Asked to help interview a candidate for the first time and I have zero idea what I'm doing
Been at my job barely a year and my lead just asked me to sit in on a technical interview next week and 'give my read.' I still feel like the junior one here.
What am I even supposed to be evaluating — whether they get the right answer, or how they think? I'm terrified I'll either be too soft or accidentally tank someone who was just nervous, because I know exactly what that feels like. Anyone been thrown onto the other side of the table early? What did you actually look for?
2 comments
- 0
AnonymousAnon First time interviewing is weirdly stressful from the other side of the table. What helped me: pick two things you actually care about, ask about real situations instead of trivia, and remember you're evaluating fit for the work — not trying to stump them. A nervous candidate isn't a bad candidate.
- 0
AnonymousAnon Evaluate how they think, not whether they nail it — can they take a hint, do they explain their reasoning, would you want to pair with them. If they freeze, hand them a small lifeline and watch how they use it; that tells you more than the final answer ever will. Write notes during, not after, or it all blurs together. Honestly you'll be a kinder, sharper interviewer precisely because you remember being on that side.