How to Quickly Build Rapport and Connect with an Interviewer

No matter what position you're interviewing for, you always have a much better shot at it if you get along with the interviewer. True, you still need to have the qualifications and skills to do the job. But if you bond with the interviewer on a personal level, you're far more likely to move to the next level of the hiring process. And sometimes that personal connection can give you enough of an edge to overcome limited experience, modest education, or any number of other job search liabilities.

Here's how to build a strong connection with an interviewer, no matter what kind of personality he has.

Pace of Speaking
Language can potentially be the biggest bonding factor of all. If two people communicate in a similar manner, they're much more likely to gain some sort of affinity for each other. How fast does the person talk? Are they whipping along at a thousand words a minute, or are they formulating sentences deliberately and carefully at a slow pace? Note their style throughout the interview and speak accordingly, within the bounds of what your natural personality allows.

Tone of Voice
Does the person speak softly and deliberately? Or maybe they're bold and aggressive in their speaking manner? Note the way they project their voice, and subtly shift your tone to a one similar to theirs. It doesn't have to match exactly, but try to get in the same general range.

Subject Emphasis
In addition to the manner the interviewer speaks in, pay close attention to what he talks about. Does he tend to discuss the job in quantifiable terms? Or does he stay on more subjective elements such as team-building and camaraderie? Does he hold the discussion to the job you're seeking, or does he seem to be keying in on your personality and emotional make up? Watch where he tends to go -- it's a huge clue as to his personality, priorities, and management style. By keying your answers to where he puts the emphasis in the discussion, you create that feeling of "being on the same page."

Body Language
Does your interviewer slouch in his chair and cross his arms when he's talking to you? Or does he sit on the edge of his seat with his hands on the desk? Does he seem taut and rigid, or loose and casual? Don't mirror his style to the point where it's uncomfortable or unnatural for you. But heed the way he carries himself and adjust yourself to be someone who fits in well with his particular physical manner.

Observe your interviewer's key character traits precisely, and shift your manner, style, and positioning to match his. Don't be afraid that he'll think you're mocking him by using this technique. You'll be surprised at how far you can go without him catching on. The risk is tiny. As long as you're sensitive, subtle, and sincere, mirroring your interviewer is one of the most effective interview-winning techniques you'll ever find.