How to Ace a LinkedIn Interview

Today, interviews via LinkedIn have become common practice, especially for international companies, IT, digital, and the B2B sector. However, many candidates make the mistake of perceiving it as a regular Zoom or phone interview.

In reality, LinkedIn is not just a communication channel. It's an environment where a recruiter studies the candidate long before the first question. The profile, activity, communication style, and even comments — all of this shapes the first impression.

Therefore, to understand how to successfully pass an interview via LinkedIn, you need to prepare comprehensively.

How recruiters evaluate a candidate on LinkedIn before the interview

One of the main insights from HR is that the decision about a candidate is formed even before the interview.

Recruiters pay attention to:

the design of the LinkedIn profile;
the headline and About description;
the relevance of experience;
activity and content;
communication style in messages.

If the profile is weak, even a perfect interview may not save the situation.

Preparing your LinkedIn profile before the interview

Why the profile is part of the interview

Before conducting an online interview via LinkedIn, a recruiter almost always opens the candidate's profile. This is a mandatory evaluation step.

Important:

remove general formulations;
add specific results;
use profession-specific keywords;
update the photo and headline.

The profile should reinforce your answers, not contradict them.

How to communicate correctly with a recruiter on LinkedIn

The first message matters

Often, an invitation to an interview on LinkedIn starts with correspondence. The mistake many candidates make is responses that are too formal or, conversely, overly familiar.

Recruiters advise:

write briefly and to the point;
maintain a business-like but lively tone;
confirm interest in the vacancy;
ask clarifying questions.

Communication is already part of the soft skills assessment.

Format of an interview via LinkedIn: what to expect

An interview via LinkedIn can take different formats:

chat correspondence;
audio call;
video call;
multiple stages of online interviews.

Often, the first stage is a short conversation lasting 20–30 minutes, the goal of which is to understand the candidate's motivation and general level.

Recruiter questions in an interview via LinkedIn

What questions are most frequently asked

Based on HR experience, questions in an interview via LinkedIn focus on:

professional experience;
real case studies;
communication skills;
ability to work remotely;
motivation and goals.

Typical questions:

"Why did you apply specifically for this position?"
"What is your strongest professional achievement?"
"How do you resolve difficult work situations?"

How to answer recruiter questions: HR advice

Focus on results

Recruiters note that candidates often talk about processes but forget about results.

The best answer format:

the task;
the actions;
the result.

This makes your experience clear and measurable.

Appearance and behavior in a video interview

Even if the interview is conducted online via LinkedIn, requirements for appearance remain relevant.

Recruiter recommendations:

neutral clothing;
calm background;
good sound and camera;
confident but not tense tone.

The video format amplifies the impression — both positive and negative.

Candidate mistakes in an interview via LinkedIn

Even strong specialists often make typical mistakes:

do not research the company;
do not read the job description;
get confused about their own experience;
behave too passively;
do not ask the recruiter questions.

Recruiters note: a lack of questions is a warning sign.

What questions to ask the recruiter

To make a good impression, it's important to show interest.

Appropriate questions:

about tasks for the first months;
about success criteria;
about the team;
about the work format.

This demonstrates a mature professional approach.

After the interview: what to do next

Follow-up is an important step

Few people use this tool, but a message after the interview on LinkedIn can strengthen the impression.

A short follow-up:

thanks for the conversation;
confirmation of interest;
clarification of next steps.

This is perceived positively by recruiters.

How long to wait for a response after an interview via LinkedIn

Timelines depend on the company, but on average:

3–5 working days is a normal timeframe;
up to 7–10 days is acceptable;
more than two weeks is a reason to politely remind them of yourself.

It's important to maintain a professional tone and patience.

Recruiter tips: how to increase your chances of getting an offer

Recruiters agree that successful candidates:

prepare for the interview;
know their value;
know how to talk about results;
communicate adequately;
use LinkedIn as a professional tool.

Conclusion: how to pass an interview via LinkedIn confidently and successfully

An interview via LinkedIn is not a stress but an opportunity to show your best side. What matters here are not only the answers to questions but your entire professional image: profile, communication, behavior.

If you: