VIDEO: Building Alignment in First Stage Interviews

What alignment is

Alignment is about asking smart, insightful questions that create a clear connection between your story and the story of the person interviewing you - and the journey of their business. It’s how you get them thinking, “Yep, I can see this person on our team.”

What alignment is NOT

It’s not asking about:

• Basic company facts (size, products, turnover, etc.) - that’s research you should have done beforehand

• Practical admin (salary, parking, pension, benefits) - that should already be covered with your recruiter

Alignment is about intangibles - the stuff only they can tell you.

Three Killer Alignment Questions

These three questions help you build rapport, understand motivations, and connect your career with theirs:

1. “Why did you join the business?”

What drew them in originally? Which part of the company or role aligned with their own ambitions?

2. “What are you enjoying most at the moment?”

What gets them out of bed? Which projects are exciting them right now?

3. “Where is the business going next?”

What’s the future plan? What’s happening in the team? How does their own career fit into that story?

Summary

Alignment is all about asking questions that let you connect your career journey with theirs. When they can visualise you working alongside them, you’re halfway to the offer.