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Overcoming initial barriers
Reaching the final interview of a selection process is a clear sign that the candidate has already overcome important barriers. Initial interviews, tests and dynamics are behind you.
Now, facing the position owner (the manager requesting the position), the focus changes completely. More than validating technical competencies, this meeting seeks to understand if there is personal affinity, alignment of purpose and harmony with the company culture.
Knowing the person behind the resume
The position owner wants to know who the person behind the resume is. They want to understand how you think, react to challenges and if you really fit the pace and demands of the company, your department and the team.
At this stage, questions typically go beyond "what did you do" and focus on "how do you do it". This change in focus is strategic: technical competence has already been validated. Now it's time to evaluate behavior, attitude and cultural compatibility.
What the manager observes
During the final interview, the manager carefully observes:
Attitudes: How you behave, how you interact, how you demonstrate respect
Confidence in responses: Clarity and confidence when talking about yourself and your experiences
Coherence: Whether there is consistency between your discourse and professional trajectory
Emotional maturity: How you handle feedback, criticism and challenging situations
Problem-solving ability: Your pragmatic and creative approach to challenges
Vision for the future: Professional ambitions compatible with the business and position
The importance of authenticity
Another central point is authenticity. Experienced managers quickly perceive when a candidate tries to fit into an idealized profile.
What really wins is clarity about:
Your strengths and how to develop them
Your areas for improvement and plans to evolve
Your genuine interest in contributing to the organization
Your realistic understanding of what the position requires
Strategic preparation for the interview
To prepare adequately:
Study the company and the manager: Understand the mission, vision and current challenges
Prepare real stories: Have concrete examples of situations that demonstrate your abilities
Reflect on your motivation: Why do you really want this position? What attracts you?
Anticipate behavioral questions: "Tell me about a conflict you resolved", "How do you handle pressure?"
Prepare your own questions: Show genuine interest in the role, team and challenges
Practice, but don't memorize: Rehearse your answers to gain confidence, not to sound robotic
The interview as a two-way street
It is important to remember that the final interview is not just an evaluation — it is a two-way street. Both the manager and the professional seek to understand if the partnership makes sense.
You are also evaluating:
Whether the manager is someone you would like to work with
Whether the company culture aligns with your values
Whether the proposed challenges motivate and develop you
Whether there is real potential for growth and learning
The manager's final question
In the end, what the position owner wants to know is simple, but profound:
"Can I trust this person to grow with me and the company?"
Conclusion
Therefore, rather than preparing to "answer well," it is essential to prepare to talk truthfully. Be authentic, demonstrate genuine interest and show that you are a person who can be trusted.
When manager and candidate understand each other at this depth, the best professional partnerships are born.
Rhuan Kepler Soares Teles
Gestor Consultoria