Navigating a career transition can be daunting, especially when facing the interview process. One of the most effective strategies to stand out is to build genuine rapport with both your recruiter and interviewer. Establishing this connection demonstrates your people skills, makes the interview feel more conversational, and leaves a lasting impression. Here’s how to do it effectively.
At Elevate Next, we coach our clients on interview prep and relationship-building strategies to help them shine. Building rapport is a vital part of this process, and here’s how you can master it.
1. Prepare and Personalize
A little research can go a long way. Start by reviewing the recruiter and interviewer’s professional backgrounds on LinkedIn. Look for mutual connections, shared interests, or articles they’ve posted that resonate with you. Use this information as an icebreaker or reference point during the conversation.
(We can provide you with a prep worksheet that emphasizes identifying questions that matter most to you in early conversations with recruiters, which can help spark genuine engagement and connection.)
2. Engage in Active Listening
During the interview, pay close attention to what your recruiter or interviewer says. Nod, smile, give verbal affirmations and take notes. Active listening isn’t just polite; it’s a way of showing that you’re engaged and interested in what they have to say. It also enables you to pick up on key details, which can help guide the conversation smoothly and ensure you respond with relevance.
At Elevate for Women, we coach our clients on the power of active listening as a tool for rapport-building. Through practice sessions included in the Elevate Next, clients gain confidence in making their interviews feel conversational, a crucial aspect of establishing rapport.
3. Show Genuine Curiosity
Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role, the team, and the company culture. For example, “What drew you to this company?” or “What do you enjoy most about working here?” These questions show that you’re not just focused on landing any job but are interested in this specific company and its people.
(We have built a prep guide that offers samples questions designed to deepen your understanding of the company while also building rapport with the interviewer.)
4. Align Your Responses with Their Values
When preparing for your interview, consider the company’s mission, values, and culture. Research the company thoroughly and think about how your experiences and values align with theirs. When you’re able to communicate how you fit with their culture and goals, it creates a sense of mutual understanding. This approach not only shows your preparedness but also demonstrates respect for what the company stands for.
5. Follow Up with Gratitude
A well-crafted thank-you email after the interview is essential for leaving a positive final impression. In addition to expressing appreciation for the opportunity, reference a specific point from your conversation to make it feel personalized. For instance, “Thank you for sharing insights about the team culture. I’m excited about the prospect of contributing to such a collaborative environment.”
At Elevate Next, we help clients develop strong follow-up strategies that emphasize relationship-building even after the interview concludes. Our personalized coaching can guide you through the process of crafting memorable, impactful follow-ups.
Take the Next Step with Elevate Next
Building rapport is a skill that can make all the difference in interviews, especially for those navigating career transitions. If you’re looking for hands-on coaching to develop your interview skills, explore our Elevate Next packages. From mastering active listening to refining your personal brand, Elevate Next offers comprehensive support to help you excel at every stage of your career journey.
Ready to learn more? Check out Elevate Next and start transforming your interview approach today.
