Building rapport

Definition

Building rapport refers to the process of creating a positive and trusting relationship between an interviewer and the interviewee. This connection is crucial in encouraging open communication, fostering comfort, and eliciting more honest and insightful responses during interviews, particularly when navigating challenging situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building rapport can significantly reduce anxiety for interviewees, making them more likely to share personal stories or experiences.
2. Techniques such as mirroring body language or using the interviewee's name can help strengthen rapport during an interview.
3. Establishing rapport is especially important in difficult interview situations where trust may be low or when sensitive topics are discussed.
4. Interviewers who successfully build rapport tend to gather more comprehensive and nuanced information from their subjects.
5. Rapport-building is not a one-time effort; it should be continually nurtured throughout the interview process to maintain openness.

Review Questions

• How does building rapport influence the quality of responses from interviewees during difficult interview situations?
  • Building rapport significantly influences the quality of responses because it creates an environment of trust and safety for the interviewee. When interviewees feel comfortable and understood, they are more likely to share honest and detailed information, even on sensitive topics. This connection helps in breaking down barriers that might otherwise hinder communication.
• Discuss specific techniques an interviewer can use to establish rapport quickly in challenging interviews.
  • An interviewer can establish rapport quickly by employing techniques such as using open body language, maintaining eye contact, and actively listening to the interviewee. Additionally, starting with light conversation or common interests can ease tension. Demonstrating empathy and validating the interviewee's feelings can also help create a sense of understanding, making it easier to navigate difficult subjects.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of building rapport on the overall interviewing process and outcomes.
  • Building rapport has long-term effects on the interviewing process as it sets a foundation for future interactions. When rapport is established, it can lead to more productive follow-up interviews and ongoing relationships with subjects. Moreover, consistent rapport-building fosters a culture of openness where subjects feel valued and respected, increasing the likelihood of their participation in future projects and potentially yielding richer content over time.

Related terms

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which helps in connecting with interviewees on a personal level.

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the other person says, enhancing the interview dynamic.

Trust: A belief in the reliability, integrity, and honesty of another person, which is essential for fostering open communication in interviews.