How to Build Rapport During an Employment Interview

In order to successfully perform in an employment interview, it is necessary to build rapport with a potential employer. Typically, this is done over the course of a few interviews, and is the product of mutual interests, career goals and complementary work experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Business attire

Prepare for Your Employment Interview

1. Take two hours to research potential employers inside and out. Typically, this can be done online, but you may also call business contacts (when applicable) for firsthand accounts of certain companies.
2. Take notes about the company and relate your work experience to key areas that would be involved in your new position.
3. Choose appropriate attire for your interview to help you make a good first impression and build instant rapport. For most corporate interviews, this means business formal (suit, tie, formal footwear). Even for more casual settings, business casual slacks and polo shirts are still required.

Be Yourself During the Interview

4. Show your personality by infusing short, related work stories into your job descriptions during the interview. This will show that you take a vested interest in your work and that you involve yourself in the workplace.
5. Bring up work aspects that interest you. When your potential employer can tailor a position to fit your strengths, everyone benefits.

Show Your Appreciation

6. Send a thank-you card (preferably hand-written) within three days of your interview. Even if things didn't go as well as you'd hoped, a thoughtfully worded thank-you can earn you a second chance with any employer.
7. Remind your potential employer how much you appreciated your interview by following up with a call one week after your interview. Keep this conversation short and sweet so as not to take up too much of his/her time.

Tips & Warnings

• In an interview, it is important to be yourself. Almost immediately, you and your interviewer will be able to tell if your personality fits in with the company. If not, keep interviewing until you find one that does.
• Job search sites like Dice give you tens of thousands of jobs to choose from in the U.S. alone (see Resources below).
• While being comfortable with an employer during an interview can help build rapport, you should never have to answer questions pertaining to your race, age, religion, sexual orientation or marital status during an interview, according to U.S. Federal law.

Who Can Help:

• Learn more today about America's leading online University
• Flexible Scheduling, Online Programs, Get Info Now