07 · Interview like a professional · Chapter 21 of 35
Understand the modern interview funnel
Processes can combine recruiter screens, assessments, recorded video, AI-led interviews, human panels, and work samples. Do not assume every employer uses AI or evaluates candidates the same way.
9 min read
| Stage | What they are checking | How you prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiter screen | Basic fit, interest, authorization, location, compensation, communication, timeline | 90-second pitch, range, start date, two questions, no rambling |
| Assessment / skills test | Can you do a slice of the work under time | Refresh the tools you claimed; sleep; read instructions twice |
| Recorded / AI interview | Structured answers, language, sometimes pacing; follows disclosed vendor rules | STAR stories, camera test, no hidden AI if prohibited |
| Hiring manager | Judgment, depth, how you would do the job, whether they want you on the team | Role-specific prep, 90-day picture, questions about priorities |
| Panel / cross-functional | Collaboration, consistency of story, not throwing teammates under the bus | Same stories, different emphasis; write names down |
| Work sample / take-home | Job-relevant capability, writing, analysis, code, a mock deck | Clarify time box, confidentiality, and whether unpaid labor is reasonable; keep a copy |
| References / background | You were who you said you were | Warn your references; align titles and dates with the resume |
You are also interviewing them. A chaotic process, a manager who cannot describe success, or a bait-and-switch on schedule is data. Put it in the offer matrix later.
21 / 35