From Hello to Hired: How to Impress in the First 3 Minutes

Hosted by Alex Kliotzkin and Uzair Khan

In this video

What you'll learn

You'll learn how to give an impressive introduction

Highlight your most impressive experience, controlling the interview narrative for further talking points.

You'll learn how to tie your motivations to the role

Connect your personal motivations with the role to show you're the perfect fit and passionate leader.

You'll know which red flags to avoid

Avoid common pitfalls that can hurt your chances, ensuring you present yourself as the right candidate.

Why this topic matters

First impressions can make or break EM interviews. When you're speaking to a Director+, they form opinions fast. You need to open with strong, relevant points that set the right tone—because the way you introduce yourself isn’t just small talk. It’s your first chance to prove your leadership, judgment, and impact. Nail this, and you control the conversation. Miss it and you’re playing catch-up.

You'll learn from

Alex Kliotzkin

Director of Engineering and Career Coach

Alex is an experienced tech leader with 17+ years of international experience in big tech and startups.

Alongside his full-time job as a Director of Engineering, Alex pursues his passion for helping engineers grow as a Career & Leadership Coach, having coached 30+ engineers into leadership roles.

A graduate of University of Waterloo, Alex worked for 11 years at Qualcomm in San Diego, before relocating to Munich, Germany, where he now resides.

Uzair Khan

Engineering Manager at Stripe and ex-Amazon Bar Raiser

  • Current Engineering Manager at Stripe.
  • Formerly an Engineering Manager at Amazon for 5 years.
  • Ex-Amazon Bar Raiser with over 250 interviews conducted at Amazon.
  • More than 20 years of experience in Software Development.
  • 10 years of engineering management experience spanning roles as Engineering Manager, Director, and VP of Engineering.
  • Successfully trained, managed, and promoted numerous Engineering Managers throughout his career.
  • Bachelors of Software Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Class of 2007.


See all products from Alex Kliotzkin

Alex's clients work at

Google
Meta
Amazon
Microsoft
DoorDash

Go deeper with a course

Acing Engineering Manager Interviews
Alex Kliotzkin and Uzair Khan
View syllabus