Here's how you can build rapport with the interviewer effectively.
Building rapport with your interviewer can set the tone for a successful interaction and significantly impact the outcome of your interview. It's about creating a positive connection that makes the interviewer see you as not just a candidate, but as a potential colleague they'd enjoy working with. This doesn't happen by chance; it requires intentional actions and a genuine interest in the conversation. By following these steps, you can enhance your interview skills and make a lasting impression that could lead to your next career opportunity.
Mirroring the interviewer's language and communication style can create a subtle, subconscious sense of familiarity and agreement. Pay close attention to the words they use and incorporate them into your responses. If they're formal, match their professionalism. If they're more casual, it's safe to relax a bit too. This doesn't mean mimicking them but rather adapting to the general vibe they're setting. It's a psychological technique that, when done subtly, can foster a sense of understanding and rapport without being obvious.
-
Building rapport with the interviewer is about making a connection: 1. First impression is critical. Smile and make eye contact with your interviewer. 2. Your body language communicates volumes. Offer a firm handshake if you are having in-person interviews. 3. Listen actively and answer their questions confidently and enthusiastically. 4. Be honest and authentic in your responses. 5. Express your strong interest in the role and in the company. 6. Ask thoughtful questions about the job and workplace 7. Make the interviewer like you; establish an aura of confident modesty. 8. End the interview on a positive note, thanking them for their time.
Your body language speaks volumes before you even utter a word. Maintain good posture, offer a firm handshake, and make sure your body is angled towards the interviewer to show engagement. Eye contact is crucial as it conveys confidence and interest, but remember to balance it so it doesn't become intimidating. Nodding in agreement and smiling when appropriate can also reinforce a positive connection. These non-verbal cues can demonstrate enthusiasm and respect, helping to build a strong rapport.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. During your interview, listen actively and show that you can relate to the interviewer's points or the challenges faced by their company. Share relevant experiences that demonstrate you've faced similar situations and understand the emotions involved. This shared understanding can create a bond, as it shows you're not only there to sell yourself but also to become a valuable and understanding member of their team.
-
A small point, important yet often overlooked, is the need to understand precisely before the interview who you will be meeting. In my experience, candidates are sometimes given appointments without clear communication from the company or headhunter about who they will be seeing. Often, they are only told to ask for a person who may not be actively involved in the interview. If you have any doubts, do ask for clarification. This enables you to conduct a background check on the individuals, which can be highly valuable during the interview. Knowing your interviewers' backgrounds allows you to tailor your responses and build rapport more effectively.
Asking thoughtful questions not only shows that you've done your homework but also that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company. It turns the interview into a two-way conversation rather than a one-sided interrogation. Frame your questions in a way that they reflect your knowledge of the company and its industry, and let them lead to further discussion. This exchange can break down formal barriers and build a more personable relationship with the interviewer.
People remember stories much better than they do facts or figures. When answering questions, weave in brief stories that highlight your skills and achievements in a relatable way. These should be concise but engaging, painting a picture of your past experiences and how they've shaped you professionally. Stories can evoke emotions and create connections, making you more memorable to the interviewer long after the meeting has ended.
-
Throughout my years as a career transition consultant, I have emphasized to candidates the importance of leveraging achievements in their resumes and interviews to substantiate their skills. Achievements cannot be improvised; they require careful thought and strategic presentation. This means having a diverse set of accomplishments ready to showcase specific skills relevant to the position. Tailoring these examples to the interview context not only highlights your prowess but also demonstrates your ability to apply your expertise effectively. This preparation ensures you can illustrate your strengths compellingly and convincingly to potential employers.
A well-crafted follow-up message can reinforce the positive impression you've made during the interview. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position. Personalize it by referring to a topic you discussed, showing that you were attentive and engaged. This final touch keeps the rapport going even after you've left the room and keeps you on the interviewer's mind as they make their decision.
-
The follow up email is all that, but is also an incredible opportunity, often overlooked, to address any concern that your interviewer may have that you fear you have not adequately explained. It certainly singles you out if few people do it, but you may see it simply as a marketing tool to help you close a sale. If your interview was one of the firsts they had, you may wish to wait a few days instead of 24 hours as suggested in this article, as it’s only human to forget who you have interviewed when you are interviewing many people.
-
The most essential thing for developing a rapport with the interviewer is to gain knowledge as much as possible about the prospective employer company and the interviewer. One of my favourite recommendations is to present yourself with a 'you' oriented approach and not a 'me' oriented approach to build rapport. Which means that the more you customise your discussion from the interviewer's point of view, you will find a deeper connect because you come across as a solution provider. So research the company to understand their vision, mission and goals. Use your network to understand the job's pain points so that you clearly come across as a candidate who aligns well with what they are looking for and a rapport is established.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Relationship BuildingWhat do you do if the interviewer seems uninterested during an interview?
-
Interpersonal SkillsWhat do you do if the interviewer seems uninterested in your responses?
-
InterviewingWhat do you do if the interviewer shows emotional cues during your interview?
-
Interpersonal CommunicationHere's how you can establish a strong rapport with an interviewer.