During an interview, is it beneficial to express too much familiarity with the interviewer?

Expressing too much familiarity during an interview can indeed undermine professionalism. Interviews are formal settings where first impressions are crucial, and maintaining a level of professionalism helps to convey respect for the interviewer and the process. It is essential to strike a balance between being personable and remaining professional. Over-familiarity can suggest a lack of boundaries and may lead the interviewer to question your judgment and suitability for the role.

Professionalism in an interview demonstrates that you understand the dynamics of workplace relationships. It sets the tone for how you might interact with colleagues and superiors within the organization. Therefore, while building rapport is important, it should not come at the expense of professionalism, which can be more reflective of one’s ability to perform in a work environment.