Can You Ask a Recruiter How to Prepare for an Interview?

February 27 , 2025
Chris Specht
Blog Posts, News
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So, you’ve landed an interview. Nice work! But now comes the real challenge: preparing like a pro. You could go down the Google rabbit hole, drowning in generic interview tips that sound like a corporate manual.

Or… you could tap into a secret weapon most candidates overlook: the recruiter.

Yes, you can and should ask a recruiter how to prepare for your interview. In fact, doing so might just be the edge that gets you hired. But there’s a right way to do it. Let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

Why Bother Asking a Recruiter?

Recruiters aren’t just gatekeepers. They’re your inside source, your backstage pass, your tour guide through the hiring process. They want you to succeed—because if you do, they do.

They know exactly what the hiring team is looking for. They know what questions will be asked. They might even know which answers land well. And guess what? They’re usually happy to share.

All you have to do is ask.

The Right Questions to Ask

Don’t just hit your recruiter with a vague, “How should I prepare?” Be specific. Here’s how to get real, useful intel:

What Type of Interview Should I Expect?

Behavioral? Case study? Technical? Panel? Each requires a different approach. Knowing the format in advance lets you tailor your prep.

Who Will I Be Speaking With?

Are you meeting the hiring manager, a senior executive, or a potential teammate? Researching them in advance can help you shape your answers and even find common ground.

What Skills or Qualities Matter Most for This Role?

Sure, the job description lists requirements, but what really makes a candidate stand out? Recruiters often have inside knowledge on what the hiring team values most.

Is There Anything Specific I Should Prepare?

Sometimes, hiring teams have pet questions or focus areas. Maybe they’re big on problem-solving skills. Maybe they want to hear about leadership experiences. Your recruiter can give you a heads-up.

What’s the Biggest Mistake Candidates Make in These Interviews?

Want to know what not to do? This question can save you from common pitfalls other candidates fall into.

How to Ask Without Sounding Clueless

You don’t want to come off as unprepared. You want to sound strategic. Here’s how to phrase your request professionally:

“I want to make sure I’m fully prepared for this interview. Can you share any insights on what the team is looking for and how I should focus my prep?”
“I know every company has its own interview style. Could you give me a sense of the format and key focus areas?”
“I’d love to go in as prepared as possible. Are there any specific topics or questions I should be ready for?”

See the pattern? Confident. Direct. Smart.

What If the Recruiter Won’t Spill?

Some recruiters play their cards close to the vest. If yours isn’t giving much away, pivot. Try these moves:

Do Your Recon. Check Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or company reviews for insights from past candidates.
Study the Job Description. Look for clues in the wording. “Problem-solving skills required” means you should prepare for analytical questions.
Network. Find someone who has interviewed at the company before and ask about their experience.

The Recruiter’s Advice is Just the Start

Recruiters can give you a road map, but you must put in the work. That means:

✔ Practising answers to common questions

✔ Researching the company’s culture, mission, and products

✔ Prepping strong examples of your skills and experience

✔ Running mock interviews with a friend or mentor

The goal? To walk into that interview feeling like you’ve already won.

Final Thoughts

Can you ask a recruiter how to prepare for an interview? Absolutely.

Should you? Without a doubt.

It’s one of the smartest, simplest ways to boost your job chances. And the best part? Most candidates never think to do it.

Now you know better. Use this to your advantage, and go crush that interview.