Stalking Your Interviewers Could Be Your Secret Weapon
When preparing for an interview, most of us focus on company research and rehearsing answers. But have you ever thought about the value of researching your interviewers? 🤔
Doing a little digging on the person (or people) who will interview you can give you a major advantage, helping you build rapport, tailor your responses, and understand the company culture better. Here’s how to do it right:
📌 Steps to Research Your Interviewers:
Start with LinkedIn: Look up their profiles to understand their professional background, role, and achievements. Note common connections or shared experiences. Recommendations section is a good place to visit to learn more and see how others are talking about them.
Check Other Social Media: A quick glance at Twitter/X, YouTube or other platforms can provide insights into their interests, thought leadership, or recent activities.
Read Their Work: If they’ve authored articles, been featured in interviews, or shared content, read them. This shows you respect their expertise and can spark meaningful conversation.
Look for Common Ground: Find mutual interests, such as shared alma maters, professional groups, or volunteer work. This can be a great icebreaker!
Research Their Role in the Company: Understand what their position entails and how they might interact with the role you’re interviewing for. This will help you tailor your questions.
Use Glassdoor or Other Review Sites: Sometimes, employees leave reviews mentioning specific leaders. While these need to be taken with a grain of salt, they can provide context.
Google for Recent News: Look for recent press mentions, blogs, or other updates about them. This shows you're up-to-date on the latest happenings.
💡 Why This Matters:
Build Rapport: Knowing your interviewer’s background helps you find ways to connect authentically.
Tailor Your Responses: You can align your answers to their values and professional interests.
Gain Insight into Company Culture: Understanding who they are can reveal more about the company culture and leadership style.
Going the extra mile in your prep shows you care about the opportunity and sets you apart from other candidates. So, next time, don’t just research the company—research the people! 🕵️♂️
