How to Prepare for an Interview: 3 Tips from Recruiters at The Keller Group
Careers & Coffee with The Keller Group, Episode 1
Welcome to Careers & Coffee with The Keller Group, our every-other-Wednesday check-in where our team of executive recruiters pulls up a chair to talk careers, hiring, and opportunities. Think of it as a mid-week coffee break with recruiters who have seen thousands of interviews from all sides of the table. For our first episode, Rashin June Keller and Jacqui Denker share the top things candidates should do before an interview. Watch the video above, then keep reading for the full breakdown.
Do your research and find common ground
Preparation goes above and beyond reading the "About Us" page on an employer's site. Look for the threads that connect you to the people and the place:
The recruiter:
Where have they previously worked? What do they post about?
The hiring manager:
What's their career path? What do they care about?
The role:
What problems is this position supposed to solve?
The company:
What are their values, news, and recent wins?
Then ask yourself where your career and personal experience, interests, or values overlap with the answers above. Shared commonality gives you natural conversation starters, and it makes you memorable. People typically remember candidates they connect with, not just their polished résumé.
Match the job description to your background
The job description is your study guide. Before you start the conversation, read it closely and make note of:
The top skills and responsibilities listed
Specific tools, platforms, industries, or experience mentioned
The wins and takeaways from your own career that connect to each one
Have fun with the process
It sounds simple, but it's important. An interview is a simple conversation, not an interrogation, and you're interviewing and evaluating the company just as much as they are to you. Candidates who show up curious and relaxed typically appear more authentic, engaged, and enjoyable to work with. Nerves are totally normal, but enjoying the conversation is a skill you can, and should, practice.
Quick Pre-Interview Checklist
Research the company, interviewer, and recruiter
Identify 2-3 points of common ground
Map the job description to link back to your own experience
Prepare 3-5 questions of your own
Practice, practice, practice
Remind yourself to enjoy the conversation
Join us for the next cup and conversation
New episodes of Careers & Coffee drop every other Wednesday on LinkedIn. Follow The Keller Group so you never miss one, and tell us your go-to interview prep tips if we missed any!
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