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You’ve managed to land an interview with your dream job and the big day is fast approaching. So, you spend time practicing how you will answer the most common interview questions and get your resume ready to impress the hiring manager. However, there’s something critical missing from your repertoire, which could cost you the opportunity when it comes to your overall interview skills. It’s a little something called non-verbal communication skills.
Did you know that what you say through body language has just as much to do with the success of your interview as what comes out of your mouth? Recent studies indicate that while 7% of communication comes from actual verbal skills, a whopping 55% is translated strictly by body language. This means, that most hiring managers are looking for subtle cues in your body language when going through the interview process, which is something you must be mindful of if you want to be successful at this stage of the game.
Read on to learn how you can use body language to your advantage while interviewing for the perfect job.
Eyes – As the saying goes, “the eyes are the window of the soul.” This same principle applies in the interviewing environment where interviewers are using eye contact to gauge the qualities of the person in front of them. It is true that human resource professionals are uniquely intuitive when it comes to eye contact with candidates. They can generally tell just from your eye movements, amount of time you gaze at them, and other unconscious behaviors, whether you are sincere or not. Be truthful and use plenty of positive eye contact when interviewing for the best results.
Facial Expression – Another thing to be mindful of when interviewing is your actual facial expressions. It’s natural for some people to be very animated when talking, while others have stony expressions. Sometimes, you may have a negative look in your face without realizing it, which can turn off the hiring manager in a matter of seconds. Take the time to practice your look in the mirror before heading to an interview. Make sure you smile frequently and avoid frowning or furrowing your brow while interviewing.
Posture – The way you sit or stand also has bearing on how you will do in the interview. Be cautious of leaning back in your chair and looking too casual or laid back, which can give the impression of being lazy. Likewise, respect the personal space of the interviewer by maintaining at least an arm’s length distance to avoid making them feel uncomfortable. Choose an upright, slightly forward position in your chair for a proactive, energetic look.
Hands – It’s not uncommon to experience restless or sweaty hands during an interview. This can make you seem nervous to the interviewer, so you want to avoid this as much as possible. Here’s a little trick to use. Before your interview, wash your hands thoroughly, apply a light lotion, and then sprinkle your hands lightly with talcum powder. This will give them a silky feel when you shake hands with the interviewer, and it will keep them from getting sweaty for the duration of the interview. Keep your hands slightly in front of you, in your lap or on the table, with relaxed wrists and open. Hold a pen if you get fidgety and take notes, but do not click or tap the pen.
Arms and Legs – How you hold your arms and position your legs can speak volumes about your personality, in an interview. Tightly crossed legs and arms indicate a closed off person, and someone who may be viewed as unfriendly. Loosely crossed at the ankles and knees are more acceptable. Your arms should be kept open and relaxed to invite the interviewer to get to know you. Remember to just breathe and be yourself and you will convey a sense of confidence in your interviews, which will help you get the job.
Need help with your interviewing skills? Contact Davis Staffing for more advice and job search support today. Please visit our website at https://www.davis-staffing.com/