Walking Into the Unknown
Today I experienced something completely new in my working career, my very first panel phone/audio interview via Microsoft Teams with five Committee Members including the Web Manager, and I can honestly say, it was one of the most intriguing, relaxed, inclusive, comforting, and natural interviews I have ever had.
Going into the interview, I had spent a few days preparing myself mentally. Interviews have never been something I naturally feel confident in. The pressure of talking about yourself, explaining your abilities, knowledge, strengths, experiences, challenges, and trying to answer questions while filling those awkward silent pauses can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Why This Interview Felt Different
Because the interview was audio only, the atmosphere immediately felt lighter. There were no eyes staring at me, no feeling of being intensely watched or judged. Instead, it felt more like a genuine conversation between professionals. The interviewing panel created a welcoming and respectful environment where I actually felt heard rather than examined.
The Technical Glitch That Broke the Ice
Ironically, despite having a small technical microphone issue right at the beginning, once the interview properly started, my nerves slowly settled. The conversation flowed naturally, and many of the questions focused less on trying to “catch me out” and more on understanding:
- how I approach work,
- how I learn,
- how I communicate,
- and how my experiences could contribute to the role and team.
Self-Taught Learning Is Still Valuable
One thing I realized during the interview is that self-learning and adaptability really are strengths in today’s digital world.
Throughout my career and personal projects, I’ve often taught myself new systems, explored open-source platforms, experimented with website tools, SEO platforms, analytics, and web applications simply through curiosity and determination to learn. For the first time in an interview setting, I felt comfortable openly talking about that journey.
A Team That Felt Human
What also stood out to me was how refreshing it felt speaking with a team that appeared genuinely interested in collaboration and growth.
The role itself is relatively new, as is the Web Manager position, and hearing about the future direction of building their internal web operations was exciting. It felt less like stepping into a rigidly predefined role and more like becoming part of something evolving and being built thoughtfully over time.
Growth Happens Outside Comfort Zones
As someone who relocated internationally with my family in search of new opportunities and a better future, moments like today remind me that growth often happens outside of comfort zones.
Sometimes the things we fear most, interviews, change, uncertainty, can unexpectedly become some of the most positive and affirming experiences.
What I Gained From Today
Whether I am ultimately successful in securing the role or not, today gave me something valuable:
confidence.
Confidence that I can hold my own in professional conversations.
Confidence that my experiences and self-taught knowledge do have value.
Confidence that authenticity and preparedness matter more than perfection.
And perhaps most importantly, confidence that there are still workplaces and people who know how to make others feel comfortable, respected, and included, even in something as traditionally nerve-wracking as a job interview.
The Waiting Phase Begins
For now, I wait patiently and hopeful for the next update over the coming weeks. But regardless of the outcome, today felt like progress.