Establishing Rapport with Interviewers
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Making a good impression on your interviewer requires more than
dressing sharply, polishing your shoes and being polite. From the
moment your interviewer sees you, you've begun the elusive process
of connecting to establish rapport.
Studies show that people tend to remember events better when they
are linked with an emotional impression. Making a positive, memorable
impression on your interviewer depends on your ability to connect
with your interviewer in a positive way.
It helps if your personalities click and you both have something
in common. But, with some practice, you need not rely on that to
establish a good rapport with your interviewer.
For example, at a minimum, you can expect that your interviewer
wants you to understand and appreciate her goals, concerns, position,
expectations and needs when she speaks to or asks questions of
you.
You can generate good vibes and emotions when you actively listen
to your interviewer. This does not mean that you need to ask her
about her childhood or greatest fears. Your interviewer does not
need you as a confidant. She just needs to feel like you are an
attentive and engaged interviewee.
So, when you find yourself facing your interviewer across a table,
you can be certain she wants you to listen and respect her. Demonstrating
that you do just might cinch the job for you.
The active listening skills you can employ to connect with your
interviewer are not unique, but they are seldom used. (Think of
the last time someone gave you undivided, empathetic attention
for an hour!) In some ways these skills are an art. But, you can
develop the skills with practice.
Use empathetic body language.
Both your words and body language will affect whether or not you
establish a connection with your interviewer. When you meet with
your interviewer, show that you are confident, trusting, open,
attentive and eager, but restrained. All of this can be quickly
and subliminally communicated in a simple handshake. When meeting,
immediately offer a firm handshake to your interviewer.
But make sure that your hand is straight out, perpendicular to
the floor. If you extend your hand with your palm facing down,
you're indicating psychologically that you need to be in control.
If you extend your hand with your palm facing up, you're indicating
that you're overly docile. Extend your hand with your palm relatively
flat, so that you make full contact palm-to-palm with your interviewer's
hand. If you cup your hand, you're indicating that you mistrust
your interviewer by lack of touch.
Likewise, your posture throughout the interview indicates whether
you are open and attentive or withdrawn from your interviewer.
For example, leaning back in your chair indicates boredom or insolence.
Instead, sit up straight and lean forward just slightly, facing
your interviewer directly. Crossing your arms over your chest indicates
that you are defensive or closed-minded. Instead, keep your arms
open. Fold your hands in your lap if you don't know what to do
with them, but don't nervously wring them.
Eye contact is crucial. Look your interviewer in the eye when
you are speaking and listening. Not making eye contact or glancing
way too often indicates lack of confidence or honesty. But, to
avoid giving your interviewer the impression that you are drilling
through her with a transfixed gaze, occasionally glance away to
the right or left.
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