In the last few months I have written a few Coaching suggestions that are useful when applying for employment. In the current climate with so few jobs available and so many people applying for them there has never been a time when you REALLY need to make the best impression so you can have the best chance of getting the job you want.

One of the essential parts of communicating is learning to get into rapport with someone.
So what is rapport? Well the oxford dictionaries definition is:

"Relationship or communication especially when useful and harmonious"

For me the key word is harmonious.

A few years ago I was introduced to a very elderly lady who I had not seen before. Within A FEW minutes of our encounter she stopped and looked into my eyes and said "you have amazing skills of rapport building" I have to say I was a bit taken back but was really grateful for two reasons.

1. As a life coach if I am not harmonious in my communication with people I am in the wrong job!

(She actually was completely unaware of what I do for a living which made it an even more special remark.)

2. This is a skill that can be learnt and really helps people to communicate more effectively.

Just watch two people having a laugh and in an engaging conversation, it's like a sort of dance with both people almost mirroring each others body language and tone.

So what do you do?

Well firstly relax and smile, being authentic is the key. Be genuinely interested in what they are saying ...LISTEN to them. Don't allow yourself to be distracted (mobiles, interrupting them, looking away or, worse still, at your watch!) Be really in the moment, fully present not judging or projecting any stuff that goes on in your head.

Allow yourself to mimic some of their body language (not too obviously), ask if you have understood correctly what they have said by repeating some of the things that have been said.

For example: "So what you are saying is............."
"Do you mean .................."

So I hope these tips help not just in the employment arena but in life generally.

Most of all really ENJOY the interaction people love to be listened to by someone who is really engaged.

I have written about the time I applied for a practice Nurse job and after 9 attempts I got it, I had to remain enthusiastic and be in rapport on every interaction, so keep on keeping on!