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Master the Art of Interviewing: How Researching Your Interviewer Can Seal the Deal

Landing an interview with your sponsoring company is a big step, but clearing it can feel impossible if you don’t prepare the right way. One of the most overlooked yet powerful steps in job preparation is researching your interviewer. When you know who you’re talking to, you can tailor your answers, build instant rapport, and stand out from other candidates. This post will guide you through three simple steps to research your interviewer effectively and boost your chances of success.


Eye-level view of a laptop screen showing a LinkedIn profile of a professional interviewer

Why Researching Your Interviewer Matters


Many candidates focus only on the company or the job role but ignore the person who will ask the questions. Interviewers are people with unique backgrounds, interests, and expectations. When you research them, you gain insights that help you:


  • Personalize your answers to align with their values and experience

  • Break the ice naturally by mentioning mutual connections or shared interests

  • Show genuine interest by referencing their work or expertise


This approach builds trust and makes the conversation more engaging. Interviewers appreciate candidates who take the time to understand them, which can tip the scales in your favor.


Step 1: Check Their LinkedIn Profile


Start by finding your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile. This is usually the easiest way to gather relevant information. Look for:


  • Their current job title and role within the company

  • Their career journey and previous roles

  • Any shared connections you might have

  • Skills, endorsements, or interests they highlight


For example, if your interviewer has a background in software development but now works in project management, you can tailor your answers to show how your skills support both areas. Mentioning a mutual connection you both know can also create an immediate sense of familiarity.


Step 2: Mention Mutual Connections


If you find mutual connections on LinkedIn, don’t hesitate to bring them up during your interview. This works as a natural ice breaker and builds trust quickly. You might say something like:


"I noticed we both know [Name], and I’ve heard great things about their work on [project]."

This simple statement shows you’ve done your homework and helps the interviewer see you as part of their professional network. It also opens the door for a more relaxed and friendly conversation.


Step 3: Reference Their Expertise


Many interviewers share their knowledge through blogs, articles, or conference talks. If you find any of these, use them to your advantage. Mentioning their work shows respect and proves you’re genuinely interested in what they do. For example:


  • If they wrote a blog post on industry trends, you can say:

"I read your recent article on [topic], and it gave me new insights into [related subject]."


  • If they spoke at a conference, mention a key point they made and how it relates to your experience.


This approach makes your answers more relevant and memorable. It also signals that you’re proactive and eager to learn.


Putting It All Together


Imagine you have an interview with a sponsoring company. Before the interview, you:


  1. Look up your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile and learn they have a background in marketing and data analysis.

  2. Notice you both know a mutual connection who works in the same industry.

  3. Find a recent blog post they wrote about digital marketing trends.


During the interview, you tailor your answers to highlight your marketing skills, mention your mutual connection to build rapport, and refer to their blog post to show your interest. This combination creates a strong impression and increases your chances of success.


Final Thoughts


Researching your interviewer is a simple step that many candidates skip, but it can make a huge difference. By understanding who they are, what they value, and what they’ve accomplished, you can personalize your answers, build trust, and stand out in a crowded field. Follow these three steps before your next interview:


  • Check their LinkedIn profile

  • Mention mutual connections

  • Reference their expertise


If you want to take your interview skills further, we have prepared a detailed eBook to help you ace interviews with sponsoring companies. Book Consultation with us .



 
 
 

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