Preparation for Handshake requires a balance of self-reflection and business-case analysis. You should approach your preparation by connecting your past achievements to the specific operational hurdles faced by a high-growth technology company.

Strategic Problem Solving – You will be evaluated on your ability to break down complex, ill-defined problems into manageable, logical components. Demonstrate this by articulating your "why" behind every decision you made in previous roles.

Cross-Functional Communication – Because you will interact with various departments, your ability to distill technical or operational information for non-technical stakeholders is critical. Practice explaining your logic clearly and concisely.

Operational Rigor – We look for candidates who are process-oriented but not rigid. You must show that you understand the trade-offs between speed and quality, and how you maintain both in a fast-moving environment.

The interview journey at Handshake is designed to assess both your technical competency and your alignment with our mission. You can expect a high-touch process that involves multiple stakeholders, reflecting our commitment to collaborative decision-making. The process typically begins with a recruiter screen, followed by a conversation with the hiring manager, and culminates in a comprehensive panel interview.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial discovery to the final panel evaluation. You should use this to pace your study, focusing on behavioral stories early on and reserving deeper operational case-study prep for the final stages.

Stakeholder Management

This area evaluates your ability to build consensus across diverse teams. Strong performance involves demonstrating empathy for your partners' goals while clearly communicating your own operational requirements.

Be ready to go over:

• Strategies for aligning conflicting team priorities.
• How you communicate project status to leadership.
• Managing expectations during high-pressure, high-visibility projects.

Example scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to say 'no' to a stakeholder."
• "How do you handle a situation where a partner team is not delivering on a shared deadline?"

Data-Driven Decision Making

We value candidates who use metrics to guide their actions. You should be prepared to discuss how you define success and how you pivot when the data does not align with your initial hypothesis.

Be ready to go over:

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) you have managed in the past.
• Your process for auditing existing data for accuracy.
• Using data to advocate for new resources or process changes.

Example scenarios:

• "Describe a time you used data to change a team’s direction."
• "How do you handle a scenario where you have incomplete data?"

As an Operations Manager, you will be the backbone of your specific department. You will spend your days auditing existing workflows, identifying friction points, and implementing scalable solutions that allow the team to grow. You will frequently collaborate with product managers to provide operational insights that inform our feature roadmaps.

A significant portion of your time will involve managing the quality and output of operational teams. Whether you are overseeing AI training initiatives or managing general retail-style operations, you are responsible for ensuring that the team remains productive, engaged, and focused on high-impact objectives. You will be expected to produce documentation, lead team stand-ups, and act as a bridge between high-level strategy and daily execution.

A successful Operations Manager at Handshake combines a strong operational toolkit with the flexibility to adapt to a rapidly changing tech landscape.

• Must-have skills: Proven experience in project management, excellent stakeholder communication, and a track record of improving operational efficiency.
• Nice-to-have skills: Familiarity with AI/ML operations, experience working in remote-first organizations, and proficiency with data visualization tools.
• Experience level: Most successful candidates bring at least 3–5 years of experience in operations, project management, or a related field.

Q: How long should I prepare for the panel interview? A: Given the intensity of the 3+ hour panel, we recommend at least 1–2 weeks of focused preparation. Use this time to refine your behavioral stories using the STAR method.

Q: Is the role fully remote? A: Yes, this role is remote. You should be prepared to discuss how you manage team culture and communication in a virtual environment.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates? A: Successful candidates are those who demonstrate high levels of ownership and a "builder" mindset. We look for people who don't just follow processes, but actively look for ways to make them better.

• Own your story: Be ready to provide specific examples of your work. Avoid vague generalizations about your experience.
• Know the mission: Handshake is a mission-driven company. Ensure you can articulate why you want to work for us specifically, rather than just any operations role.
• Ask meaningful questions: Use your time with the panel to ask about their specific challenges. This shows you are already thinking about how to add value to their team.

The Operations Manager position at Handshake is a high-impact opportunity to influence how we deliver value to our users. By focusing on your ability to synthesize data, lead stakeholders, and drive process optimization, you will be well-positioned to succeed in our rigorous interview process.

Remember, every interview is a two-way conversation. Use the insights provided here to prepare, but also to evaluate if Handshake is the right environment for your professional growth. We encourage you to review your experiences, refine your stories, and approach your interviews with confidence. You are ready to make a significant impact.