What's one thing you do to research the person you're interviewing with before the interview? How does this information help you during the conversation?

Question

Uncover the strategies for researching interviewers with precise methods and real-world expert insights, bringing an edge to any job seeker's preparation. This article distills the wisdom of industry veterans into actionable steps, ensuring candidates walk into interviews equipped with comprehensive background knowledge. Gain a competitive advantage with guidance pooled from the top minds in professional networking and personal branding.

Mark Yeramian · Answer

Before any interview, I always make it a point to dive into the person's LinkedIn profile and recent media mentions. It's like setting the stage for a good conversation. Knowing their career journey, their interests, or even what they've posted recently helps me understand their mindset and priorities. I'm not just looking for a list of job titles; I'm trying to get a sense of their values, passions, and any personal or professional challenges they might be dealing with.
This prep work is so useful because it helps me approach the interview in a more natural, connected way. I don't just want to ask questions off a script; I want the conversation to feel like it flows and evolves. If I know they've just launched a new product, I'll bring it up as a natural segue, or if they've shared something inspiring, I might comment on that to create a sense of connection. It's all about making the interview feel less transactional and more like a real exchange of ideas.
The real magic comes from using this research to adjust the tone and pace of the conversation so it doesn't feel like a cold Q&A. It also makes it easier to ask questions that dig a little deeper, making the person feel comfortable and open up more, which always leads to better insights. It's about being genuinely interested in the person and letting that curiosity shape the conversation!

Parker Mcinnis · Answer

As a former soccer scout turned real estate agent, I always look up the interviewer's LinkedIn profile to find shared connections or experiences, like sports backgrounds or Michigan ties. Last month, I discovered my interviewer also coached youth soccer, which led to a great conversation about mentoring young athletes before diving into business topics. I find these personal connections help break the ice and make the conversation feel more natural, just like when I'm connecting with potential homebuyers.

Ryan Whitcher · Answer

Before meeting with homeowners or investors, I make it a habit to check both their LinkedIn and local property records to understand their real estate situation better. This research recently helped me have a more empathetic conversation with a family dealing with an inherited property, as I knew some context about their situation beforehand. I find that being prepared with this background knowledge helps me ask more relevant questions and offer more personalized solutions during our talks.

V. Frank Sondors · Answer

Before an interview, I always look at the person's LinkedIn profile to get a sense of their career path, recent projects, and shared connections. This helps me understand what they value professionally and gives me a starting point for more engaging questions or topics. For example, if I notice they've recently completed a major initiative or role, I'll ask about that to show genuine interest. During one interview, I saw that the hiring manager was actively involved in mentoring programs. I used that to discuss how I value mentorship in building teams, which opened a great dialogue about leadership styles. This kind of research helps me tailor my responses and connect on a personal level, making the conversation more memorable and meaningful. Knowing the person's background ensures the conversation goes beyond just qualifications.

Caleb Simonyi-Gindele · Answer

As a therapist, I make it a point to read any published articles or blog posts the interviewer has written about mental health approaches or counseling philosophies. Just last week, I found a podcast interview where my potential supervisor discussed attachment theory, which allowed us to have a deeper discussion about treatment methods during our meeting. Having this context helps me understand their therapeutic perspective and shows I'm committed to aligning with their practice's values.

Barbara McMahan · Answer

With my background in executive coaching, I focus on reviewing the interviewer's recent speaking engagements or published articles to understand their leadership philosophy and current challenges. Recently, I found a podcast where my interviewer discussed team dynamics, which helped me frame my consulting experience in terms that resonated with their approach. This research lets me have deeper conversations about organizational development and shows I'm genuinely interested in their perspective, not just landing the job.

John Jones · Answer

Before meeting anyone, I dig into their company's recent news and social media posts to understand what they're excited about right now. Just last month, I noticed a potential client's firm had won a sustainability award, which helped me steer our conversation toward their green initiatives. This kind of research helps me feel more confident and shows I'm genuinely interested in their work, not just looking for any job.

Harman Singh · Answer

As a Senior Software Engineer at LinkedIn, one thing I do to prepare for an interview is to research the candidate's background by reviewing their LinkedIn profile, previous work, and any public contributions, such as articles or open-source projects. This helps me understand their professional journey, technical expertise, and interests, so I can tailor my questions to their experiences.
Having this information allows me to ask more personalized, relevant questions and establish rapport quickly. It also gives me insight into their problem-solving approach and helps me assess how their skills align with the position. Additionally, knowing their career goals helps guide the conversation toward areas they are passionate about, which can make the interview feel more engaging and mutually beneficial.

Alexander Weber · Answer

LinkedIn activity analysis has been my most effective pre-interview research strategy. I focus specifically on their recent posts, comments, and article shares from the past 2-3 months. This reveals their current professional interests and priorities far better than just scanning their work history.
For instance, when interviewing for a marketing role, I noticed my interviewer had shared several articles about AI in content creation. During our conversation, I naturally wove in my experience using AI tools for content optimization, which sparked an engaging discussion about the future of marketing automation. This alignment with their current interests helped me stand out from other candidates who only discussed traditional marketing approaches.
The key is to look beyond the basic profile information and understand what professionally excites them right now. This creates natural conversation points and demonstrates genuine interest in their perspective.

Corina Tham · Answer

Before an interview, I always research the interviewer through their LinkedIn profile or company bio. This helps me understand their professional background, achievements, and current role, providing valuable context. For example, knowing their key projects or specialties can guide me to tailor my responses effectively. It also gives insight into their values and priorities, aligning my answers to resonate more deeply. Beyond work, if they've shared personal interests or causes they support, it brings a human touch to the conversation. This preparation builds confidence and creates room for meaningful dialogue. It shows respect for their time and demonstrates my genuine interest in connecting.

Takarudana Mapendembe · Answer

Before an interview, one thing I always do is research the person I'm interviewing with on LinkedIn. I look at their career path, recent posts or articles they've shared, and even their interests or volunteer work. I remember interviewing for a position with a company where the hiring manager was a big advocate for sustainability. By noticing that on LinkedIn, I was able to start the conversation with something meaningful—asking about the company's sustainability initiatives and how they aligned with her vision. That insight not only broke the ice but also allowed me to tailor my answers to reflect how my values and experience aligned with the role. It helped me build rapport and show that I was genuinely interested in the company's goals beyond just the job itself. Doing this research also shows that you're proactive and invested in the opportunity. It sets a positive tone and can make the conversation feel less like an interrogation and more like a thoughtful exchange. It's amazing how these small insights can help you connect on a deeper level.

Justin Herring · Answer

I always take time to analyze the company’s website and search presence, just like I do for my SEO clients, to understand their digital challenges and opportunities. Last week, I noticed a potential employer’s site had great content but poor mobile optimization, which helped me thoughtfully discuss how my experience could address their specific needs. I’ve found that showing this kind of preparation helps turn interviews into collaborative discussions about real solutions.

Kate Donskaia · Answer

Before an interview, I always look up the person's LinkedIn profile. I focus on their recent job title, posts, and shared articles. It gives me clues about their professional interests and communication style. If they've written something about a recent achievement or project, I take note. It can help spark a thoughtful question during the conversation. 
Having this background makes it easier to connect. I can steer the discussion toward their strengths or highlight how my work aligns with their goals. It feels more like a real conversation and less like a one-sided Q&A. Plus, people appreciate when you've taken the time to learn about them.

Justin Azarias · Answer

LinkedIn research is what I've found most helpful when preparing to meet potential clients or partners in the real estate industry. Last week, I discovered that my interviewee had experience with sustainable building practices, which led to an engaging discussion about eco-friendly renovations we both worked on in the Bay Area. I believe finding these common professional interests helps break the ice and creates more meaningful conversations about property improvements and market trends.

Erika Palmer · Answer

Before interviewing couples for app feedback, I always check their LinkedIn profiles and any social media presence to understand their work-life balance challenges and relationship dynamics. This background research helps me ask more relevant questions about how they currently manage their schedules together, which directly informs how we can make Cupla more useful for similar couples.

Jacob Hale · Answer

LinkedIn stalking is my go-to move before any interview - I spend about 15 minutes checking out their career path and looking for common connections or shared interests. Last week, I discovered my interviewer and I both worked at Microsoft, which gave us an instant connection point during our chat. I always make notes about 2-3 specific projects they've worked on, so I can ask thoughtful questions that show I've done my homework.

Lance Doty · Answer

I always check out their LinkedIn activity and recent community projects, especially anything related to Dallas urban development, since it helps me understand their vision for neighborhood improvement. Last week, before meeting a potential partner, I noticed they had written about affordable housing initiatives, which led to an engaging discussion about combining our resources to renovate properties in underserved areas.

Michael Hurwitz · Answer

Before any interview, I conduct a deep dive into the interviewer's LinkedIn profile and professional history. This research uncovers shared connections, achievements, or initiatives that can be leveraged to establish rapport and guide meaningful conversation. Reviewing an interviewer's LinkedIn profile not only provides insight into their career trajectory but also reveals shared interests or mutual connections. For example, noticing their involvement in a recent public sector initiative or a professional certification can serve as a conversational touchpoint. These details demonstrate that you've done your homework and foster a more personal and engaged dialog, setting a positive tone. During an interview with a government HR leader, I referenced their work on a notable "Silver Tsunami" initiative I'd seen on LinkedIn. This immediately resonated, leading to a productive discussion about their challenges. The preparation highlighted my understanding of their needs and left a strong impression. Always spend 15 minutes researching the interviewer's LinkedIn profile and recent activities. Note key achievements or shared interests. Use this knowledge to craft relevant questions or references during the interview, demonstrating both preparation and genuine interest.

Joe Davies · Answer

Before interviews, I always check out their recent LinkedIn activity and any articles they've published, which recently helped me connect with a marketing director over our shared interest in SEO trends. I noticed they'd written about voice search optimization, so I brought it up naturally during our chat, which led to an engaging discussion about where the industry is heading.

Jeremy Schooler · Answer

Before interviewing someone in real estate, I always check out their LinkedIn profile and recent property transactions to understand their investment strategy. Last month, I discovered a potential partner had specialized in multi-family developments, which helped me tailor our conversation around scaling properties rather than single-family flips. This background research lets me ask more meaningful questions and shows I'm genuinely interested in learning from their experience.

Ronald Osborne · Answer

Before any meeting or interview, I always research the person’s professional background and recent activities. One of the most effective methods I’ve used over the years is diving into their LinkedIn profile and public appearances in articles, podcasts, or webinars. For example, I recently prepared for a consultation with the CEO of a tech startup who was struggling with scaling his business. I noticed from his LinkedIn profile that he previously worked for a Fortune 500 company, which meant he likely had experience in structured environments but might find the chaotic nature of a startup overwhelming. Additionally, I found a podcast where he spoke about valuing team culture but admitted to difficulties maintaining it during rapid growth. This preparation allowed me to tailor the conversation to his unique pain points. I approached our meeting by acknowledging his corporate experience and linking it to solutions for structuring his startup for growth without losing agility. By mentioning the podcast insights, it showed I’d done my homework, which built trust quickly. With over 20 years of coaching and insights from my study of 675 entrepreneurs, I was able to provide specific frameworks that resonated with his values. As a result, we not only addressed his immediate scaling challenges but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable growth plan aligned with his leadership style. The extra effort in research created a more meaningful dialog and ultimately a highly productive outcome.

Mike Wall · Answer

Before any interview, I always check out their LinkedIn activity and recent deals they've closed, which gives me great talking points about their work style and success patterns. Last week, I noticed my interviewee had shared articles about sustainable housing, so I brought up my experience with eco-friendly renovations during our chat - it really helped us connect. I find that understanding someone's professional journey and interests helps me tailor my responses to show how I can add value to their specific goals and challenges.

Bennett Heyn · Answer

I always spend time checking out their LinkedIn profile and company social media posts to understand their professional journey and recent projects. This helped me connect better during interviews - like when I mentioned to a potential client how impressed I was with their recent community housing initiative, which led to a great discussion about local real estate trends.

Brandon Beatty · Answer

I make it a habit to look up recent projects or developments they've been involved with on local real estate websites and news outlets, which has been game-changing for my conversations at Southern Hills Home Buyers. Just last month, I discovered an interviewer had worked on a major property rehab project, similar to ones I'd managed, which gave us an instant connection point. By understanding their background, I can share relevant examples from my own experience that directly relate to their interests and expertise.

Mary Sullivan · Answer

Before meeting someone, I take time to review their company's latest blog posts and customer reviews to understand their values and approach to real estate. This research really paid off when I met with a Fort Worth developer - I was able to reference their recent successful downtown renovation project, which showed I understood their vision and led to a more meaningful conversation.

25 Ways to Research Your Interviewer Before the Interview

25 Ways to Research Your Interviewer Before the Interview

Dive Into LinkedIn and Media Mentions

Find Shared Connections and Experiences

Check LinkedIn and Property Records

Look at Career Path and Projects

Read Articles or Blog Posts

Review Speaking Engagements and Articles

Research Company's News and Social Media

Review LinkedIn Profile and Contributions

Analyze LinkedIn Activity

Research LinkedIn and Company Bio

Look Up LinkedIn Profile

Analyze Company's Website and Search Presence

Focus on Job Title and Posts

Research LinkedIn for Common Interests

Check LinkedIn and Social Media Presence

LinkedIn Stalking for Common Connections

Check LinkedIn and Community Projects

Deep Dive into LinkedIn Profile

Check LinkedIn Activity and Articles

Check LinkedIn and Property Transactions

Research Professional Background and Activities

Check LinkedIn and Recent Deals

Check LinkedIn and Social Media Posts

Look Up Recent Projects or Developments

Review Company's Blog Posts and Reviews