I’m excited to share that I was recently featured in an article on 7 Ways to Research Your Interviewer for an HR Interview — and it’s a topic I’m truly passionate about.
Today’s job market is more competitive than ever. Candidates are coming to interviews armed with research about the company, the job description, and the industry — and yet, many overlook a crucial piece of preparation: the interviewer themselves.
When you understand the person sitting across from you (or behind the screen), you can create a more meaningful, genuine connection. You’re not just another candidate reciting rehearsed answers — you become someone who is thoughtful, strategic, and genuinely interested in building a relationship.
Here’s how you can take your interview preparation to the next level by researching your interviewer:
1. Start With LinkedIn – But Don’t Stop There
LinkedIn is your best starting point.
Look at your interviewer’s profile — not just their current title, but also their career journey, the content they share, and their areas of expertise.
Ask yourself:
- What industries have they worked in?
- Do they post about leadership, company culture, innovation?
- Are there causes, projects, or topics they seem passionate about?
These small clues offer conversation starters and help you frame your answers to match the interviewer’s values and interests.
But don’t stop at LinkedIn.
Google their name along with keywords like “interview,” “podcast,” or “webinar.” You might find recorded talks or written articles that reveal even deeper insights into how they think, lead, and communicate.
Hearing their actual voice (through a podcast or video) can be incredibly helpful. You get a feel for their communication style — whether they’re formal, casual, enthusiastic, or direct — and can adjust your tone accordingly.
2. Leverage Company Websites and Social Media
Often, company websites feature team spotlights, leadership bios, blog posts, or media releases where your interviewer might be mentioned.
Social media is another goldmine — especially if your interviewer is tagged in team events, awards, or internal celebrations.
These insights help you understand not just what they do, but how they engage with their team, celebrate milestones, and contribute to the company’s culture.
3. Connect Meaningfully, Not Opportunistically
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is treating this research like a checklist. The goal isn’t to rattle off facts during the interview (“I saw you were promoted in 2021!”) — it’s to use the knowledge to build a natural connection.
For example:
- If you see they’re passionate about employee engagement, you might frame one of your answers around how you value team collaboration.
- If they recently led a diversity initiative, you might share your own experiences working in diverse teams.
Authenticity is key.
You’re showing that you’ve invested time into learning who they are — and that you care about aligning yourself with the team, not just landing a job.
4. Research Strategically for a Tailored Approach
In the article where I was featured, I emphasized a simple but powerful truth: When you understand the person—not just the position—you come across as prepared, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the opportunity.
This kind of preparation isn’t just impressive. It changes the tone of the entire conversation. Instead of feeling like an interrogation, the interview becomes a dialogue — a professional exchange between two people who share common goals, values, or passions.
And that kind of interview?
It’s the one interviewers remember long after the resumes blur together.
Final Thought
The best interviews feel less like interviews and more like engaging conversations. Researching your interviewer is one of the most powerful, underrated tools to make that happen.
Take the time. Go deeper. Connect authentically.
Your future self will thank you for it.
Ready to update your resume and optimize your LinkedIn profile?
Reach out today! www.resumeassassin.com or mary@resumeassassin.com
Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern
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