For me it was this : (job) interviews are not a one-sided judgment of your worth and value as a person where you have to do your best to convince the party, but

For me it was this : (job) interviews are not a one-sided judgment of your worth and value as a person where you have to do your best to convince the party, but a discussion of whether what the opposite side is searching for is in line with what you have to offer as a person / company. It's not obvious at all, especially early in your career but it has really changed the way I handle interviews in very positive ways. It's OK to get refused, it's even expected actually. And even if it doesn't work out today, taking the meeting with proper framing can bring opportunities further down the road. Some friends are now hired in positions I was chased for, and it's a win :). Kalzumeus has been an inspiration for me on all those things couple years back : https://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation/ https://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation/