How to Win Over Your Interviewers: Psychology-Backed Techniques to Help You in Your Job Search

“I didn’t get the job, but I thought the interview went well.”

“They smiled at me multiple times. I was sure I had it! Apparently, I didn’t because HR said they went with another candidate. WTH!”

Sounds familiar?

Don’t just ace your interview with great answers, get your next job by helping your interviewers like you, the moment you walk through that door! So, here is how to strategically do that using psychology-backed techniques that build trust and connection:

I. Make a Great First Impression Using the Power Triad

The first 7 seconds is key! Research shows that your interviewers form their impressions within 7 seconds of meeting you—such impressions stick (Eillis & Todorov, 2006). Warmth and competence are crucial. To convey both, be sure to:

1. Arrive early. Being too early is not good either; 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled interview is standard.

2. Show up dressed according to the company’s dress code and what is acceptable in your industry. General rule: It is better to overdress than to come underdressed for any job interview.

3. Make eye contact. Do not overdo it though; it will make people uncomfortable.

4. Greet everyone in an enthusiastic tone. Don’t fake this—sound authentic by starting your day in good spirits.

5. Use open body language. Smile, sit straight, and refrain from crossing your arms.

   
   

MEMORY AID: Use the POWER TRIAD - Eye Contact + Open Body Language + Enthusiastic Tone

II. Build Rapport Through Mirror Neurons

Subtly mirroring your interviewers’ tone or posture can trigger the Chameleon Effect, a science-backed way to build unconscious trust (Chartrand & Bargh, 1999). In addition, give them a genuine smile as dopamine and oxytocin are contagious.

III. Answer Your Questions Using the STAR Method

Why do you think movies, TV shows, and books that tell a story sell? Stories help people make the world make sense (i.e., understand things that are vague), trigger our senses (i.e., feel more connected with people), and offer us a reprieve (i.e., provide us an escape from negative realities). This is why it is vital that we incorporate stories in our interviews.

Here is the famous way of doing just that—The STAR Method:

1. Situation: Provide context.

   “In my previous role as a communications manager in a hospital, I had to help launch a volunteer program campaign, but I was given a very tight deadline.”

   
   

2. Task: Explain your responsibility.
   “My task was to ensure all departments get a customized message about the program and launch the campaign on time despite a two-week delay in initial approvals.”

   
   

3. Action: Detail the steps you took.
   “I set up daily 15-minute stand-up meetings with my team, created a real-time tracking dashboard, and negotiated revised deadlines that still met the executive team’s core milestones.

   
   

4. Result: Share the outcome.

   “We didn’t need the extended deadline--we gained 15 new volunteer sign-ups after our first hospital-wide email, and the executive team cited our coordination effort as key to success.”

STAR IN ONE SENTENCE: When [Situation], I was responsible for [Task]. I [Action], which led to [Result].

Do you want to leave a strong impression? For select questions, add an emotional reflection before moving on to the next question. For example, “What I loved most about solving that challenge was seeing my team light up while making a difference in our community.”

BONUS: Subscribe to our newsletter TODAY only and receive our complimentary Courage Creatives STAR METHOD GETS THE JOB Cheat Sheet! (Check your SPAM folder or email Maria@couragecreatives.com if you did not get it after subscribing).

IV. Offer the Cure to Their Pain Points

Conclude the interview with a summary of how you are able to help the company address one or more of their pain points. This aligns with Cialdini’s (2001) principle of reciprocity: offering something of value increases the odds they’ll reciprocate with a positive response.

Takeaway: Your shiny resume gets you an interview, but your first impression during that interview will most likely get you the job. So, smile, build your rapport through mirroring, use the STAR Method, and offer a cure for the company’s pain point.

Note: These techniques do not guarantee you a job, but it will increase the likelihood of you getting it or at least plant that seed for your future role.

References

Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and practice (4th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.

Chartrand, T. L., & Bargh, J. A. (1999). The chameleon effect: The perception–behavior link and social interaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(6), 893–910. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.76.6.893

Willis, J., & Todorov, A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17(7), 592–598. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01750.x\

Maria Soriano is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and advocate for courageous living. As the founder and CEO of Courage Creatives, she helps individuals break through fear, find clarity, and take bold, values-driven steps toward personal and professional growth.

Dubbed as the Courage Coach, Maria brings deep empathy and actionable strategies to those navigating life transitions. She is also a sought-after host and emcee for community and corporate events, known for her energy, presence, and authenticity.

A SHRM-certified HR professional with years of experience in talent development, Maria also leads GoodHire Recruitment, a boutique agency that connects purpose-driven professionals with mission-aligned organizations. Her work in career architecture and workforce well-being has empowered countless individuals to align their gifts with meaningful work.

In addition, Maria brings over a decade of experience in higher education and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is also pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, further deepening her ability to support others with compassion and insight.

Her love for storytelling continues through The Courageously Speaking Podcast, where she hosts raw, unfiltered conversations on resilience, leadership, and growth. Outside her professional work, Maria is a singer-songwriter who often collaborates with her husband, using music to inspire connection and healing.

At the heart of everything she does, Maria champions courage — helping others embrace uncertainty, trust their instincts, and live boldly and authentically.