Mastering Behavioural Interviews: The Art of Connection Building

Congratulations! You’ve made it past the screening stage, climbing to the top 10% of applicants. Now comes the real challenge—showing the people behind the desk that you’re more than just a well-crafted CV.

Behavioural interviews can feel intimidating. You’ve got about an hour, maybe less, to connect with a group of senior professionals who’ve spent years at the company. It’s not easy—small talk can feel forced, LinkedIn research only goes so far, and rehearsed answers to questions might fall flat.

This is where the art of connection building comes in. In my opinion, it’s the key to a successful behavioural interview, making up 85% of what makes an interview memorable and impactful.

Why Connection Building is Critical

Connection building is not only about showcasing your personality but also about proving how your energy will fit into the team dynamic. The truth is, this part of the interview can often be subjective. Interviewers want to know if you’ll fit in with the culture, and that can come down to how comfortable they feel around you. This is why impressing the interviewer with more than just your qualifications is critical—you need to show you can easily integrate with the team.

Shifting the Spotlight: Ask Them About Themselves to Find Common Ground

Most candidates spend the interview talking only about themselves, which is what you’re expected to do—but to break through the monotony, turn the spotlight onto your interviewer. Ask them questions about their career, experiences, or the company. People love to talk about themselves, and this tactic not only builds rapport but shows that you’re genuinely interested in them and their journey.

For example:

• “I noticed you’ve been with [Company] for over a decade. What’s kept you here for so long?”

• “I saw that you transitioned from a different industry—what drew you to this field?”

• “What’s been your most rewarding project since you joined [Company]?”

This shift helps move the conversation beyond standard Q&A, and it’s also a great way to find common ground. If you’ve researched the interviewer, or something naturally comes up in the conversation that you can relate to—a shared career journey, similar educational background, or even a hobby—don’t hesitate to bring it up. By showing that you understand their experience and can relate, you create a deeper sense of rapport and make the interaction more personal.

Read the Room: Mirror Their Movements

A powerful tool in interviews is eye contact—maintain it consistently throughout the conversation. This builds trust and shows confidence. But connection building through body language goes beyond just looking into their eyes. You also need to be in sync with your interviewer’s energy.

Mirroring their movements can create a subconscious bond. If they nod, you nod. If they lean forward, follow suit. By subtly mimicking their body language, you create a sense of alignment and rapport.

Another way to demonstrate active listening is through verbal cues. When your interviewer speaks, show that you’re paying attention by repeating the last 1-3 words they said during natural pauses or making small affirming sounds like “mhm.” This shows that you are fully engaged and reinforces the connection between you and the interviewer.

Using both verbal and non-verbal cues together makes the interaction feel more conversational and fluid, helping you leave a stronger impression. If you would like a free consultation or help with your interview, check our services out here.

Good luck!!! :)

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About Author

Hi, I’m Alex, a recent graduate from the University of Auckland with a degree in Engineering and Commerce. Like many students, I felt uncertain about my career path for a long time. After exploring four different careers and completing five internships, I discovered my passion—management consulting.

Throughout my journey, I stepped outside my comfort zone and tried various roles. While it took time to find my true calling, one thing I consistently excelled at was interviews. As I applied for graduate roles in 2024, which was a tough year for recruiting, I managed to secure offers from 13 out of the 14 interviews I attended—many with highly selective and prestigious companies.

Now, I’m here to share my experience and tips to help you succeed in your job hunt. Follow along for more insights in my blogs, and feel free to reach out to me here or on social media!