WHAT DIFFERENT INTERVIEWERS LOOK FOR (AND HOW TO PREPARE)
Apr 30, 2025
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THIS WEEK
Before we dive into the topic, I wanted to let you know that I am launching "The Career Growth Circle".
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- Job Search – Learn strategies that actually work in today’s hiring market.
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- Corporate Influence – Learn how to lead, influence, and be heard—without chasing titles.
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Interviewing is the most important part of your job search process. No matter how you got here—through online applications, networking, or referrals—you need to clear the interview to get the job.
Yet, so many candidates go in without knowing who they’re meeting or what each interviewer is looking for.
Each interviewer plays a different role in the organization, and understanding their perspective will help you prepare for the right questions. Let’s break it down.
1. The Talent Acquisition (Recruiter) Interview
Who they are:
The first person you’ll likely speak with—usually over the phone.
What they look for:
- Do you meet the basic job requirements?
- What’s your motivation for leaving your last role?
- Do your salary expectations fit within the company’s budget?
- When can you start?
How to prepare:
This is a screening call to see if you qualify. Keep your answers short and relevant—they just need to know if you should move forward.
2. The HR Business Partner or HR Head
Who they are:
If you’re at a mid-to-senior level, you’ll likely meet the HR on top of the recruiter
What they look for:
- Will you stay in the company long-term if they invest in you?
- What’s your motivation for joining this company?
- Do you fit the company culture?
- What’s your preferred management style?
How to prepare:
They focus on people-related questions. Be clear about your career goals and why this role excites you.
3. The Hiring Manager
Who they are:
The person you’ll report to if hired—the most important interviewer.
What they look for:
- Can you do part of the job already?
- Will you be a good fit for their team?
- Are you coachable and adaptable?
- Do you have the confidence to learn the rest?
How to prepare:
Hiring managers care about competence and connection. Be ready to talk about your past experience and how it directly relates to their needs.
4. The Stakeholder Interview
Who they are:
Someone you don’t report to but will work closely with.
What they look for:
- How will your role help them achieve their business goals?
- Do you understand their department’s challenges?
- Are you a collaborative problem solver?
How to prepare:
Treat this like a business meeting, not an interrogation. Ask questions like, “What’s the biggest challenge your team is facing that this person can help with?” and show them how you can add value.
5. Senior Management
Who they are:
Your boss’s boss or a high-level executive.
What they look for:
- Are you a long-term strategic hire?
- Do you align with the company’s mission?
- Can you execute, problem-solve, and lead?
How to prepare:
They’re not checking your technical skills—they assume you’ve already been vetted. Focus on big-picture thinking, leadership, and company impact.
6. The Peer Interview
Who they are:
Someone on your future team or in a similar role.
What they look for:
- Can you work well with the team?
- Are you easy to collaborate with?
- Do you bring a valuable skillset?
How to prepare:
If this happens early in the process, they may check your skills. If it’s towards the end, it’s more about team fit. Either way, be engaged and ask about the team’s work style.
Final Thoughts
Each interviewer evaluates you through a different lens. Your job? Prepare different answers for different interviewers. Depending on your seniority, you may meet a mix or all of these types on interviewers.
- Before your interview, find out who you’re meeting.
- Tailor your answers to match their priorities.
- Ask thoughtful questions that show you’re engaged.
Now go and ace that interview!
Until next week!
Always rooting for you,
Shub (Your Career Growth Partner)
Content released on my YouTube Channel last week:
- Tips Tuesday (Watch time - 1 min 1 sec) - How to Break Out When You're Stuck at $150K–$200K Salary Range
- Deep-Dive Thursday (Watch time - 7 min 7 sec) - 5 Signs Your Job Maybe in Danger
To get in-depth tips and strategies for career development and job search, subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Here are other ways I can help you:
- Whenever you are ready, you can read up on the 3 ways I can help you land an amazing job here
- "Art & Science of Networking for Job Search" is now Live at the launch price of $99 to breakdown the entire networking roadmap to get you your next role
- And if you missed it—I just launched my Instagram account and I’d love for you to check it out! Follow me on Instagram for more updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and exciting content. I can’t wait to connect with you there!
