Mirroring is a mechanism where interviewers employ sensory language to build coherence between themselves and the interviewees. When mirroring, one can adopt the other person’s non-verbal and verbal behaviors, and if done correctly, one might appear more likable, which is essential in building a rapport. It is most effective during one-on-one conversation rather than in groups, and to achieve this, one must avoid mimicking unusual phrases and someone’s accent. In addition, one must prevent mirroring negative body language like closing your eyes, crossing your arms or legs, and supporting your head with your arms. Mirroring works best if the prospect does not realize what you are doing because they might think you are making fun of them. Mirroring should be used during a job interview to mirror the interviewer’s positive body language, such as eye contact and smile, to create a good impression that might positively affect my interview performance.
Shifting is a technique in which interviewers employ similar sensory language in asking questions and moving the interviewee into the topic under study through familiar and comfortable language. The interviewer has already identified the excellent communication style and uses the subject’s terms for a more preferred discussion. This could be used during an interrogation where the detectives shift an interview to become an investigation. Therefore, the concept of shifting is critical in promoting communication and making interviewees comfortable during interviews.