The Power Of Nonverbal Communication On An Interview
Research shows that 55% of how you are perceived during an interview is through elements of nonverbal communication. How you move and gesture will influence an Interviewer's first impression, and since first impressions are made within the first few minutes, and are everlasting, it is important to understand the mechanics of nonverbal communication to ensure you are being viewed as a credible and confident candidate for hire.
For example, when tone of voice and facial expressions conflict with the words you are saying, the Interviewer will place more weight on your nonverbal message. If your mouth says "hire me" but your body says something different, it could leave the interviewer confused. The interviewer thinks "The right answers were provided, but something about that candidate just did not sit right with me", and the opportunity to be hired is lost.
Although body language is not an exact science, in this blog we will review what studies have shown in regard to the impact of negative body language. You will also learn how to send positive body signals that will increase your chances for a successful job interview.
SO, YOU GOT THE INTERVIEW
Once invited in for an interview, it is safe to assume that the interviewer believes that you meet the minimum requirements needed to potentially be hired. Upon arriving at the interview, you will be evaluated in three areas:
Can you do the job?
Will you do the job?
How will you fit in?
Preparing your accomplishment stories is important, but practicing and getting feedback on how you say your responses is even more important because it can emphasize positive aspects of your personality such as integrity and honesty. This builds credibility with the Interviewer and can lead to a job offer.
THE HANDSHAKE
Giving a "dead fish" handshake, or the opposite extreme, “a bone crusher grip” will not make a favorable impression with the Interviewer. A proper handshake requires practice and the following:
Hands are to be clean, adequately manicured, and reasonably free of perspiration.
The handshake is to be executed professionally. This requires that you lean forward ever so slightly to provide a firm handshake that lasts between three and five seconds and is to be accompanied by a smile.
Additional tips include that you:
Match the pressure extended by the interviewer, never exceed it.
Maintain a professional distance.
Do not initiate the handshake. This may send the message that you have a desire to dominate the interview. So, it is better to wait a moment and allow the interviewer to initiate the handshake.
Use only one hand, and always shake vertically. Never extend your hand parallel to the floor with the palm up, as this conveys submissiveness, and never extend your hand flat and outward, with the palm facing down, as this conveys aggressiveness.
Stand up to greet and shake the Interviewer’s hand, should you be approached when sitting in the lobby.
PROFESSIONAL ZONE
It is best if you maintain the thought that you are an invited guest, so that you do not encroach on the Interviewer’s "Personal Zone". One way to maintain the professional zone is upon entering the Interviewer’s office, or conference room. You want to wait for the interviewer to motion to you where you are to be seated. Once seated, keep your briefcase alongside you, using only a small portion of the table space in front of you for placement of resume and a notebook.
FACIAL/HEAD SIGNALS
Once you take your seat, expect the interviewer to take the lead, and since all of the body is capable of sending both positive and negative signals, the head, including the eyes and mouth, are under watch for messaging.
What you say with your eyes:
Looking at someone shows interest in that person, and showing interest is a giant step forward in making the right impression. Your goal should be to maintain a calm, steady, and non-threatening gaze.
Often it is too easy to mismanage this, so keep the following in mind to ensure your gaze remains engaging.
Avoid looking away or downward from the interviewer for long periods while they are talking, or when providing a response to a question.
Avoid closing your eyes.
You may break your gaze to refer to your notepad or to use expressions when a point is being made. This will show that you are attentive and engaged; however, be wary of breaking eye contact too abruptly or shifting your focus in ways that will disrupt the atmosphere of professionalism. For example, gazing at the interviewer below the head or shoulders is a sign of over familiarity.
Beware of the difference between looking at someone and staring at someone.
Remember, most people feel anxious about how to respond to what the interviewer will ask. If you are prepared with credible responses, and practice ahead of time, you will not be as anxious and your eye contact will be less frantic.
What you say with your head:
Rapidly nodding your head can leave the impression that you are impatient and eager to add something to the conversation. Be mindful of this and slow down. Nodding slowly can emphasize an interest and show that you are validating the comments of your Interviewer, which will lead to a positive exchange between you and the Interviewer.
Tilting the head slightly when combined with eye contact demonstrates friendliness and that you are approachable. Note: When the head is tilting, the tilt should be momentary and not exaggerated.
What you say with your mouth:
The smile is the most powerful positive body signal. Offer an unforced, confident smile as often as an opportunity may invite. Avoid
and catch yourself grinning during the interview. You will only communicate that you are insincere or not quite in sync with the Interviewer.
It is important to remember that the mouth provides a limitless supply of opportunities to convey weakness, including:
Touching the mouth frequently.
Faking a cough when confronted with a difficult question, and
Gnawing on your lips absentmindedly.
Glasses:
If you wear glasses, feel free to wear them during the interview. Studies have shown that people who wear glasses are perceived as being more intelligent than those who don't.
Never peer over the top of your glasses if you’re handed something to read, and then follow up with a question. This can be interpreted as critical. If you wear glasses for reading, simply remove them while conversing.
Never wear dark glasses to an interview. You will be perceived as secretive, possibly even devious.
BODY SIGNAL BARRICADES
Folding the arms or holding things in front of the body can send a variety of messages to the Interviewer such as "I know you're there, but I won’t let you in” or “I am protecting myself”. So, keep your arms alongside you should you be standing or comfortably placed on the arm rests of a chair.
Never fold your arms or place a clipboard or binder in front of your chest. This creates a barrier and diminishes your position of power. It prevents you from being seen as fully present upon entering a room.
HANDS
Proper use of hand gestures during the interview will convey a "nothing to hide" message. Examples of negative hand messages include:
Hands or fingers that fidget with themselves or other objects such as pens, paper, or hair. Tapping is interpreted as the action of an impatient person.
Clasping your hands behind your head demonstrates smugness and superiority.
A man can show insecurity by simply adjusting his tie. When interviewing with a woman, this gesture may show something other than a businesslike interest in the interviewer.
Slouching in your chair with hands in pockets or thumbs in a belt can brand you as insolent and aggressive.
Pulling your collar from your neck may seem innocent, but the interviewer might see you as tense and/or hiding the truth. The same goes for scratching your neck before, during, or after your response to a question.
Picking at invisible lint on one's suit can be taken as a nervous habit. Keep your focus on the interviewer.
Using your hands in positive ways can further your chances of success. Subtly exposing your palms now and then as you speak demonstrates that you are open, friendly, and have nothing to hide.
When considering a question:
It can be beneficial to "steeple" your fingers for a few seconds as you think, and when you first start to speak.
Steepling will also give you something constructive to do with your hands.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Using a combination of the following positive signals can send a message of competence and professionalism.
Sit well back in the chair.
Keep your head up.
Maintain good eye contact a good portion of the time.
Smile naturally whenever the opportunity arises.
Avoid folding your arms.
Show one or both of your palms occasionally as you make points.
IN CONCLUSION
Your body language can make a strong impression on those you meet. It tells whether you like and have confidence in yourself, are pleasant to be around, and if your responses are to be trusted or doubted.
Job interviews test the job seeker’s ability to communicate and be understood within a very short period of time. All the more reason to be aware of and manage your nonverbal messaging while providing your verbal responses.
SOURCES:
Understanding Body Language: How to Decode Nonverbal Communication in Life, Love, and Work- Paperback – January 5, 2021 by Scott Rouse (Author)
Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are - June 2012 TEDGlobal by Amy Cuddy | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc