How do you use non-verbal cues to build rapport in an interview?

1 Smile and make eye contact

One of the simplest and most effective ways to build rapport is to smile and make eye contact with your interviewer. Smiling shows that you are friendly, confident, and interested in the conversation. Eye contact shows that you are attentive, respectful, and engaged. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much smiling or staring can seem fake or creepy. Aim for a natural and balanced amount of smiling and eye contact, and match your interviewer's style and mood.

3 Use open and confident posture

Another way to build rapport is to use open and confident posture in your interview. Open posture means that you are not hiding or blocking any part of your body with your arms, legs, or objects. Confident posture means that you are sitting or standing straight, with your shoulders back and your head up. Open and confident posture shows that you are comfortable, honest, and self-assured in your interview. However, be careful not to use too open or too confident posture, as that can seem arrogant or aggressive. Aim for a moderate and relaxed way of using open and confident posture, and adjust to the space and situation of your interview.

4 Vary your voice and pace

Another way to build rapport is to vary your voice and pace in your interview. Voice means the tone, volume, and pitch of your speech. Pace means the speed, rhythm, and pauses of your speech. Varying your voice and pace shows that you are expressive, enthusiastic, and adaptable in your interview. For example, you can use a lower tone, a louder volume, and a faster pace to emphasize a key point. You can use a higher tone, a softer volume, and a slower pace to ask a question. You can use a pause to create suspense or to invite feedback. However, be careful not to use too much or too little variation in your voice and pace, as that can seem monotonous or erratic. Aim for a consistent and appropriate way of varying your voice and pace, and match your interviewer's style and mood.

5 Avoid negative or distracting cues

Finally, to build rapport, you need to avoid negative or distracting cues that can undermine your interview. Negative cues are signals that convey your lack of interest, confidence, or respect in the interview. For example, frowning, rolling your eyes, or yawning can show that you are bored, annoyed, or tired. Slouching, fidgeting, or touching your face can show that you are nervous, insecure, or dishonest. Interrupting, arguing, or lying can show that you are rude, defensive, or untrustworthy. Distracting cues are signals that divert your or your interviewer's attention from the interview. For example, checking your phone, looking at the clock, or playing with your hair can show that you are not focused, committed, or professional. Making noise, moving too much, or wearing inappropriate clothing can show that you are not respectful, discreet, or prepared. To avoid negative or distracting cues, you need to be aware of your own behavior, control your impulses, and respect the norms and expectations of the interview.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?