Making Interviews Work: How to Connect with the Hiring Panel and Show Your Best Self

Introduction

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. They’re a moment to show your skills, share your experience, and make the case that you’re the best person for the job. But they’re not just about answering questions. Interviews are about communication—finding a way to connect your story to what the hiring panel is looking for and demonstrating how your experience predicts your future success.

Having been both an interviewer and an interviewee, I’ve seen interviews from every angle. One thing that stands out is this: understanding the challenges and pressures the hiring panel faces can make all the difference. When you approach an interview with this perspective, you can prepare better, connect more effectively, and leave a lasting impression.

Why Understanding Panel Pressure Matters

Hiring managers don’t just spend their day focused on interviews. They have full-time responsibilities—deadlines, meetings, and projects that demand their attention. When interview day comes, they often have to manage back-to-back interviews, leaving little time to fully recharge between conversations.

This can make it hard for them to give every candidate the focus they deserve. As a candidate, recognising this reality gives you an advantage. When you adapt your communication style to meet their needs—keeping your answers clear, relevant, and aligned with their goals—you make it easier for them to see why you’re the right choice.

A Personal Lesson: Why Audience Awareness Is Key

Let me share a story from my own experience. I once interviewed for a promotion earlier than planned, encouraged by colleagues who believed in my abilities. I felt ready and confident, having performed in a similar role in an acting capacity.

The interview involved solving two problems. I could easily handle them separately, but together, they were challenging. I thought tackling both at the same time would show my ability to handle complex tasks under pressure. The panel asked if I was sure—multiple times—but I stuck to my plan.

Unfortunately, it backfired. I made their job harder. They had two separate scoring sheets, but my combined presentation blurred the lines, making it difficult for them to assess me. I didn’t get the promotion, and in hindsight, I understood why. My job wasn’t just to show my skills—it was to show them in a way the panel could easily evaluate and see how it aligned with their specific needs and challenges.

That experience shaped how I approach interviews now. It’s not just about what you say; it’s about how well your audience can absorb and assess what you’re sharing. It’s about making their job easier while showing the value you bring.

Focus on What You Can Control

When preparing for an interview, it’s easy to get caught up in things that are outside of your control—like the panel’s processes, their past decisions, or how other candidates prepare. But worrying about these factors is unproductive and only distracts you from what really matters.

You only have control over how you think about the process and how you respond to it. Success in interviews is 90% psychology: your psychology and that of the panel. You address the panel’s psychology by adapting your communication style to meet their needs, showing empathy for their challenges, and aligning your answers with their goals. You address your psychology by focusing on your mindset, staying calm, and preparing effectively.

Time spent stressing over things you can’t change is time wasted. Instead, channel your energy into preparation. Take consistent, focused action, even if it feels uncomfortable at times. Progress is far more important than perfection. Every step toward readiness builds your confidence and sets you up for success.

How to Prepare for Success

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years, boiled down into actionable tips that anyone can use:

1. Do Your Homework

Start with the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and challenges, prepare examples directly related to these, and the organisation's values and competency framework. Think about the hiring panel’s goals and pain points—what do they really need from this role? Once you know that, you can adapt your responses to show how you’ll solve their problems and add value.

2. Use the STAR(L) Method

This is a great way to structure your answers:

• S: What was the situation?
• T: What was the task?
• A: What action did you take?
• R: What was the result?
• L: What did you learn, and how will it help you in this role?

The STAR part of the model gives the panel a clear view of your past performance and results, showing how your experience predicts your future success. The learning part bridges the gap to the future, demonstrating how you’ll bring these lessons into the role.

3. Nail Your Opening and Closing

A strong opening sets the tone. In three minutes (Unless the organisation suggests a time), summarise who you are, why you’re a good fit, and what excites you about the role. Use this moment to show that you understand their goals and how you can help them achieve them.

End with a clear and confident closing. Reinforce your interest in the position, highlight what you bring to the role, and connect it to the panel’s needs.

4. Make It Easy for the Panel

Panels are often juggling multiple interviews in a single day. Help them remember you by keeping your answers focused and relevant. Every example you share should show how you fit the role and why you’re a great choice. Keep their goals in mind and adapt your communication style to make their decision-making process as smooth as possible.

5. Remember: Panels Are Human Too

Hiring managers don’t try to make interviews difficult—they are busy people trying to find the best candidate. Show empathy by respecting their time and preparing thoroughly. Remember, you’re not just speaking to a faceless panel; you’re connecting with people who want to see how you can meet their needs.

Practice, Adapt, and Reflect

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practise. Mock interviews with friends, mentors, or even in front of a mirror can help you refine your responses. Recording yourself is always a good option, you can then listen to it back without watching it, watch it back without listening to it, and finally watch it and listen to it simultaneously. This way, you get to properly understand your verbal and non-verbal communication and how it matches to provide authenticity. But don’t stop there—take the time to reflect after each practice.

Ask yourself:

• What went well?
• What is one thing I will focus on improving now?
• What can I celebrate about my progress? (celebrating the small wins along your journey massively helps with your mindset and quieting your inner critic)

Interviews rarely go perfectly, and no two panels are the same. Being adaptable and ready to adjust is key to standing out.

A Final Thought on Empathy

Empathy is one of the most valuable things you can bring to an interview. Understand that hiring managers are balancing a lot, just like you. By tailoring your communication to their needs and making their job easier, you demonstrate your qualifications and ability to connect and collaborate—qualities every organisation values.

Conclusion: Build Bridges, Not Barriers

At its core, an interview is a conversation. It’s about showing who you are, what you’ve done, and what you can bring to the table—but it’s also about understanding the people on the other side of that table.

When you adapt your communication style to meet their needs, you build a bridge between your experience and their goals. Use your past achievements to predict your future success, and connect what you’ve learned with how it will benefit the role you’re applying for. Above all, understand what their pain points are. What do they truly need from this position, and how can you provide it?

Equally important is managing your mindset. Success in interviews isn’t just about preparation; it’s about focusing on what you can control—your thoughts, your preparation, and your responses. Don’t waste energy on things outside your control, like the organisation's processes or other candidates. Instead, focus on taking uncomfortable, consistent, and focused action toward your goal.

Interviews are a chance to create that connection. By preparing thoughtfully, practising with intention, and tailoring your approach, you can make an interview more than just a test—it becomes an opportunity to shine.

So, next time you prepare, remember this:

It’s not just about what you say. It’s about how you say it, how well you adapt to your audience, and how effectively you connect your story to their needs. That’s how you stand out and succeed.

Good luck—you’ve got this!

About the Author

Martin Cunningham is a seasoned career coach known for his transformative work across various sectors, including law, governance, and sustainable development. With extensive experience collaborating with multilateral organisations at Ministerial and General Director levels in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans, Martin has a proven track record of driving impactful change. His coaching approach, grounded in neuroscience and adaptability, empowers young professionals to navigate complex careers.

Initially focusing on security and justice, Martin’s advocacy for women has broadened to support their roles across all Sustainable Development Goals, helping them to break barriers and thrive. For more resources and insights, explore his

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