You’ve swotted up on the organisation, prepared detailed, compelling answers for those all-important questions, and planned some incisive questions of your own that are sure to seal the deal. But selling yourself at an interview doesn’t end with what you’re saying.
From the second you shake hands and sit down, your interviewer is likely to have formed an opinion based on body language alone. Though the content of your communication is important, it’s the non-verbal which could be the difference maker between you and your competition.
Things like intonation, speed of delivery, pauses and facial expressions can carry a lot of information about yourself, so it’s essential to keep these non-verbal features in mind during your interview. Here, we’ll delve further into how you can effectively use body language and non-verbal communication in a way to give you the edge at your next interview.
What is Non-Verbal Communication?
Non-verbal communication is just as valuable as verbal communication, but what exactly is it? Experts suggest that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal, so knowing what it is and how to effectively cater your non-verbal communication is critical.
Simply put, non-verbal communication is anything you are communication to someone outside of the words you are saying, this includes body language, the tone of your voice and other non-verbal cues you can put across to someone during a conversation that convey your mood and a different meaning behind the words you’re saying.
Non-Verbal Communication Examples
There are countless examples of non-verbal communication that you give and receive every single day, but by knowing a few key examples, you may be able to alter your approach to job interviews.
Facial expressions
The same sentence said with two different facial expressions can hugely alter the perception of it, for example: a friend saying “I’m really pleased for you” through gritted teeth is obviously said with more negative emotion than saying it with a big smile.
Tone of voice
Have you ever heard the phrase, it’s not what you said, it’s how you said it? Well, that’s because someone has picked up on someone else’s tone of voice. Again, the same sentence said with a cheery tone comes across differently than one said in an aggressive manner, so you should be extra careful that the words you’re saying match the way you want to say them.
Why is Non-Verbal Communication Important?
Positive body language, while sometimes easier said than done, can separate ambitious, determined job-seekers from those who aren’t. It’s a vital part of the interview process that your interviewer will be well aware of during your time together.
Non-verbal communication helps to supplement your verbal communication, whether you’re answering a question, introducing yourself or any number of speech acts. Discrepancies between your body language and your speech will lead interviewers to reach certain conclusions, so it’s essential that there’s a synchronicity between the two.
Body language conveys information about the candidate’s emotions and attitudes too; if someone is blinking too much or tapping their feet, it’s likely a sign of their nervousness at the situation. Non-verbal cues also serve to control the flow of a conversation, ensuring that both candidate and interviewer don’t start speaking at the same time.
Why appearance matters
Non-verbal communication also encompasses how you look. The way you’re dressed, and how you present yourself, will also tell the interviewer plenty too. Inappropriate or sloppy-looking attire goes against the professional, confident manner you want to demonstrate, while too much perfume or a whiff of cigarette smoke are other red flags your interviewer may take note of.
Take pride in your appearance; something that exudes expertise and professionalism, that also makes you feel good, will be a natural confidence booster on the way to your interview. Allowing for plenty of travel time also ensures you won’t be rushing to get there; turning up looking dishevelled, sweaty and unkempt is never a good look.
Nailing the first impression
Even the way you greet the receptionist in the lobby can make an impact; you never know if the interviewer will ask them for more on your conduct before the interview. Be polite, introduce yourself and sit up straight while waiting. Rather than looking at your phone or listening to music, check over your interview preparation notes or any company materials in the lobby.
Upon meeting the interviewer, your first order of duty is getting the handshake right. A quick dash to the bathroom to wash your hands will save you the embarrassment of a sweaty palm, while a firm shake, rather than a bone-crushing grip, will put your first impression on the right track. A limp handshake can often imply awkwardness, uncertainty or nervousness too, not things you want to convey from the get-go.
Below, we share some other essential tips on how to nail non-verbal communication at your next job interview – from your initial meeting to your final goodbye.
Getting the Handshake Right
Upon meeting the interviewer, your first order of duty is getting the handshake right. A quick dash to the bathroom to wash your hands will save you the embarrassment of a sweaty palm, while a firm shake, rather than a bone-crushing grip, will put your first impression on the right track. A limp handshake can often imply awkwardness, uncertainty or nervousness too, not things you want to convey from the get-go.
Show Your Interest
Demonstrate your interest throughout the interview by maintaining eye contact and nodding along with their comments or questions. Some verbal interjections can also show interest but try to keep these at a minimum as it can show nervousness or even rudeness if they’re used too frequently. When you’re nervous, things that usually come naturally might fall by the wayside, so remember to smile and show how confident and capable you are for the job.
Hold Good Posture
Good posture goes a long way, showing confidence and maturity to a potential employer. Remember to keep your shoulders back and sit upright during the interview, a slouching posture can come across as unprofessional and could suggest a level of arrogance too, which is never good in a job interview.
Appear Organised
Bringing notes, a copy of your CV, and the job advertisement to the job interview not only makes you more prepared but also shows a level of professionalism that not every candidate will demonstrate. Appearing organised in the interview stage projects the message that you will continue this throughout your employment.
Implement Calming Techniques
Coming into an interview panicked and agitated gives entirely the wrong impression to potential employers. By implementing calming techniques such as mindfulness and breathing techniques, you can ensure that you go into the interview in a calm and collected manner ready to give the interview your best attempt.
Clarity of Voice
Speak at a clear volume, and take care to enunciate your words properly. So that you don’t sound rushed or lacking confidence, focus on breathing while you speak and make sure that you think before you speak. Although you want to appear confident, you don’t want to word vomit and portray yourself as nervous or indecisive.
After the interview
Before you leave, give the interviewer another firm handshake. Smile, thank them for their time and walk out confidently. Be sure to say goodbye to the receptionist or anyone else you spoke to on your way out, too.
Now you can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that you made an excellent impression using non-verbal or body language-based cues.
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