R is for...Rapport

“People buy people before they buy products and services”

As Sun Tzu once said, “What you believe about yourself, the world will believe about you" So, before you sell yourself in an interview you first have to sell yourself on yourself because if you don’t like you then who will?

As an employer and a recruiter I’ve been guilty of hiring and assisting those people that I initially build a good rapport with rather than those who were just technically qualified for the role. It generally takes me seconds and no more than a couple of minutes to form my opinion of someone, this may be hasty of me however I generally have faith in my initial judgment.

Ask yourself “What do people really think about me when they meet me for the first time?” Why not ask your partner, friends and especially those friends that you’ve recently acquainted or colleagues that you work with. However, be careful not to criticise their point of view on you when asking for their truthful opinion!

When attending interviews it’s important that you build a good rapport and that you make a positive first impression as you won’t get that chance again. Take a look at the following 7 points that will ensure that you make a lasting impression and help you to build a good rapport with a potential employer:

1) Eye Contact - First impressions count so smile genuinely and maintain eye contact when saying “hello” to everyone you meet including the receptionist on arrival, the security guard on the door and your interviewer and his/her PA. Build an instant rapport.

2) Shake Hands - When shaking hands avoid a limp handshake but on the reverse do not grip too hard. Practice with a friend until you feel confident that your handshake will make a good first impression

3) Dress – It’s important for you to dress appropriately for an interview. How we look is the first thing that people notice about us and looking professional and ready to start work will clearly give an edge over someone else who hasn’t made the effort. I would always encourage for you to attend both internal and external interviews in smart business dress even if you know that the company has a policy of ‘dress down’

4) Be Polite – Mind your “Ps and Qs” in other words "mind your manners", "mind your language", "be on your best behaviour" remember to say “Please” and “Thank-you” to everyone that you meet.

5) Use People’s Names – How many times have you met someone for the first time and after speaking to that person for just a few minutes you have completely forgotten their name? How often has someone you have just met spoken to you and called you by your name, how good did this make you feel? If you are someone who forgets name’s after being introduced and don’t worry as you are not alone, I too have had difficulties remembering and to overcome this frustration of mine I always ensure that when speaking to a new person that I mention their name 3 times in conversation. It takes practice so try it where ever possible.

6) Offer Compliments - If you feel it appropriate and you genuinely like the products, services or ethics of the company you are interviewing then don’t hold back or be afraid to offer a compliment as it will help you to build good rapport.

7) Authenticity and Consistency - What are your passions, desires and dreams? In order to build a good rapport you have to be real, genuine and not false. Don’t try and portray yourself as someone who you think your interviewer might want you to be. Whilst you still have to remain professional during an interview if you can’t be yourself then the company or department isn’t for you. Imagine starting a new job and having to be someone else all day. Have you ever met a colleague out of work and thought to yourself “He or She is a completely different person!”

"The only thing people judge about you is how an engagement with you makes them feel." By Seth Godin http://www.sethgodin.com/

Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global http://www.chillipepperglobal.com/ advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.