Interview Chemistry, a Blend of Art and Science

Chemistry is key, not only on a date, but also in creating a connection with a job interviewer.

So observe your surroundings -- diplomas on walls, trophies on shelves and family mementos on desks -- for insight into your future boss.

Weaving those elements into small talk helps relieve the awkwardness of an interview. It's not enough for job seekers to sell their expertise and experience while ignoring the human element, experts say. Finding common ground helps wow and win over the person in the hiring seat.

"You need to show that you're not robotic and not going through step one to 10 on how to interview," said Jim Garzione, president of Thinkdesign and Communications in Falls Church.

Applicants can learn a lot before the actual meeting. Looking online for commonalities is a good start, said Victoria Kindon, director of product management at NGP Software in the District. "Do they have an annual retreat in Vermont and you love going to New England as well?" Perhaps the manager went to an Atlantic Coast Conference school, "and you know a ton about college hoops?"

In bringing up a topic to build a bridge with the prospective boss, a candidate should be truthful about hobbies and interests. "One authentic connection is worth more than 10 phony ones," Kindon said. "Do your research and be yourself. I'm always surprised how many applicants don't do either, and they are missing out on the opportunity to demonstrate they would be the best candidate for my team."

Agustin Cruz recalls connecting with the interviewer for a position with the National Association of Home Builders in the District. His eventual supervisor displayed a low-key and soft-spoken demeanor that immediately put Cruz at ease.

"I recognized his last name as being Dutch, and wanting to set a relaxed tone for the meeting, asked him if it was," said Cruz, 37, who got the job five years ago and is now executive director of business management for the association. "He seemed pleasantly surprised that I knew."

In this initial two- or three-minute exchange, the interviewer responded kindly and elaborated on his family's origin. The openness "indicated a high level of comfort with my personality," Cruz said. It led to a productive discussion about the position, another meeting and a job offer.

But a personal approach doesn't always work. If the interviewer balks, a job seeker should go back to the basics, striking a more traditional tone, Garzione suggested.

"That is an on-the-spot call," he said. Garzione recommends steering clear of religion and politics even if the candidate notices a photograph of a politician or clergy member. "You need to assess your surroundings and not step over the line."

In a casual workplace, chemistry between the candidate and the entire staff matters, said Cyndy Canada, human resources director at Handwriting Without Tears, a children's educational publisher with headquarters in Montgomery County. There, each candidate is interviewed by several groups and introduced to multiple people.

"The interviews that are more like a conversation than a structured interview tend to show the chemistry," Canada said. Her advice boils down to this: "Talk freely, laugh a little and just enjoy yourself."

Ideally, you should feel as if you can have genuine rapport with a new boss and colleagues, said Adam Sidel, president of Brainstorm Creative Resources, a D.C. placement and consulting firm.

"As in dating, you are unlikely to achieve much in the long term if your relationship is based on misconceptions," he said.

Many job seekers mistakenly "believe great work experience or academics trumps all else," he said, but the way people click "is definitely an important factor in the hiring process."

In fact, initial chemistry may be even more critical on an interview than on a date. A couple may date for months or years before seriously considering marriage. But an employer and potential employee may meet only once or twice before a job offer is extended.

"Fully engaged employees typically spend at least 40 hours each week away from their loved ones," Sidel said. "So, it is unfortunate that most hiring decisions are made after just a few dates."