Conducting a Winning Interview Checklist Part 4

Establishing Rapport with the Interviewer

By Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias
Co-authors, Barron's The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos
www.JobSearchGuideforLatinos.com

We would like to cover the steps to making that critical first impression that can set the tone for your entire interview.

Making a Good First Impression

When greeting the interviewer, smile immediately:

• Make eye contact with your interviewer it has a magical ability to build rapport;
• Offer a firm confident handshake. The right amount of tension in your grip is important—not too tight, not too limp;
• Introduce yourself, and say something like, "I'm pleased to meet you." or "I've been looking forward to talking with you." Be sincere and avoid informal greetings you might use to say hello to your friends. Take the polite, conservative route.
• Wait to be told to take a seat or ask if you may, then say thank you. If you are offered a choice, select a chair closest to the interviewer's desk. Without making a commotion, scoot your chair a little closer to the interviewer's desk like you're ready to dive right in. This shows interest and confidence. Remember to not invade the interviewer's personal space by keeping a distance of about two feet by U.S. standards.
• Be aware of your good posture while seated. Make sure that it shows you're alert and focused. Avoid negative body language.
• Don't eat, drink, chew gum or smoke, or ask if it's okay too. If the interviewer offers coffee or other beverages, while it's okay to accept, it is probably better to graciously to say "I appreciate the offer, but I am fine thank you" (unless you're at an interview meal). This way you avoid any possible mishaps.
• Read the mood. If the interviewer is formal, then you probably should be, too. If the interviewer is casual, then follow along while remaining courteous and professional. In either case, try to appear to be relaxed, but not too relaxed.
• Observe the interviewer's office to see if there are personal or business items on display that you can use as a basis to establish rapport with the interviewer.
• Breathe deeply and relax. Speak slowly, clearly and with purpose.
• Confirm the interviewer's name and the position you are being screened for. Request the correct spelling and pronunciation of the interviewer's name.
• Ask, "how much time will we have for this interview?" This will help you determine how to respond to the interviewer's questions and demonstrate a respect for his or her time.

Part 1: Know Where you are Going / Prepare the Night Before

Part 2: Items to Consider Taking with You to the Interview

Part 3: Arriving at the Interview

Part 4: Establishing Rapport with the Interviewer

Part 5: Answering Interview Questions

Part 6: Asking Questions at the Interview

Part 7: Closing the Interview

Part 8: Following-up After the Interview