Three Tips to Help You Connect With an Interviewer

Your interviewer will assess you on multiple levels. Besides simply looking at your background, qualifications and credentials, they’ll also be examining your communication skills and how well you interact. If you’re able to establish rapport and connect with an interviewer, it’s going to work to your advantage.

In some cases, this can even be the difference between landing a job and being passed over. Here are three tips for helping you connect with an interviewer.

  1. Be Warm and Personable 

This may sound like a given, but not everyone conveys warmth during an interview. Maybe they’re nervous or a little too fixated on appearing professional, but lacking personability is a definite detriment. Be sure to smile upon meeting your interviewer and greet them with a firm handshake.

Then do your best to be friendly and polite throughout the duration of the interview. An added tip is to be enthusiastic about the prospect of working at the company you’re applying with. Positivity and enthusiasm are things that can influence an interviewer’s decision and are almost guaranteed to work to your benefit. 

  1. Use Correct Body Language 

Body language is something that’s often overlooked but is nonetheless vital. Here are some examples of body language you want to use during an interview:

  • Maintain eye contact – Don’t stare, but frequent eye contact conveys confidence and shows you’re attentive.
  • Sit in an “open” position – Monster suggests to “Sit with your back straight and your chest open.”
  • Don’t cross your arms and legs – This makes you appear closed off.
  • Nod from time to time.
  1. Practice Mimicking

There have been a lot of psychological experiments done on mimicking and how mirroring another person’s body language, behavior, etc., affects their overall impression. An article from Explorable summarizes it quite nicely. “People feel a rapport with those who naturally mimic their moves, and ‘the chameleon effect’ actually becomes a warm response that facilitates social interactions.”

One of the best ways to harness the power of mimicking is to match your interviewer’s energy level. For instance, if someone has a slow, drawn out delivery with their speech, try to match it. Or if they’re fast-paced and energized, crank your energy level up a notch. The key is to remain natural and not over-the-top about it.

Making a genuine connection with an interviewer increases your odds of landing a job dramatically. They’re more likely to view you in a positive light and see you as someone who would make a great addition to their company. Implementing these three tips should be your ticket to achieving that connection and making yourself a frontrunner.

Accelerate your job search and find a meaningful career by contacting Encadria Staffing Services today.

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