Know Your Panel
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Know Your Panel
Why you need to know those that will be interviewing you at your next job interview
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” — Arthur Ashe
Some time ago, I was interviewing for a role. It was a job I loved, and I was excited once I got invited for an interview.
While looking through the interview invitation, I noticed I was missing something. I realised I didn't get the names of the panel. It took a while for me to figure out this information was not contained in the email.
I guess it's a new habit I developed. I got used to seeing the interviewers' names in the emails I received to attend an interview, so when I didn't find any information in this invitation, I knew something was missing.
As you would expect, it didn't take long for me to respond to the email requesting the panel's names.
You might wonder why that is important.
Here's why:
It Helps You Prepare Better For The Interview
“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
—Arthur Ashe
No doubt, knowing those that will be interviewing me for a role is an added advantage. I can use this information to get insights into their background and interests. I could quickly get this information by looking at their LinkedIn Profiles.
Having access to this information can make a difference in your interviewing experience. Knowing whom you will meet is vital as you prepare for the interview.
It Helps You Guess The Type Of Questions To Expect
"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." — Francis of Assisi
Once I can understand your background, role, and interests, I can easily understand the questions to expect at the interview.
For example, if I was interviewing for a role and noticed one of the panels had a technical background, I could predict the technical questions would come from this fellow. I know I might get at least one technical question at the interview.
Similarly, if I had a finance guru as part of the panel, I would expect to be asked some questions relating to finance or accounting, especially if the role sits within the finance team.
Anyway, you get the point.
Knowing the interview panel can help you predict the questions to expect.
It Helps You Find Similarities
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.”
— Norman Vincent Peale
Interviewing is about selling yourself in any way that boosts your chances.
Ultimately, the panel will hire the candidates they like and are similar to them.
It's that simple.
For example, I love soccer. I follow the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
For example, let's assume I noticed online that a panel member is also interested in soccer and follows a similar football club. This clue provides an excellent way to score easy "similarity points" during the interview.
Of course, you want to be careful not to make this your starting point. It's okay to chip it in once you notice the panel is relaxed and discussing personal interests.
As humans, we like those who are like us. That's who the panel will hire.
Therefore, show similarities to the panel when appropriate. It's a simple yet effective strategy, so you must know your panel.
Final Summary
"Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart and strong enough to live the life you've always imagined." — Anonymous
Interviewing is about how you present yourself to the panel and how they perceive you.
Therefore, knowing those interviewing you can make a difference in your job search journey.
You want this information to prepare to the best of your ability and impress the panel.
Remember, as humans, we like and get comfortable with individuals with similar interests.
Know your panel. It's an added advantage. Don't leave your interview to chance. Get as much information as possible to improve your chances of landing your dream role.
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