Rapport building

Definition

Rapport building is the process of creating a trusting and harmonious relationship between an interviewer and their subject, which encourages open and honest communication. Establishing rapport is essential in interviews as it makes the subject feel comfortable, ultimately leading to more in-depth and candid responses. This connection can be fostered through active listening, empathy, and genuine interest in the subject's experiences and feelings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Building rapport can significantly improve the quality of information gathered during an interview, as subjects are more likely to share personal stories and insights when they feel at ease.
2. Effective rapport building techniques include mirroring body language, maintaining eye contact, and using open-ended questions that invite elaboration.
3. Establishing rapport is not just beneficial for interviews; it can also enhance networking opportunities and professional relationships.
4. Different cultural backgrounds may affect how rapport is built; being sensitive to these differences can improve communication outcomes.
5. The initial moments of an interview are critical for rapport building, as first impressions often set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Review Questions

• How does rapport building impact the quality of information obtained during interviews?
  • Rapport building directly influences the quality of information obtained during interviews because it creates a sense of trust and safety for the interviewee. When subjects feel comfortable with the interviewer, they are more likely to provide honest and detailed responses. This openness leads to richer narratives and insights that may not surface in a more formal or uncomfortable setting.
• Discuss specific techniques that can be employed to effectively build rapport with interview subjects.
  • Techniques to build rapport include mirroring the interviewee's body language, which creates a sense of familiarity and connection. Additionally, using active listening shows genuine interest in what the subject is saying, while maintaining eye contact helps convey attentiveness. Open-ended questions can also encourage subjects to share more about their experiences, further deepening the connection between interviewer and interviewee.
• Evaluate the role of cultural sensitivity in rapport building during interviews, especially in diverse environments.
  • Cultural sensitivity plays a critical role in rapport building as it acknowledges and respects the different backgrounds of interview subjects. Understanding cultural norms around communication styles, personal space, and expressions of trust can enhance the effectiveness of interviews. In diverse environments, being aware of these differences helps establish a strong connection by making subjects feel valued and understood, ultimately leading to more effective information gathering.

Related terms

Active Listening:

The skill of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the other person is saying during a conversation.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which can help create a deeper connection during interviews.

Trust: A firm belief in the reliability or truth of someone, which is crucial for effective communication and rapport in interviews.