It forms the bedrock upon which the entire conversation is constructed. More than just a polite gesture, it’s the bridge that connects the interviewer and the interviewee on a human level. When you establish rapport, interviewees not only feel valued, respected, and heard, but they also become willing participants in a genuine, two-way exchange of ideas. Think of rapport as the secret ingredient that transforms a standard interview into a memorable, insightful, and authentic conversation. It’s the spark that ignites a fruitful dialogue, enabling you to uncover hidden gems of knowledge and perspective.

For example, consider a job interview where a candidate feels at ease and connected with the interviewer. They are more likely to provide honest answers and present themselves authentically, leading to better hiring decisions.

#2 Preparation is Key

Before the interview, research your interviewee. Familiarise yourself with their background, work, and interests. This preparation demonstrates your genuine interest and can be a great conversation starter.

Before the interview, thorough research on your interviewee is an indispensable step in building rapport with interviewees. Familiarising yourself with their background, work, and interests goes beyond a simple Google search. It’s about understanding the person behind the title or role. This preparation showcases your genuine interest, and when you delve into the nuances of their professional journey, it often paves the way for a deeper and more meaningful conversation. By showing that you’ve invested time in learning about their experiences, you create a solid foundation of trust.

Moreover, this knowledge can serve as a conversational goldmine, allowing you to ask questions that resonate with your interviewee’s passions and expertise. Remember, preparation not only displays your respect for their time but also sets the stage for a smoother and more engaging dialogue.

Let’s say you’re a journalist interviewing an author. Reading their book and understanding their writing style can lead to insightful questions and a more engaging discussion.

#3 Effective Communication

During the interview, communication is vital. Maintain eye contact, listen actively, and ask open-ended questions that encourage in-depth responses.

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful interview. It’s the art of not just speaking, but also listening, with intent. Maintaining consistent eye contact demonstrates your undivided attention, signalling to the interviewee that they have your respect and engagement. Listening actively goes beyond simply hearing words; it involves deciphering the underlying emotions, subtext, and nuances in their responses. By doing so, you can ask follow-up questions that dig deeper and encourage in-depth answers. The key is to foster an environment for building rapport with interviewees so that they feel heard, acknowledged, and valued. This, in turn, invites them to open up, leading to a more enriching conversation that brings out their authentic insights.

A podcaster who actively listens to their guest’s anecdotes and follows up with relevant questions can create an intimate and meaningful episode.

Authenticity can be contagious; when interviewees perceive it, they are more likely to reciprocate by shedding their professional facade and speaking from the heart. This authenticity not only enriches the quality of the interview but also makes it more relatable to your audience, as it’s human nature to connect with authenticity.

A researcher studying a community should connect with its members on a personal level, showcasing their genuine interest in the subject matter.

#6 Body Language Matters

Non-verbal cues can convey a lot. Maintain an open and welcoming posture, smile genuinely, and use gestures that convey warmth and understanding.

Your body language speaks volumes. It’s a silent but powerful communicator that complements your words. Maintaining an open and welcoming posture, making genuine and warm smiles, and using gestures that convey understanding and warmth can set the tone for a positive and engaging conversation. Effective body language reassures your interviewee that you are approachable and empathetic, making them more comfortable and willing to share their thoughts openly. When you appear genuinely interested through your non-verbal cues, you encourage the interviewee to be more open and expressive.

Journalists interviewing a subject who has experienced a difficult situation should display sensitivity through their body language.

#7 Adaptability

Be flexible during the interview. If the conversation takes an unexpected turn, be prepared to adapt and follow where the interviewee leads.

Adaptability is the flexible thread that weaves through a successful interview. It’s the readiness to pivot when the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Sometimes, the most valuable insights emerge when you follow the interviewee’s lead, allowing the conversation to explore uncharted territories. Being adaptable and open to these detours can lead to unexpected and enlightening discoveries. Whether you’re a researcher, journalist, or HR manager, embracing the unexpected can yield fruitful outcomes and create a dynamic and memorable interview experience.

For example, a business owner conducting market research might discover new customer preferences during an interview. Flexibility allows them to explore these insights further.

Minimising distractions ensures that the focus remains on the conversation. Additionally, taking into account the interviewee’s preferences regarding the interview location and timing displays respect for their comfort. This consideration can go a long way in establishing a positive atmosphere for the interview.

A podcast host inviting a celebrity guest to their studio should create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for a successful conversation.

#9 Feedback and Validation

Acknowledge the interviewee’s responses and validate their contributions. This reassures them that their input is valuable.

Acknowledging and validating the interviewee’s responses during the conversation is a pivotal aspect of rapport building. This not only reassures them that their input is valued but also reinforces their confidence in sharing more. Show appreciation for their insights, opinions, and experiences. A simple nod, an encouraging phrase, or a genuine “thank you” can make the interviewee feel acknowledged and appreciated. This positive reinforcement helps maintain the flow of the conversation and keeps the interviewee engaged.

In a research setting, a scientist interviewing participants should express appreciation for their time and insights, ensuring future collaboration.

#10 Follow-Up and Gratitude

After the interview, send a follow-up message expressing your gratitude. This small act reinforces the connection you’ve built.

Building rapport with interviewees doesn’t end with the conclusion of the interview. A crucial follow-up step is to express your gratitude for the interviewee’s time and contribution. This small gesture reinforces the connection you’ve built and leaves a lasting impression. It signifies your respect for their input and sets the stage for potential future interactions. Sending a follow-up message, whether through email or a handwritten note, shows your commitment to maintaining a positive and ongoing relationship.

A recruiter who follows up with a thank-you email after a job interview leaves a lasting impression and strengthens the rapport established during the meeting.