How To Build Rapport And Get On The Good Side With Interviewers
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people to be interested in you.”
― Dale Carnegie
When preparing for job interviews, research the people who are going to interview you, and use this information to initiate small-talk and build rapport with them.
Being genuinely interested in other people is not only an easy way to make friends but also helps you build deeper connections with your interviewers, which could land you an offer.
Before you attend the interview, find out a few things that are interesting about them, and bring them up during the interview. To start your interview research, check to see if they have a LinkedIn profile. Go through it slowly and write down any key details you find interesting about them. If the names are not provided, request them from the company’s HR team.
When I used to interview for roles, I always asked my interviewers how they came to be where they are in their career. This helps me build rapport with them and make the interview more conversational very quickly.
For example, I would ask questions such as “I would love to know a little bit more about your journey to your role. Can you tell me a little bit more about it?” Or, “How did you start your journey and how did you come to work here?”.
These questions and asking more details about what I find out from my research helps me build stronger and friendlier connections with the interviewer.
Ask questions that show that you are genuinely interested in them. People generally like to talk about what they do and their life. This will help you build even more rapport with your interviewers if they are willing to open up.
Make sure you do this exercise before every interview. Knowing who is interviewing you and knowing a little bit about them will help you make a deeper connection with them and help you feel more confident during the interview.
Key actions:
Make a list of all your interviewers (i.e. name, title)
Do online research and write down 2-3 things that interest you about them
Ask questions about their experience and mention what you found interesting about them during the interview
