It’s a human tendency to like people that are like you. Take a look at the friends that you like to hang out with and you know what I mean.

Likewise in an interview setting, interviewers would have a biasness towards candidates that talk and behave, or adopting a style that are similar to them. You may not get hired right away as there are other factors to be considered but a mirroring strategy will help to establish a good rapport right at the beginning.

I stumbled upon this chapter, Ten Interviewer Personality Types in “Job Interviews for Dummies” by Joyce Lain Kennedy. Her observation of the most common interview styles that job seekers may encounter is spot on.

1.Young Achiever

A twenty-something, fresh-faced, conservatively dressed, preppie type most commonly seen on college campuses during job fairs; easily tamed; demeanor is cheerful and positive – friendly.

Approach these specimens with down-home charm, and you have them eating out at your hand. This type have little or no interviewing experience, so help out by asking questions. Doing so puts them at ease. To get the job, focus on demonstrating traits, skills, goals, and experiences that the young achiever can relate to.

2.Serious Businessperson

Gray-haired, successful, most often seen wearing a slightly rumpled, expensive suit; females are less common than males; demeanor is serious and businesslike.

Approach these specimens with confidence and humility and let them know that you’re willing to work your way to the top. Discuss your academic or work achievements, strict work ethic, steadfast dedication to a goal, and leadership skills.

Let them control the interview. To get the job, focus on showing the serious businessperson exactly what skills you bring to the company. Watch out for those who try to bite you with stress-inducing situations and off-the-wall questions.

3.Potential Boss

Of variegated descriptions; similar to serious businessperson; usually found at top of department, looking for help; demeanor is serious and practical.

It he/she is your direct boss, ask questions about management philosophy. Then present yours skills as compatible with that philosophy. For example, if the potential boss mentions teamwork, show yourself as a team player.

The Potential Boss values common sense, work experience, and a positive attitude and despises arrogance and immaturity.

4.Cold Contemplator

Usually found in comfortable, uninteresting clothing in a practical environment; doesn’t collect personal items; likes to be alone; methodical, precise, and work-oriented; demeanor is quiet and self-sufficient.

If you have discrepancies on your resume, beware – cold contemplator wants a logical explanation. These specimens are thinkers – analytical and critical. Approach them with reserve and self-confidence. Don’t talk too much and don’t try to be their new best friend.

Do give them plenty of information for them to mull over; they love details, so tell them the who, what, why, when and how.

5.Warm Fuzzies Person

Nonthreatening, friendly, likes people; several personal items in office; usually involved in several things at once; smiles often and genuinely; demeanor is concerned, comfortable, and thoughtful.

These specimens make sure that you’re happy and comfortable before they start the interview.

Start by establishing a connection and then steer the interview toward more serious matters. They are delighted to follow your lead; after all, they just want you to be happy. Don’t expect them to be very skilled at interviewing – they hate making decisions. So be ready to present all of your qualifications for the job.

6.Incompetent Interviewer

Of all shapes, colors, and sizes; found in various environments; identified by a poor interviewing technique; demeanor varies.

To escape this specimen unscathed and leave the best impression possible, gracefully take control of the situation by repeating the questions for focus, asking questions that demonstrate your skills or knowledge in a particular area and stay calm.

7.Serious Intimidator

Impeccably dressed, conservative; very neat and organized; prefers expensive, classic furnishings; work-oriented; always on time; demeanor is reserved, dedicated and critical.

Approach these specimens quietly and seriously. Don’t scare them away with chatter, false friendliness or insincerity. They don’t go to work to make friends, but to work – only work. Whatever you do, don’t let these specimens see your fear or intimidation. They’ll kick you right out and race to the next interview.

8.Professional Recruiter

Suave, professional, well dressed; demeanor is quiet and confident, measuring.

These specimens spend their days interviewing people for specific companies. Their goal is more to screen you out than in, as they narrow their list of applicants. They won’t let you ask many questions, so concentrate on answering their questions with as many specifics as possible.

To get this specimen on your side, focus on presenting the best possible you. Answer confidently and communicate clearly.

9.Person Talks A Lot

Fashionable, often individualistic in dress; hoards sentimental items like pictures or mementos; prefers clutter to order; often runs late; demeanor is talkative and upbeat.

They enjoy company. These specimens gravitate toward busy offices where they’re surrounded by many others.

Start by establishing a personal connection with these specimens. They probably won’t pay much attention to you if they don’t like you. So, focus on keeping them interested throughout the interview – beware of boring them.

10.Strictly Technical Person

No definite description; look for pencils, notepads, and gadgets, like a pocket calculator or laptop; often found behind a technical title, like Accountant, Chemical Engineer; demeanor is friendly but distant.

These specimens do not mix well with other species, so camouflage yourself in the tools of your trade. Focus on your technical knowledge and achievements. Get this specimen excited by discussing common interests in your field.

They are undoubtedly skilled in their fields, but not in interviewing, so be ready to ask good questions.