Rapport

Definition

Rapport is the harmonious relationship and mutual understanding between an interviewer and interviewee, characterized by trust, respect, and empathy. Establishing rapport is essential in creating an environment conducive to open communication, allowing for deeper insights and more candid responses during an interview. This connection not only enhances the quality of the interaction but also helps in achieving the interview's purpose effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building rapport is often considered one of the first steps in conducting a successful interview as it sets the tone for the interaction.
2. Interviewers who establish good rapport can encourage interviewees to share more personal or sensitive information, leading to richer content.
3. Rapport can be built through techniques such as mirroring body language, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in the interviewee's responses.
4. Strong rapport can help diffuse tense situations and make interviewees feel more comfortable, which is particularly important in challenging interviews.
5. The absence of rapport can lead to misunderstandings and reluctance to share information, making it crucial for interviewers to actively work on establishing this connection.

Review Questions

• How does establishing rapport impact the quality of information gathered during an interview?
  • Establishing rapport significantly impacts the quality of information gathered during an interview by creating a sense of trust and safety for the interviewee. When interviewees feel comfortable and understood, they are more likely to provide honest and detailed responses. This openness not only enhances the richness of the content but also allows for deeper exploration of topics that may be sensitive or complex.
• In what ways can nonverbal communication enhance the development of rapport between an interviewer and an interviewee?
  • Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in developing rapport as it can convey empathy, interest, and understanding without the need for words. Actions such as maintaining appropriate eye contact, using open body language, and mirroring the interviewee’s gestures can create a sense of connection. These nonverbal cues reinforce verbal messages and help to establish a more comfortable atmosphere for dialogue, leading to better communication.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of failing to establish rapport in an interview setting.
  • Failing to establish rapport in an interview can have significant negative consequences, including limited information gathering and a lack of trust between the interviewer and interviewee. When rapport is absent, interviewees may become defensive or guarded, leading to superficial responses or outright reluctance to engage. This lack of connection can ultimately hinder the effectiveness of the interview and result in missed opportunities for deeper insights and valuable information.

Related terms

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said, fostering a stronger connection with the speaker.

Empathy:

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which is crucial in building rapport during interviews.

Nonverbal Communication: The transmission of messages or information without the use of words, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language, which can significantly influence rapport.