Interview Secrets: What Recruiters Wish You Knew Before Applying

Let’s talk about something every tech professional will face sooner or later—but few truly understand: the unwritten rules of recruiting.

As part of Oceans’ Round Table initiative, I had the opportunity to moderate a candid and insightful conversation with Andrey, our Recruitment Lead, and Eliana, Engagement Manager at Oceans. Together, we unpacked key aspects of the recruiting process that are rarely discussed openly—but can make a real difference in how candidates show up and succeed.

From how to prepare for an interview to what really makes a CV stand out, the goal of this session was simple: to help tech professionals feel more confident, informed, and ready to navigate their next opportunity with clarity. Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply preparing for future moves, the lessons we shared offer a fresh perspective on how hiring decisions are made.

What Do Recruiters Actually Look For?

Technical skills are, of course, important. But as we explored during the Round Table, there’s another dimension that often becomes the true differentiator:

How candidates present themselves

Some of the key elements recruiters value most:

Professional demeanor and presence during the conversation
Clear, confident, and structured communication
The ability to express thoughts, motivations, and intentions genuinely

“The way someone shows up in a conversation—their demeanor—can say just as much as their résumé.”

In short, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about how effectively you can communicate it.

Recruiting Is Personal

One of the strongest themes that emerged from the discussion is that recruiting is, at its core, a human process. Behind every CV is a story, and the best outcomes—on both the candidate and client side—happen when we treat it as such.

Interviews should never feel like one-sided interrogations. They are two-way conversations, and it’s just as important for candidates to evaluate the company, the role, and the people they’ll potentially work with.

Showing genuine interest, asking thoughtful questions, and being clear about your goals not only helps you stand out—it helps ensure a better long-term match.

Tips for Tech Interviews

If you’re preparing for interviews or just want to sharpen your approach, here are a few of the most important takeaways from our Round Table:

Be authentic: People connect more with honesty than with rehearsed perfection.
Practice your communication: Storytelling, structure, and clarity go a long way.
Remember—it’s mutual: Ask questions, and evaluate if the opportunity aligns with your goals too.

Want to Hear the Full Conversation?

The full Round Table session is available now on our YouTube channel. Whether you’re navigating the job market or simply want to understand how recruiting really works behind the scenes, this episode offers practical insights and real stories from those who live the process every day.