What do you do if you want to establish a strong connection with interviewers?

1 Research Well

Before you even step into the interview room, take time to research the company and your interviewers if possible. Understanding the company's culture, values, and recent news can provide common ground for conversation. If you know who will be interviewing you, a quick look at their professional background on platforms like LinkedIn could reveal shared interests or experiences. This preparation shows that you're genuinely interested in the company and provides you with tailored topics to discuss, demonstrating your initiative and attention to detail.

2 Practice Active

In the interview, practice active listening. This means fully concentrating on what the interviewer is saying, understanding it, and responding thoughtfully. It's not just about waiting for your turn to speak; it's about engaging with the interviewer's words and showing that you value their input. By doing this, you signal respect and create a two-way dialogue that can lead to a more natural and meaningful interaction. Remember, active listening also involves non-verbal cues, like nodding and maintaining eye contact, which help reinforce your engagement.

3 Share Stories

Sharing personal stories or experiences when answering questions can help create a memorable connection with your interviewer. When appropriate, relate your answers to real-life situations that not only show your skills but also give insight into your personality and how you handle challenges. This storytelling approach can make your responses more relatable and engaging, allowing your interviewer to see how you might fit into their team beyond just your technical abilities.

4 Display Empathy

Empathy is a powerful tool in building relationships. In an interview, show empathy by acknowledging the challenges the company or team may be facing and expressing how you could contribute to solutions. Understanding and relating to the interviewer's perspective can foster a sense of camaraderie and show that you're a team player. This emotional intelligence can set you apart as someone who not only understands the job but also the people and the environment of the workplace.

5 Follow Up

After the interview, don't forget to follow up with a thank-you note. This is not only polite but also another opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the position and reflect on any personal connections you made during the interview. A thoughtful message can reinforce the positive impression you left and keep you in the minds of the interviewers. Personalize your follow-up by mentioning a specific topic or conversation from the interview that you enjoyed or found particularly interesting.

6 Adapt Flexibly

Lastly, be prepared to adapt flexibly to different interviewers' styles. Each person you meet may have a different approach to interviewing, and being able to match their energy or conversational style can help in building rapport. Whether it's a formal or a more casual interview, staying adaptable shows that you're comfortable in various situations and are capable of connecting with people of diverse personalities.

7 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?