Non-Verbal Behavior Matters in Job Interviews As Well

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There is nothing more important in a job interview than the impression you make. That includes how you present yourself, how you respond to questions, and the rapport you create with your interviewers. Non-verbal communication is as important as what you have to say. At All-Star Personnel, we learn from hiring managers that they aren’t just listening to your answers to their questions. They are listening to how you are saying it and evaluating that as much as anything else. Here are the non-verbal cues that are important in a job interview.

Body Language

Your body language can include any number of non-verbal cues in an interview setting including how you sit, where you put your hands, nodding along while your interviewer is describing the job opening (a positive cue), shaking your head when describing your qualifications (a negative cue), even whether you sit still or look up when you talk. Also be aware of how you are respecting the interviewer’s personal space, and avoid inappropriate gestures or inadvertent tics. These cues tell your interviewer more about yourself than you might expect. Poor posture and a bad handshake are two common indicators that will likely put off potential employers all on their own.

Attire and Grooming Choices

What you choose to wear to an interview speaks volumes about the type of employee you will likely be. To present yourself as professional, you really must dress the part. Always err on the side of a conservative dress code (meaning suits and ties for most candidates). Keep your hair neat and out of your eyes. Avoid distracting jewelry or accessories that draw attention away from what you are saying. Less is more when it comes to fragrance and makeup, and cover up any visible tattoos or unusual piercings. Remember, when it comes to how you look, anything that distracts attention away from your message is not doing you any favors.

Eye Contact and Facial Expressions

Good eye contact is critical in an interview. It shows confidence, openness, honesty, integrity, and other traits that employers like to see in their employees. While some say that extended eye contact can be interpreted as unsettling or creepy behavior, generally you’ll want to make as much eye contact as is natural given the setting. If you are being interviewed by a panel, make eye contact with each of the interviewees equally. Also, consider your default facial expression to be a smile. You want to appear friendly and approachable, like someone who would be a pleasure to work with in the given environment.

Voice Projection and Verbal Patterns

Public speaking still ranks high on the scale of what people are afraid of, making the pressure of a job interview that much worse. The pitch and projection of your voice are strong indicators of confidence. Avoid sounding weak or timid. Avoid filler words such as um or like. Try not to trail off at the end of a response; rather, end your sentences firmly and confidently. You’ll sound more sure of yourself and your qualifications.

All-Star Personnel, featuring jobs in La Vergne TN, works to foster not just successful relationships but special relationships with clients and candidates. Contact us today to get started!

 

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