When it comes to interviews, you only have
a short amount of time to successfully build a rapport with the interviewer.
Some may say this is impossible in such a short time frame, however people
recruit people they like who have a personality, sometimes qualifications and
past experience is not enough to get offered a job.
Here are some key points to building a
meaningful connection with your interviewer that will positively impact the
result of the interview
1. Smile
This may seem like a very
basic point, however it is amazing how many people forget to smile, given that
nerves will be a factor. Make an effort to smile when you are first introduced,
when the interview is finished and regularly throughout the interview.
2. Eye Contact
Establish eye contact when you meet the interviewer and maintain eye contact during the interview. Sometimes too much eye contact can be off putting, so look away every now and then; this shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
Not making any eye contact can come across to the interviewer that you are nervous or disengaged entirely.
3. Shake Hands
When you meet your interviewer be the first to greet your interviewer, make eye contact and extend your hand first for a handshake. (First impressions are vital)
4. Remember the interviewers names
This may sound obvious, but remember the name of your interviewer and try to use their name in the interview and as you leave. This is surprisingly effective!
5. 50/50 Dialogue/Communication
This is extremely important in an interview you should listen as much as you speak. When you answer a question try to summarise part of what the interviewer was saying and repeat it back – this shows that you are paying attention. When it comes to questions, ask questions throughout the interview, do not leave them all until the end. People forget it is a two-way conversation. An interview is also a time for you to ask questions as well – this shows you are engaged in the conversation and are showing a really interest into the position/company that you are interviewing for.
6. Make the interviewer feel important
Do your research on the company, your interviewer and the position you are applying for (this is when LinkedIn becomes very useful)
This will help build a connection with the interviewer. Ask the interviewer a few questions, about their position/ career path to show you have done your research.
7. Show your personality
Interviews can be nerve whacking but don’t be afraid to show your personality, as this is what the interviewer will also be looking for. Answer questions honestly – and remember experienced interviewers can tell when a candidate is trying too hard – this brings us onto point 8…
8. …Your interviewer Is also a human being
Look at this situation in a bigger perspective the interviewer is also a human being, just wanting to find out about yourself and your suitability for the position. This should help keep those nerves at bay.
9. Body Language
Body Language is as important as eye contact, mirroring body language can help the interviewer envisage you working with them, however this needs to be done subtly. For example this can be in forms of Voice Tone, Gestures & Speech patterns.
10. Follow up Afterwards
Follow up the interview, whether this is through a recruitment agency, contact the recruitment consultant to express your feedback whether this is over the phone or via email to reiterate how much you enjoyed meeting them. Send this before the interviewer forgets you as part of recruitment consultant’s jobs are to give detailed feedback not just to a candidate but also to the client.
2. Eye Contact
Establish eye contact when you meet the interviewer and maintain eye contact during the interview. Sometimes too much eye contact can be off putting, so look away every now and then; this shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
Not making any eye contact can come across to the interviewer that you are nervous or disengaged entirely.
3. Shake Hands
When you meet your interviewer be the first to greet your interviewer, make eye contact and extend your hand first for a handshake. (First impressions are vital)
4. Remember the interviewers names
This may sound obvious, but remember the name of your interviewer and try to use their name in the interview and as you leave. This is surprisingly effective!
5. 50/50 Dialogue/Communication
This is extremely important in an interview you should listen as much as you speak. When you answer a question try to summarise part of what the interviewer was saying and repeat it back – this shows that you are paying attention. When it comes to questions, ask questions throughout the interview, do not leave them all until the end. People forget it is a two-way conversation. An interview is also a time for you to ask questions as well – this shows you are engaged in the conversation and are showing a really interest into the position/company that you are interviewing for.
6. Make the interviewer feel important
Do your research on the company, your interviewer and the position you are applying for (this is when LinkedIn becomes very useful)
This will help build a connection with the interviewer. Ask the interviewer a few questions, about their position/ career path to show you have done your research.
7. Show your personality
Interviews can be nerve whacking but don’t be afraid to show your personality, as this is what the interviewer will also be looking for. Answer questions honestly – and remember experienced interviewers can tell when a candidate is trying too hard – this brings us onto point 8…
8. …Your interviewer Is also a human being
Look at this situation in a bigger perspective the interviewer is also a human being, just wanting to find out about yourself and your suitability for the position. This should help keep those nerves at bay.
9. Body Language
Body Language is as important as eye contact, mirroring body language can help the interviewer envisage you working with them, however this needs to be done subtly. For example this can be in forms of Voice Tone, Gestures & Speech patterns.
10. Follow up Afterwards
Follow up the interview, whether this is through a recruitment agency, contact the recruitment consultant to express your feedback whether this is over the phone or via email to reiterate how much you enjoyed meeting them. Send this before the interviewer forgets you as part of recruitment consultant’s jobs are to give detailed feedback not just to a candidate but also to the client.
No comments:
Post a Comment