Build the right kind of rapport during the job interview.
A lot of interviewing advice tells how important it is for the interviewer to like you on a personal human level.
Some even go as far as saying that forging a personal connection is way more important than showcasing your skills, education and overall fit for the position.
…and that’s exactly what Sam did.
Yes, it’s important to try and build a friendly rapport with the hiring manager. But this should not be the ultimate focus of your interview. On the contrary, if you feel that the conversation is slipping into something too unrelated, get it back on track — that is towards explaining why you are super qualified for the job at hand.
Ultimately, you should spend 10%-15% of the interview time on polite chit-chat and the remaining bulk to express your fit for the job.