Building rapport and engaging with interviewers is crucial to creating a positive impression and establishing a connection during the interview process. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how to effectively build rapport and engage with interviewers, along with real-life examples:
Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm:
Show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity and the company. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and use positive body language to convey your enthusiasm.
Example:
When the interviewer asks about your interest in the position, respond with enthusiasm by saying, “I am extremely excited about this opportunity as it aligns perfectly with my career goals and passion for the industry. I’ve been following the company’s innovative projects and achievements, and I’m eager to contribute my skills and expertise to its continued success.”
Active listening and responsive communication:
Listen attentively to the interviewer’s questions and comments, and respond thoughtfully. Ask follow-up questions to demonstrate your engagement and understanding.
Example:
If the interviewer shares a specific challenge the company is facing, actively listen and respond with empathy and understanding. You might say, “I appreciate you sharing that challenge. Based on my previous experience in a similar situation, I believe that implementing a proactive communication strategy and fostering collaboration across teams could help overcome this challenge. Can you share more about how the company has approached it so far?”
Establish a personal connection:
Find common ground or shared interests to establish a personal connection with the interviewer. This helps create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
Example:
If you notice that the interviewer has a particular hobby or interest mentioned on their LinkedIn profile, you can briefly mention your own interest in that area. For instance, you might say, “I noticed on your profile that you enjoy hiking. I’m also an avid hiker and have recently completed a challenging trail in the nearby national park. It’s always refreshing to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.”
Show empathy and adapt to the interviewer’s style:
Pay attention to the interviewer’s communication style and adapt your responses accordingly. Show empathy by understanding and acknowledging their perspective.
Example:
If the interviewer asks a more direct and specific question, provide a concise and focused response. If they prefer a more conversational approach, engage in a dialogue and expand on your answers. Adapting to their style helps establish a comfortable and effective communication flow.
Follow up with personalized thank-you notes:
After the interview, send personalized thank-you notes to each interviewer to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position. Reference specific points discussed during the interview to demonstrate attentiveness.
Example:
In your thank-you note, you can mention a particular insight or idea shared by the interviewer and express your appreciation for the opportunity to discuss it further. For instance, you might write, “Thank you for our discussion about the company’s recent expansion plans. I found your insights on international market trends insightful, and I look forward to contributing my expertise to support the company’s global growth initiatives.”
By building rapport and engaging with interviewers, you create a positive and memorable impression. Show enthusiasm, actively listen, establish a personal connection, adapt to the interviewer’s style, and follow up with personalized thank-you notes. These strategies will help you forge a connection with the interviewers, demonstrate your interpersonal skills, and increase your chances of success in the interview process.