestling, these revelations can transform your career trajectory and personal growth.

Steven Lowell · Answer

The most surprising thing I have learned about myself through the interview process is discovering that I was not meant to be in a leadership position, but instead a leadership support role. I discovered this after trying to answer that one question: 
"Tell me about a time when you had to take control of a situation."
Every time I tried to answer the question in a way to show that I would be meant to lead a team, I was met with the same response: "You seem to work well when someone has to right the ship, but what about managing teams and implementing KPIs?"
I heard that question asked multiple times across companies in different industries. And one day, a person with a very large management consulting firm said to me, "You are scrappy. That works well in crisis situations, not when we need things to run smoothly."
This discovery helped me realize that I was never meant for large companies that run on cruise control. I need to be in a job with daily challenges to satisfy my need to keep work exciting. I am a "Jack-of-all-trades" and I am comfortable taking on many roles. 
But at some point, the MBA or specialist has to come in to take the company to the next level. And for me, that is when I become either an advisor to a CEO, or I go and find a new place that needs someone scrappy.

Mel Trari · Answer

The most surprising thing I've learned through the interview process is how often we downplay our own value. Previously, I would enter interviews focused on trying to impress, rather than presenting a clear understanding of what I actually bring to the table. Practicing with real questions and reviewing my own answers helped me identify patterns, not just in how I spoke, but in how little I owned my story.
This self-awareness changed everything. It made me view interviews as mutual conversations rather than one-sided evaluations. It's also why I believe in what we're building at InterviewPal. When people have the opportunity to rehearse, reflect, and refine, they don't just improve their interview skills; they start perceiving themselves differently. And that mindset shift is what truly propels careers forward.

Stephen Greet · Answer

One of the most surprising things I learned about myself through the interview process is that I wasn't very good at telling my own story—even when I had real, meaningful experience to share.
Early in my career, I assumed that if my resume looked good and I had the right qualifications, that would speak for itself. However, I found that I was underselling my impact because I focused too much on what I did and not enough on what it meant. I'd say things like "I built dashboards" or "I helped with reporting," but I wasn't connecting those actions to results—or showing how I made things better, faster, or more strategic.
That realization completely changed how I approached interviews and later, how I coached others. I started preparing by asking myself: "What problem was I solving? What was the outcome? And how did I personally drive that result?" That small mindset shift helped me communicate with more clarity, more confidence, and a stronger sense of ownership.
It's also a big reason I built BeamJobs because I know firsthand how easy it is to have the experience but not the language to make it land. Interviews aren't just about proving your skills—they're about showing how you think, what you've learned, and how you deliver value in the real world.

Nikita Sherbina · Answer

The most surprising thing I learned about myself through the interview process was how much I value authenticity over perfection. Early on, I thought I had to present myself as flawless to impress interviewers, but I realized that being genuine and acknowledging my growth areas actually made me stand out more. During one interview, I openly discussed a challenge I faced and how I overcame it, which sparked a meaningful conversation and led to a job offer. This self-discovery shifted how I approach not only interviews but also my daily work—I now focus on continuous learning and honest communication. It's helped me build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients, and ultimately shaped my career by opening doors I might have missed if I'd tried to appear perfect instead of authentic.

Joe Spisak · Answer

The most surprising thing I've learned about myself through the interview process is how my competitive wrestling background fundamentally shaped my approach to business challenges. As a former D1 wrestler at UVA, I initially thought those experiences were separate from my professional identity. What I discovered is that the mental toughness and resilience I developed on the mat directly translate to how I navigate the logistics industry.
When interviewing potential 3PL partners for our marketplace, I found myself instinctively looking for the same qualities I valued in teammates – persistence through challenges, adaptability when plans change, and a willingness to put in the work when others might give up. This realization completely transformed how I build and lead teams at Fulfill.com.
I've also discovered I have an unusual ability to thrive in chaotic environments. In the 3PL world, disruptions happen daily – whether it's port delays, carrier issues, or inventory emergencies. While interviewing logistics professionals and eCommerce founders, I noticed I'm naturally drawn to solving complex problems that others find overwhelming.
This self-awareness has impacted my career journey tremendously. Instead of avoiding challenging market segments, I've steered directly into them. When we built our matching platform, I specifically focused on serving complex fulfillment scenarios that many 3PLs struggle with – high-value items, regulated products, and custom packaging requirements.
Understanding these strengths has helped me recognize when to delegate, too. I've learned to surround myself with team members who excel in areas where I don't – particularly in building scalable systems and standardized processes. This balance has been crucial to our growth and ability to serve thousands of eCommerce businesses in finding the right fulfillment partners.
The interview process continues to teach me about myself every day, and that self-awareness has been the foundation for building Fulfill.com into what it is today.

5 Surprising Things You Can Learn About Yourself Through Interviews

5 Surprising Things You Can Learn About Yourself Through Interviews

Embracing Support Roles Over Leadership Positions

Owning Your Story Transforms Interview Approach

Connecting Actions to Results Improves Communication

Valuing Authenticity Leads to Career Growth

Wrestling Background Shapes Business Problem-Solving