How to Build Rapport during Interviews & Why it's Important!
All of my close friends and colleagues know I love to use analogies... "Life is like a box of chocolates..." Earlier this week, I compared the job search to a baseball season.
My fellow blogger, HR Bartender, recently pointed out that interviewing is, well... a lot like dating. I completely agree with her. And in order to be successful in dating and interviewing, you need to master the ability to build rapport.
So what is rapport? I would define it as being on the same wavelength as the person you're speaking with. It's important because you really want to connect with someone during an interview (or a first date).
There are a few ways to build rapport during interviews:
1- Research. It's funny how often I meet people, and during our interview they say "I didn't know you were from Boston?" or "You went to Syracuse, too?" Well, all of this information is prominently displayed on my LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, so be sure to do some homework on the people you are meeting with.
2- Observe & React. What does the person have in their office? Likely it will be pictures of family & friends, but also books, paintings, art, sports memorabilia, etc. I went on an interview a few years ago and the senior marketing guy I was speaking with had a Donovan McNabb bobblehead on his desk. The first words out of my mouth were "Are you a big Eagles fan?" We proceeded to chat about football for the next 10 minutes and Donovan's career at Syracuse and Philadelphia. The interview went really, really well.
3- Ask questions that make the person "open up." You want to connect and get to know the person you are meeting with. You do this by asking great questions to make them open up. For example, ask them how they got to this point in their career? What is important to them in a job? How does their company meets these requirements? And if you're really connecting... ask them what they do in their free time.
4- Listen. I can't stress this one enough. To succeed in interviews you need to be a great listener. Focus on every word. And be sure to follow conversation threads that you can connect on. If someone says they worked for City Year right after college, and you did too, say something!
Companies are going to hire the candidate who has the right skill set and experience for the job. But keep in mind that culture fit is very important, too. And it should be for you. Keep in mind that you are also interviewing these companies and employees. If you can't build rapport and make a connection, then maybe it isn't the right fit for you!
What other tips do you have for building rapport in interviews?
If you liked this blog, please share it with your colleagues.
My fellow blogger, HR Bartender, recently pointed out that interviewing is, well... a lot like dating. I completely agree with her. And in order to be successful in dating and interviewing, you need to master the ability to build rapport.
So what is rapport? I would define it as being on the same wavelength as the person you're speaking with. It's important because you really want to connect with someone during an interview (or a first date).
There are a few ways to build rapport during interviews:
1- Research. It's funny how often I meet people, and during our interview they say "I didn't know you were from Boston?" or "You went to Syracuse, too?" Well, all of this information is prominently displayed on my LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, so be sure to do some homework on the people you are meeting with.
2- Observe & React. What does the person have in their office? Likely it will be pictures of family & friends, but also books, paintings, art, sports memorabilia, etc. I went on an interview a few years ago and the senior marketing guy I was speaking with had a Donovan McNabb bobblehead on his desk. The first words out of my mouth were "Are you a big Eagles fan?" We proceeded to chat about football for the next 10 minutes and Donovan's career at Syracuse and Philadelphia. The interview went really, really well.
3- Ask questions that make the person "open up." You want to connect and get to know the person you are meeting with. You do this by asking great questions to make them open up. For example, ask them how they got to this point in their career? What is important to them in a job? How does their company meets these requirements? And if you're really connecting... ask them what they do in their free time.
4- Listen. I can't stress this one enough. To succeed in interviews you need to be a great listener. Focus on every word. And be sure to follow conversation threads that you can connect on. If someone says they worked for City Year right after college, and you did too, say something!
Companies are going to hire the candidate who has the right skill set and experience for the job. But keep in mind that culture fit is very important, too. And it should be for you. Keep in mind that you are also interviewing these companies and employees. If you can't build rapport and make a connection, then maybe it isn't the right fit for you!
What other tips do you have for building rapport in interviews?
If you liked this blog, please share it with your colleagues.
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