How to Build Rapport During an Employment Interview

Employment interviews can succeed or fail based on the behavior of those present. A nervous, edgy person may not show their true capabilities. By learning to build rapport during an employment interview, you can often increase the odds of a successful employer / employee match.

Steps

Applicants

1. Prepare thoroughly for the appointment. It's easier to stay calm during an interview when you arrive prepared and confident.
   
   • Organize your paperwork.
     
   • Choose your clothes the day before. Have them pressed and ready.
     
   • Familiarize yourself with the company's Web site.
     
   • Practice your answers to common interview questions.
     
   • Find out exactly where your interview will take place.
     
2. Make a solid first impression. Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early and present a calm, friendly exterior.
   
3. Smile and firmly shake hands while making eye contact with your interviewer.
   
4. Use posture to show confidence and interest in the conversation. Keep your back straight and your hands relaxed.
   
5. Listen closely and be present. The object is to connect with your interviewer, not to think about what you'll say next.
   
6. Answer questions honestly. Skilled interviewers can detect deception, and an honest, "I'm not sure," is preferable to a lie.
   
7. Ask about the company's goals. Showing interest helps build rapport during an employment interview.
   
8. Create a connection before you leave the office. Avoid empty compliments ("Nice suit!") and comment about something you have in common instead. ("Are those your kids in that photo? Mine are 4 and 6. They're a handful!") When you relate to an interviewer on a personal level, you make a lasting impression that can give you a competitive edge.
   
9. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and express that you enjoyed the meeting. Offer a genuine smile and a firm handshake as you exit.
   

Interviewers

1. Start the interview on time. Extend a warm greeting with a smile to put the person at ease.
   
2. Help your applicant relax during an interview by setting a relaxed tone.
   
   • Use body language to convey an open, friendly attitude. Smile, and sit straight but comfortably in your chair. Keep your hands at rest when not taking interview notes.
     
   • Consider removing your jacket, loosening your tie or rolling up your sleeves (if appropriate to your company environment.)
     
   • Speak to your prospective employee in a warm, professional manner.
     
3. Comment on the person's strengths in a meaningful way. ("I see you have extensive experience in Social Media Marketing. Excellent! We're looking for an innovative person to expand our presence online.")
   
4. Encourage your interviewee to ask questions and give him or her plenty of time to answer yours.
   
5. Create a sense of solidarity. Find common ground where you can relate to one another, preferably on a social scale. ("You graduated from XYZ College. They have an outstanding football team. Are you a fan?")
   
6. End the interview on a positive note even if the candidate is unsuitable for the position. The applicant may talk to others about the experience, and your representation of the company matters.
   

Sources and Citations

• http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20045.htm
  
• http://www.academictips.org/career/top_ten_interview_tips.html
  
• http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat159&ser=ser032∂=par291
  

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