By Tiffani Peeler, Recruiting Team

So you just landed an interview for your dream job – congratulations! 

I’m sure you are eager and excited to meet the team, but that excitement can turn into nerves if you are not prepared and in the right mindset. 

As a member of the recruiting team at Skillz, here are some tips that I’ve seen prove helpful as you prepare to interview with the company of your dreams. Review the list below to make sure you’re prepared to ace your interview: 

1. Familiarize yourself with the product 

Seems like a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised by how many candidates don’t do their research ahead of time. Before they meet the team, I encourage all Skillz candidates to download a couple of games and spend some time exploring our platform. Whether you’re interviewing to join the engineering, operations, or customer support team, understanding the product will help you be more prepared for interviews. It will also give you some great talking points to help you build rapport with interviewers. If you’re interested in learning more about Skillz, check out some of our games here!

2. Polish your skills 

You’ll want to acquaint yourself with the tools needed for the position you’re interested in, even if you use those tools often. Additional preparation will not only ensure you can pass any form of testing, but it will also calm your nerves knowing you are prepared for any technical questions that come your way. 

3. Come with questions 

Skillz, we are a team of motivated individuals excited to achieve our company’s mission. When candidates come to an interview with questions at the ready, it shows us their excitement to make an impact. Preparing questions shows your interest in the role, and also helps you more deeply understand if the opportunity is right for you. Interviews should be a two-sided conversation – because the ultimate goal is not to just fill a seat, but to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

4. Research interviewers and find common ground

One thing I’ve learned as a recruiter is that allowing people to talk about themselves or their work helps build a better relationship, and ultimately makes for a more enjoyable interview experience. It also helps to know more about the people you could potentially work with, and start building those relationships even before potentially joining the team. 

5. Talk to your recruiter about what to expect 

Recruiters work extremely closely with the teams they’re supporting, and know what the interview process entails. It’s our responsibility to advocate for candidates, and to provide as many resources as we can to help you succeed. What better way to do that than making sure you’re prepared and excited for your interview! 

If you follow these tips, I can assure you that you’ll be able to find the right opportunity. At the end of the day, the main goal of any interview is to find the best fit – ensuring it’s the right candidate for the role, and the right role for the candidate. Great things happen when everyone wins. 

If you’re interested in becoming a Skillzian, check out our open roles here!