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Advice from Hiring Managers Before Your Interview

 

Stepping into an interview at DraftKings isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about speaking to your strengths and understanding how you can contribute to our innovative environment. To help you prepare, we spoke with three hiring managers who shared their journeys, insights, and advice for acing every step of our process. 

When Tom, a Director on our Production team,  joined DraftKings over seven years ago, he never imagined how much the experience would challenge and reward him. “Every day, I tackle projects that push the boundaries of what I thought I could do.” Tom works with industry-leading technology and producers to create programming on the DraftKings Network. 

Nehal, an Engineering Manager, echoed this sentiment. “We work on user-facing products that impact millions. It’s challenging, but it’s also deeply fulfilling.”

For Emily, a Manager on our Marketing and Partnerships Team, it’s the fast-paced environment that keeps her excited. She has been an impactful member of our team for five years, constantly adapting and innovating. “Every day is different,” she says. “Whether it’s working with external partners or solving problems with my peers, there’s no shortage of opportunities to grow.”

How to Stand Out

Preparation is key, and DraftKings hiring managers notice when a candidate goes the extra mile. Emily highlights the importance of curiosity. “Some of the best questions I’ve received are about growth. When candidates ask how they can excel in their first three months, it shows they’re thinking beyond the interview—they’re thinking about making an impact.”

For roles like Marketing, Production, and Product teams, it’s important to take a look at our content and our apps. “We can tell immediately if someone hasn’t engaged with our content,” Tom says. His advice is to download the DraftKings app, explore the features, and understand the product. “It shows you care and that you’re invested in learning about us.”

On the Engineering and Analytics side, Nehal says it’s important to understand the balance between technical and behavioral interview rounds. While technical interviews often focus on object-oriented concepts and high-level design skills, behavioral questions are equally critical—but frequently underestimated. “One mistake I see,” Nehal says, “is candidates neglecting the behavioral rounds, especially in engineering roles. We’re not just evaluating skills; we’re assessing if you’ll thrive on our team and align with our culture.”

To stand out, use specific examples from your past experiences to highlight your skills and problem-solving abilities. If you struggle with recall, prepare a “situation bank” of stories in advance to draw from during the interview. And here’s a tip: if you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest. “Don’t make something up,” Nehal adds, “It’s okay to admit when you don’t know something.”

For engineering candidates, there’s no need to stress about sports knowledge—it’s not a requirement. The focus is on hiring talented engineers who can learn on the job. 

The best advice? Be yourself, stay genuine, and demonstrate your passion for tackling challenges

 

The Culture That Powers DraftKings

Every candidate asks about our workplace culture. DraftKings is anything but ordinary. Nehal describes it as, “Very collaborative. It’s an environment where decisions are made quickly, but always with long-term impact in mind.”

Emily agrees, emphasizing our people-first nature. “We don’t just work together; we support each other. That’s what makes tackling challenges so rewarding.”

Tom adds that trust is a cornerstone of the culture. “You’re given the freedom to own your work and the support to succeed. If you have an idea, it will be heard.” 

 

Do you have more questions about the interview process? Check out this DraftKings podcast episode, where we discuss FAQs. If you’re ready to join our team, check out our open roles. 

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