Almost every human, no matter how professional, relies on instinct and small biases when evaluating others. This is just how humans process information. In an interview, your likability goes a long way. There are certain things you will do that will make the hiring manager sense if they would enjoy working with you.
Likability can quietly tip the scales in your favour, especially when other qualified people are chasing the same opportunities. Having the right credentials is great but if the interviewer doesn’t like you, you’ll rarely get the job. It will interest you to learn that interviewers don’t only hire the most capable person. They hire the person who makes them feel that working with this person would be a pleasure. That is why in this piece, we give you the best tips to make any interviewer in whatever job industry or field like you.
Research Your Interviewer
Arrive Early
Use Polite Forms of Address
Dress professionally
Cite Scenarios Showcasing Expertise
Mirror Their Communication Style
Be an Active Listener
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Show Enthusiasm
Find Common Ground
Use Positive Language
Tell the Truth
Show That You Are a Team Player
Use Your Body to Build Rapport
Send a Thoughtful Thank-You Note
View 10 Ways to Stand Out In Any Competitive Industry
Research Your Interviewer
Before you walk into an interview, make sure you know who you will be speaking with. A little research on platforms like LinkedIn can give you a clear sense of the interviewer, their background, the type of work they do and how long they have been part of the organisation. This small action gives you an understanding of their perspective, which makes it easier to hold a great conversation. It also helps you avoid the awkward moment of not knowing who is leading the discussion.
Arrive Early
Arriving ten to fifteen minutes before the interview is ideal. Showing up early is a simple and powerful signal of respect for the interviewer’s time. It demonstrates that you take the opportunity seriously. It also gives you a chance to settle your nerves and organise your thoughts.
Use Polite Forms of Address
This is important, especially if you are Gen Z. Using polite forms of address, such as “sir” or “ma”, communicates respect. A courteous greeting equally creates a welcoming atmosphere and immediately shows that you understand professional etiquette.
Dress Professionally
In 9 out of 10 situations, you will be judged based on how you look. So how you present yourself is vital. It sets the first impression even before you speak. Dressing appropriately for the role is one of the easiest ways to win over any interviewer.
View What to Wear As a Male to An Interview or What to Wear As a Female
Mirror Their Communication Style
Interviewers naturally gravitate towards people who feel familiar, and communication style plays a major part in that. Pay attention to how the interviewer speaks and adjust your approach gently. If they are formal, respond with professionalism. If their tone is relaxed and conversational, allow your own speech to soften slightly while maintaining respect.
Cite Scenarios Showcasing Expertise
Sharing concrete examples of your skills in action. Instead of simply stating your abilities, describe situations where you applied your expertise to achieve a result. For instance, explain how you solved a problem, led a project, or improved a process, including measurable outcomes whenever possible.
Be an Active Listener
One of the most powerful ways to make someone like you is to show that you genuinely hear them. Active listening involves more than staying quiet. It is about maintaining comfortable eye contact, responding with natural nods and taking notes. Let the interviewer complete their thoughts fully before you reply, and when you answer, try to reference some of what they said.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interview questions you ask tell an interviewer a lot about your priorities and your level of intelligence. Instead of asking generic questions that could apply anywhere, focus on the role and the organisation’s goals. Asking how the position contributes to a particular project or initiative shows that you are already thinking about value and long-term contribution.
View The Best Questions to Ask An Interviewer In Kenya
Show That You Are a Team Player
Most roles require collaboration, and interviewers want to know that you work well with others. When speaking about your achievements, highlight how you contributed to group success and supported colleagues. Using “we” instead of only “I” shows that you understand shared effort and do not claim unnecessary credit. Interviewers look for people who will bring harmony to the workplace, not conflict, so demonstrating that you thrive in team settings helps them imagine you fitting in well.
Show Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm makes you stand out, but it must be balanced. Show that you are genuinely excited about the possibility of joining the organisation, but keep that excitement grounded in confidence. Speak about what interests you in the role and what you believe you can contribute without sounding desperate. Avoid phrases that imply you will accept anything or are in urgent need of a job. Instead, express that the opportunity aligns with your goals and you would be glad to contribute meaningfully to the team. This combination of positive energy and self-respect is extremely appealing to interviewers.
Connect Through Shared Experiences
Humans connect easily when they discover shared experiences. As the conversation unfolds, listen for anything that aligns with your own background, whether it is a similar career path, shared interests or familiar challenges. A simple, natural acknowledgement of this common ground creates warmth and helps the interviewer see you as someone they can relate to. This should never be forced, but when it appears naturally, it strengthens the overall connection.
Use Positive Language
The way you speak about your past reveals your mindset. Even if you had difficult experiences, focus on what you learned and how those experiences shaped your growth. Instead of criticising former employers or colleagues, constructively frame your answers. For example, rather than saying that a previous manager communicated poorly, you could explain that the situation taught you the importance of proactive communication and clarity.
Tell the Truth
Being honest is far more better than lying. If you do not know the answer to a question, say so calmly and confidently. You can acknowledge your lack of direct experience while explaining how you would approach the task or how quickly you tend to learn new skills. This honesty shows integrity, humility and self-awareness. Interviewers respect candidates who speak the truth rather than pretending to know more than they do.
View How to Optimise Your CV to Get Any Job
Use Your Body to Build Rapport
Your body language often communicates more than your words. Maintain good posture without appearing stiff, and allow your gestures to be natural and relaxed. A genuine smile helps put both you and the interviewer at ease. Keep your hands visible and avoid crossing your arms. Leaning slightly forward shows engagement, and managing small nervous habits like fidgeting or tapping helps you appear calm and composed.
Send a Thoughtful Thank-You Note
A simple follow-up message can leave a lasting positive impression. Within twenty-four hours, send a personalised thank-you email to the interviewer. Mention something specific from your conversation to show that you were truly engaged, and briefly restate your interest in the position. This gesture reinforces your professionalism and respect, and it keeps your interview fresh in their mind.
The most successful candidates understand that interviews are conversations, not interrogations. When you approach them as opportunities to genuinely connect with another professional, your likability naturally shines through. The job you want is out there, and the interviewer who recognises your value is waiting to meet you.
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