The recruiter interview is your first gateway into a company – a chance to make a strong impression, set the tone for the process, and gain valuable insights. Think of it as a two-way conversation: we’re not only assessing your fit for the role, but you’re also evaluating whether our organization is right for you.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Recruiter Stage
Recruiters wear many hats: we are both gatekeepers and advocates. During this initial conversation, our goal is to gain a high-level understanding of:
- Your skills and experience
- Communication style
- Career motivations and goals
- Salary expectations and availability
- Overall fit for the team and company culture
We’re not expecting perfection – gaps in your resume are perfectly normal; life happens. What matters more is how you’ve reflected on your journey and where you want to go next.
Importantly, treat your talent acquisition contact with the same professionalism and respect you would offer to a hiring manager. While we may not make the final decision, we play a key role in shaping your progression through the process.
2. Do Your Homework
This cannot be overstated. One of the most impressive things a candidate can do is show they’ve genuinely taken the time to learn about the company. It tells us that you’re not just applying to every open role on the internet, but that you’re being intentional in your search.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Research the company – our mission, values, leadership, and any recent news or milestones.
- Review the job description carefully – come ready to speak to a few points on why you’re a strong match.
- Understand how we work – our website, blog, or social platforms often offer insights into our culture and priorities.
- Prepare your “why” – have a concise sentence or two explaining why you want to work with us and how you believe you can contribute.
We love it when candidates come with thoughtful questions – it shows engagement and curiosity.
No Telecom or Media Experience? That’s OK
At Palladin, our work is primarily focused on the telecom and media sectors – but we recognise that talent comes from a variety of backgrounds. If you haven’t worked in these industries before, don’t panic. Instead, help us understand:
- What transferable experience you bring – perhaps you’ve worked on digital transformation, customer engagement, data platforms, or large-scale implementations.
- How quickly you adapt to new domains.
- Why you’re excited to learn and grow in this space.
Demonstrating curiosity, learning agility, and relevant parallels in your experience can be just as powerful as direct sector knowledge.
3. Be Professional – Especially on Video
At Palladin, we are a remote-first organisation, and that means most of our interactions – including interviews – happen online. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can thrive in a virtual-first environment.
Some simple but effective tips:
- Dress smartly, even if it’s just the top half – it sets the tone for a professional conversation.
- Choose a quiet, tidy space with minimal distractions. A neutral background or a virtual one is absolutely fine, as long as it looks presentable.
- Check your tech – test your audio, camera, and internet connection ahead of time. Being prepared shows that you’re respectful of others’ time and can work independently.
- Make eye contact by looking at the camera when speaking – it creates a stronger sense of connection.
Remote work requires strong communication, reliability, and initiative – showing these traits from the first interaction makes a real difference.
4. Show Enthusiasm (Genuinely)
Recruiter interviews aren’t meant to trip you up – we want you to succeed. One thing that stands out is genuine enthusiasm. This doesn’t mean being overly rehearsed or forced, but rather showing that you’ve given real thought to why this opportunity excites you.
A few examples:
- “I noticed your team recently launched X – I’d love to contribute to work like that.”
- “Your commitment to [a particular value] really resonates with me.”
- “This role aligns with my goal to grow in [a particular area].”
It’s perfectly acceptable – and appreciated – to bring your authentic self to the conversation.
5. Practical Tips for the Day
- Be punctual – it shows respect for the recruiter’s time.
- Have your CV in front of you and be ready to walk through your experience clearly and concisely.
- Keep your answers focused, but don’t be afraid to let your personality come through.
- End with questions – it shows you’re thinking seriously about the role.
Final Thoughts
The recruiter interview is not just a screening step – it’s a valuable opportunity to put your best foot forward, gather key information, and begin building rapport with the company. With a bit of preparation and a thoughtful approach, you’ll set yourself up for success – and demonstrate that you’re ready to thrive in a remote-first environment.
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Talent Acquisition Manager
Natasha Phillips brings over a decade of experience in recruitment within professional services and technology consulting industries. Her expertise includes full-cycle recruitment management, data-driven talent acquisition strategy, and candidate experience optimization. Prior to joining Palladin, she served as Talent Acquisition Manager at Slalom, where she managed hiring for the Salesforce practice and led the UK & Ireland Candidate Experience Project, implementing engagement enhancements and process improvements. She also held roles such as Recruiting Manager, EMEA at Wipro, overseeing Salesforce practice hiring across Europe, and senior recruiting roles at KPMG and Deloitte. Her diverse skill set includes event coordination, graduate recruitment, assessment processes, and process optimization, making her a valuable asset to the Palladin team.