Yesterday, I had an experience that crystallized the kind of work culture I believe in. It wasn’t a complex technical problem or a groundbreaking new technology. It was a first-round interview for a DevOps Engineer position, but it was the human dynamic that made it truly memorable.
The atypical interview setup
On one side of the virtual table was me. I started my journey in the tech world 15 years ago as a Network Engineer right after graduation. Today, I work as a Cloud and Security Architect, carrying a decade and a half of experience.
On the other side was the interviewer, a sharp and focused Senior DevOps Engineer. He had graduated just three years ago, starting his career as an intern in Ethical Hacking and quickly rising through the ranks.
To complete the picture, the Engineering Manager I had spoken to a few days prior, who would potentially be our mutual reporting manager, began his own career about seven or eight years ago.
In a more traditional setting, this dynamic – a candidate with 15 years of experience being interviewed by someone with three – might have been awkward. Egos could have been bruised, and seniority could have become an unspoken elephant in the room.
A focus on what truly matters
But that’s the beauty of what happened next: none of that mattered. From the moment the interview began, the focus was squarely on the right things: the role, its challenges, the technical requirements, and how my skills could contribute to the team’s success. There was no hesitation from any of us regarding our respective levels of experience. It was a conversation grounded in mutual respect for each other’s expertise.
This is the kind of environment I thrive in – a place where skills and knowledge are the currency, and a relentless drive for improvement fuels the engine of innovation. It’s a culture that values what you can do over how long you’ve been doing it.
A refreshing moment of candor
The most telling moment came when the interviewer candidly mentioned, “This is my first time conducting an interview.” I genuinely welcomed his honesty. My response was spontaneous: “That’s great! It’s a learning experience, and you’ll get the hang of it.”
In that moment, I believe my 15 years of experience showed, not through a list of accomplishments, but through maturity. It was an opportunity to foster a positive and supportive environment, to acknowledge that we are all constantly learning, regardless of our job titles or years in the field. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about creating a psychologically safe space where people can grow.
The interview’s outcome is secondary
I don’t know if I will proceed to the next round or ultimately get the job. But in a way, the outcome feels secondary to the experience itself. The interview was a powerful reminder that the best workplaces are built on a foundation of respect, curiosity, and a shared passion for the work.
It showed me that this company is likely one that doesn’t just talk about a flat hierarchy but actually practices it, where a culture of continuous learning is not just a slogan but is embedded in their daily interactions. And that, more than anything, is the kind of team I want to be a part of.