Want your interviewer to love you? Do these 10 things

Susie Timlin
Jul 28, 2017 · 4 min read

We have all heard the old adage “people buy from people” and the same goes for hiring. You could be the most skilled, experienced and knowledgeable professional, but if you fail to build a rapport with the interviewer, it’s unlikely you will get a call back offering you a second interview. So, no pressure, but you have less than an hour to make a good impression on your interviewer. Here are some quick wins for making them love you.

1. Smile

Some people aren’t naturally “smiley” people, especially if they are in a high intensity situation where they are nervous or focused, such as an interview. If this sounds like you, make a conscious effort to smile when you are first introduced, when you say goodbye and regularly throughout the interview.

2. Shake hands

Be the first to extend your hand for a firm handshake and to greet your interviewer. This projects confidence and professionalism. This may sound obvious, but first impressions really are vital.

3. Maintain eye contact

Establish and maintain eye contact during the interview. Too much eye contact is clearly off-putting, after all, it’s not a staring contest. On the flipside, if you never meet your interviewer’s gaze, you will come across as slightly shifty, nervous or worse, completely disinterested. Use your judgement and make a conscious effort to meet the interviewer’s eye as you engage in conversation.

4. Remember your interviewer’s name

Without wanting to sound like a clichéd politician or journalist, repeat the interviewer’s name back to them after they introduce themselves, and you go to introduce yourself back (e.g.- “Hi Jeff, I’m Susie”) This is an effective way of remembering their name. Also address them by name throughout the interview (within reason) and as you leave the interview. Everyone loves hearing their own name, it’s reaffirming, and your hiring manager is no different.

5. Create a 50/50 dialogue

Create a 50/50 dialogue in which you listen as much as you speak, and don’t save all your questions until the end of the meeting. Show you are interested, and listening, by asking intelligent, well prepared questions. You can also sometimes summarise or paraphrase something your interviewer has said, and repeat it back to them in question form. Again, this is reaffirming for the interviewer and shows you are paying attention.

6. Remember your interviewer is just another human being

Help your brain put things into perspective and keep those nerves at bay by remembering that your interviewer is just another human being, who may also be feeling anxious. This should help you break down the barriers and calm your interview nerves.

7. Make the interviewer feel important

Do your research on the company, your interviewer and the role you are applying for (LinkedIn is a great resource to help you do this). Nothing helps flatter and build rapport more than a little inside knowledge on the person you’ll be meeting.

Obviously don’t go overboard with your research on the interviewer, asking whether their mum enjoyed her holiday last year or how their cats are getting on. Keep it professional and prepare questions related to their career journey.

8. Mirror body language

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and mirroring body language can subconsciously help the interviewer envisage you working with them. Mirroring could be anything from speech patterns and voice tone to gestures, but don’t overdo it to the point where they feel like they’re interviewing their shadow. Match and mirror subtly. Adjusting to the interviewer’s demeanour and behaviour can also help you both feel a little more comfortable.

9. Be memorable — show the real you

Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through to help your interviewer see who you really are. Answer questions honestly and clearly. And remember, an experienced interviewer can easily spot the signs of a candidate who is trying too hard.

10. Follow up afterwards

Follow up the interview with an email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterate how much you enjoyed meeting them. Send this before the interviewer has a chance to forget you.

I hope you have found this blog useful, you may also find the below blogs and a podcast to be a valuable resource on how to conduct yourself during an interview: