Interviewing at Coupa - What to Expect and How to Prepare

Let’s be honest—interviews can be a bit daunting. You’re expected to make a great impression, share your story, and size up a role—all within a short window of time. And, in most cases, with someone you’re meeting for the first time. No problem - here are some practical tips to help you shine so you can confidently navigate the interview process.                                                                                                                       


At Coupa, you’re not just considering a company with an AI-driven Total Spend Management platform; you’re joining a community, or Coupa Village, where your voice can help shape what’s next. To get here, we want to support you in preparing for the interview so you have all the information you need to bring your most authentic self to the conversation.


Here are tips to help you prepare for a successful interview with Coupa.


Get familiar with the process


As you start the interview process, we want to make you comfortable so you can share what you bring to the specific role. 

  1. Your first step will be a brief conversation with the internal recruiter looking to fill the position.
  2. Next, you should plan on having two or three interviews with the hiring manager, stakeholders, and potentially an executive-level leader. 


Before your interview with the hiring manager


Your internal recruiters could be your most invaluable resource. Save the job-specific questions for the hiring manager but let the recruiter share the best advice on the process, company culture and those you’ll be meeting in the next round of interviews. 


Get to know us before we get to know you


Before you meet the hiring manager, research our company and clearly understand what we do and how your experience can impact Coupa and its growth. Coupa.com, our LinkedIn page, and People Stories are great starting points. You can also check out Gartner and Forrester reports. Coupa isn’t a company that just talks about values but lives and breathes them every day. Our Coupa Core Values inform our culture. For more guidance, watch the first episode of Shaping What’s Next at Coupa featuring recruiter Marcy Harrell. She shares candid advice on how to show up with confidence, build rapport in interviews, follow up with intention—and yes, why doing your homework on the company still matters.

Know your talk track


Review your Resume/CV before the interview. Be prepared with key message points to quickly give the interviewer a brief overview of your career and elaborate on what’s on your resume. 


Review the responsibilities and qualifications


Make sure you’ve thoroughly read the job description and highlight how past experiences could relate to the role during the interview. We use behaviour-based interviewing questions, so bring relevant examples to discuss during the interview.


Get your tech in order


To ensure a smooth virtual interview, install and test the specific video conference platform for the interview. Find a quiet space for the video conference with good lighting, where you will not be distracted, and choose a suitable background. This way, you can focus on the interview, avoid distractions, and have your tech in order. 


AMA - Ask me Anything


Finally, we want to work with curious and collaborative people excited to grow their careers at Coupa and who can bring different perspectives to our company. So, come to the interview prepared to ask thoughtful questions and show us your passion for innovation and dynamic problem-solving.


Ready to help shape what's next? Join our vibrant talent community and explore exciting opportunities to become part of the Coupa Village.

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