Job interviewing is more than just about finding a person with the right skills set and experience. Interviewers are looking for someone who can not only do the job, but also who can connect with others in the workplace. Creating a rapport with your interviewer will make him all the more convinced that you can connect with other people, and:

"A good rapport with an interviewer can give you an edge over the competition, even if your skills and experience are weaker than theirs."

But is rapport, or chemistry, not something that is either just there or not, I hear you ask. In some cases this is the case. We have all had experience of meeting somebody and feeling like we have known them for years. For some reason we just ‘click’. But just because there does not seem to be an immediate connection between you and an interviewer, does not mean that you cannot build one, and here is how to do it – no matter what kind of personality he has!

Body Language

We mentioned earlier that aligning your body’s position to that of the interviewer’s demonstrates agreement and admiration. Now, while it may seem as though we are getting into the realms of the ethereal here, it is not only possible, but highly effective, to mirror your interviewer in other ways to help create a bond between you.

Watch how the interviewer is sitting. Are his legs crossed or uncrossed? Is he leaning one way or the other? Are his hands placed on the desk or on the arms of the chair? Whichever is the case, shift your positioning to match his and you will immediately create a feeling of empathy. As he changes position, changes yours to match again.

Now I know this is beginning to sound like something from a Monty Python sketch, but this really does work. Of course, the trick is not to make sudden, jerky movements which would immediately make it obvious that you are mimicking him, and not to copy him to the extent where you feel either unnatural or uncomfortable. Just be subtle and the interviewer will not even notice what you are doing, but you will be far better attuned to one another.

Another thing that you can do very discreetly, and which will have the same effect, is to match your breathing to his. Try very hard to note both the rate and the pattern of his breathing and then synchronize your own.

You can try practicing these techniques with a friend. Do not tell your friend what you are doing and see whether he or she notices. Also, try it with one of your colleagues or the bank manager, and see whether it improves your rapport.

Speech

Mimicking body language is not the only way to help create a bond with your interviewer. You can do it through language too. If two people communicate in a similar manner, they are much more likely to develop some sort of affinity, and talking at the same pace as someone else is an effective way to achieve this. Note the other person’s style and speak accordingly, but, like with body language, do not take it to the extreme and make yourself sound unnatural.

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