Architects of Great Talent | The Code to Crack Job Interviews with Priyadarshini Prabhu | Moss Adams India (now Baker Tilly)
Rising cost of living setting off paycheck chase
July 8, 2025
Architects of Great Talent is our new podcast season that spotlights the people who turn potential into powerhouse performance — across industries, roles, and stages of growth.
Built around one powerful idea, talent, this season explores where it begins, who shapes it, how it evolves and what it takes to transform potential into lasting impact.
We believe that the world needs great talent. This season honours the architects behind that talent — the mentors, decision-makers, and culture-builders shaping the future of work.
In our first episode, Neelabh Shukla, Chief Business Officer at Careernet, speaks with Ms Priyadarshini Prabhu, People Director, Moss Adams India (now Baker Tilly), to explore what it truly takes to ace a job interview from a human resources leader’s perspective.
Priyadarshini draws on her extensive talent‐development experience to share:
- Interview readiness strategies
- Practical advice for first-time candidates
- Evolving recruiter expectations
We also tackle key interview FAQs:
— How can candidates present themselves with authenticity and competence?
— What non-resume signals catch a recruiter’s eye?
— How do frameworks like the “5Cs” shape hiring decisions?
Whether you are a job seeker or a hiring leader, this conversation delivers honest, practical advice you can act on immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can candidates manage interview nerves?
A: It is natural to feel nervous, especially ahead of your first interview. Practising answers, being authentic, and avoiding the urge to overexplain can help. Remember, there is no such thing as a “perfect candidate”. Sincerity and solid preparation speak volumes.
Q: What common mistakes do first-time candidates make in interviews?
A: Frequent errors include arriving late, being unfamiliar with the job description, or speaking negatively about previous employers. A lack of active listening and failure to tailor answers to the role can also leave a poor impression.
Q: How can one display authenticity and competence in an interview?
A: Authenticity stems from honest self-expression — discuss your journey genuinely and admit what you do not know. Competence is shown through subject knowledge, relevant experience, and aligning your responses with the role’s expectations.
Q: Do certifications matter more than practical experience?
A: Certifications can strengthen your CV and aid during screening stages, but they do not replace hands-on experience. Recruiters value the practical application of knowledge and leadership over credentials alone.
Q: What is the tailoring approach in interview preparation?
A: It means customising your CV, examples, and responses to suit the role. Highlight experiences most relevant to the job, rather than offering a generic rundown of previous positions.
Q: How should one respond to difficult or unfavourable interview questions?
A: Use the STAR technique:
- Situation – Describe the context
- Task – Outline your responsibility
- Action – Explain what you did
- Result – Highlight the outcome
Q: Is it acceptable to say “I do not know” during an interview?
A: Yes. It is better to acknowledge a gap in knowledge than to guess. Saying “I do not know” reflects integrity and self-awareness — qualities that interviewers respect.
Q: How valuable are mock interviews in preparing for real interviews?
A: Extremely. Mock interviews simulate real scenarios, helping improve communication, reduce anxiety, and sharpen structure. AI-powered platforms and interview readiness programmes are increasingly used to refine performance.
Q: What role do mentoring and coaching play in job readiness?
A: Mentorship and coaching offer crucial guidance. Drawing from our tradition of learning from elders and experts, these relationships provide feedback, clarity, and confidence. Trusted mentors — be they managers, peers, or family — can greatly influence your career path.
Q: What do recruiters focus on during interviews — technical or soft skills?
A: Both matter. Recruiters use the 5C Framework:
- Character
- Career Direction
- Culture Fit
- Competence
- Communication
Employers look for these traits reflected in your behaviour and past experiences.
Q: If you could interview any renowned personality, who would it be — and what would be your opening question?
A: Saalumarada Thimmakka, a centenarian environmentalist who has planted over 8,000 trees.
The first question would be, “What motivates you to make such a lasting impact despite limited resources?”.
