Dental Talent – Dental Job Hunting Guide – Creating Rapport in Your Interview

If you’re in the middle of job hunting, one of the best things to receive is a message from a recruiter requesting an interview. At last, you’ll have a chance to prove yourself to your potential employers. It can be nerve-wracking to prepare for an interview and wait for the day to arrive. Nevertheless, it’s an important step as you continue your career.

Dentistry is such a competitive landscape, so you must put your best foot forward during an interview. While interviews are never easy, there are ways to diligently prepare for them and tips to keep in mind as your interview date gets closer by the day.

Why Creating Rapport Is Important

One of the most common job interview tips constantly shared by hiring managers and recruitment experts is to create a rapport with your interviewer. Rapport is your connection with a person, how your words and body language show that you are on the same page with the one you’re talking to. Building rapport means you are both comfortable with the conversation, and willing to form a genuine connection.

Rapport is essential in a job interview because it shows off your personality. As much as recruiters need to know your qualifications and experience, they also want to determine if you will be a good fit for the job you’re applying for.

When you work in dentistry, you interact with many people, including hygienists, assistants, lab personnel, and of course, patients. Regardless of your specific job description, your recruiters need to know that you are a personable, friendly person with an engaging personality. This is why creating rapport with your interviewer is incredibly important.

Building Rapport in an Interview

People naturally build and experience rapport with close friends and family or with those they have a common interest with. For example, it’s easy to strike up a fun conversation with a schoolmate or a colleague because you potentially have plenty of similar experiences to talk about.

Trying to build rapport with an interviewer is different because of the inherent power imbalance in your current relationship. They have all the power while you try your best to impress them and prove your worth. However, just because it seems difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible or not worth trying.

Here are some ways you can build rapport with your interviewer:

  • Do your research: The more you know about the company you’re applying to, the more ammunition you have for topics you can discuss. You can spark a conversation about the services they offer, the hygienists they have, and even their clinic history. This makes you an easier candidate to orient during the onboarding process.
  • Make a good first impression: People always say never to judge a book by its cover. In reality, that flies out the window when it comes to job interviews. The moment you show up for an interview, everything about your appearance will count. This is why you should be as put together as possible, from the top of your head down to your toes. An excellent first impression means your interviewer will be more engaged and open to conversation.
  • Follow their lead: It doesn’t matter if you’re dying to bring the conversation to lighter topics—you should always follow the interviewer’s lead. If they’re focused on the formal aspects of your qualifications, you should respond with equal gravity. When they start speaking casually and opening up the conversation, that’s when you can jump in and engage further. Active listening and attentive body language (eye contact, energy level, sincere smiles) help tremendously when you want to form a genuine connection.

Conclusion

Job interviews are inherently stressful, and one way to make it easier for you is to think of ways to build rapport with your interviewer. This skill takes time to develop, but improving your communication skills will help you further your career. If you can engage your interviewer in a light, fun conversation, you have much better chances of landing that new job!

If you’re looking for a new job in dentistry, Dental Talent is a job board for open dentistry positions all over the UK. We are partnered with the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and we can help you save time and reduce recruitment costs. With over 8,000 monthly users, we are the best place to advertise and find the perfect candidate for you!