Body Language in Interviews
23 August 2010
Read by 1858 persons
"First impressions are always right," said Paul Léautaud. A century later, his aphorism has become a science. Recruiters and salespeople alike are now focused on deciphering body language.
Have we become so transparent?
Did you just put your hands under the table? Then this article is for you. Because you've been found out. Or so it seems. "People only hide their hands when they have something to hide," explains Joseph Messinger, author of the book *Ces gestes qui vous trahissent* (Gestures That Betray You). His bestseller, published by First editions, has sold 150,000 copies.
"Learn to decode the hidden meaning of your gestures before they speak for you," explains this psychologist. Is the crime of a bad gesture so obvious?
When candidates look at their navels
It's easy to fail a job interview because of an awkward gesture. "55% of a first impression is based on what is observed, 30% on your voice, and the rest on what you say," says Mark Bowen.
This American body language expert advises candidates to keep their hands near their navels to reduce stress. "Above all, don't let them go forward, a sign that you're starving," he insists.
Nor should you let them hang down, because you will tend to look down, which harms the confidence you project."
Philippe Turchet agrees it's complicated. "I believe there's nothing worse for a recruiter than someone trying to control themselves, a body that doesn't show anything real," comments this researcher in synergology, author of *Le langage universel du corps* (The Universal Language of the Body), and an authority in nonverbal communication.
Gestures that communicate
"I prefer to say that our gestures communicate rather than betray us," continues this trainer and speaker. In an interview, it's more useful to understand your recruiter's attitude than to control yourself."
Look the recruiter in the eye.
Some movements speak for themselves, according to Philippe Turchet. "A body leaning forward is a sign of openness, interest, while someone sunk in their chair is bored." But others are much more subtle. Look the recruiter in the eyes, for example. "There's a small muscle under the eye that contracts when you're comfortable. On the other hand, when you start to see the white of the eye, it's because the person is less at ease." The researcher, whose conclusions are based on observing the brain through hundreds of MRIs, admits that the nuances are subtle. "If someone runs their left hand through their hair, it's a sign of seduction. Unlike the right hand, which is a sign of reflection."
Is it a sign that the cause is lost? "No, quite the contrary, and that's the interest of observation," reassures the specialist. It's time to relaunch the interview and ask the recruiter if they need clarification, for example." Philippe Turchet suggests watching, rather than controlling. And also speaking. "Is it so serious to be overwhelmed by an emotion?, he concludes.
You can also admit that you're a little nervous or impressed.
Not only is the recruiter not used to hearing this kind of remark, but we also observe that this type of phrase defrosts people."
Posted on August 23, 2010
oda.com
Have we become so transparent?
Did you just put your hands under the table? Then this article is for you. Because you've been found out. Or so it seems. "People only hide their hands when they have something to hide," explains Joseph Messinger, author of the book *Ces gestes qui vous trahissent* (Gestures That Betray You). His bestseller, published by First editions, has sold 150,000 copies.
"Learn to decode the hidden meaning of your gestures before they speak for you," explains this psychologist. Is the crime of a bad gesture so obvious?
When candidates look at their navels
It's easy to fail a job interview because of an awkward gesture. "55% of a first impression is based on what is observed, 30% on your voice, and the rest on what you say," says Mark Bowen.
This American body language expert advises candidates to keep their hands near their navels to reduce stress. "Above all, don't let them go forward, a sign that you're starving," he insists.
Nor should you let them hang down, because you will tend to look down, which harms the confidence you project."
Philippe Turchet agrees it's complicated. "I believe there's nothing worse for a recruiter than someone trying to control themselves, a body that doesn't show anything real," comments this researcher in synergology, author of *Le langage universel du corps* (The Universal Language of the Body), and an authority in nonverbal communication.
Gestures that communicate
"I prefer to say that our gestures communicate rather than betray us," continues this trainer and speaker. In an interview, it's more useful to understand your recruiter's attitude than to control yourself."
Look the recruiter in the eye.
Some movements speak for themselves, according to Philippe Turchet. "A body leaning forward is a sign of openness, interest, while someone sunk in their chair is bored." But others are much more subtle. Look the recruiter in the eyes, for example. "There's a small muscle under the eye that contracts when you're comfortable. On the other hand, when you start to see the white of the eye, it's because the person is less at ease." The researcher, whose conclusions are based on observing the brain through hundreds of MRIs, admits that the nuances are subtle. "If someone runs their left hand through their hair, it's a sign of seduction. Unlike the right hand, which is a sign of reflection."
Is it a sign that the cause is lost? "No, quite the contrary, and that's the interest of observation," reassures the specialist. It's time to relaunch the interview and ask the recruiter if they need clarification, for example." Philippe Turchet suggests watching, rather than controlling. And also speaking. "Is it so serious to be overwhelmed by an emotion?, he concludes.
You can also admit that you're a little nervous or impressed.
Not only is the recruiter not used to hearing this kind of remark, but we also observe that this type of phrase defrosts people."
Posted on August 23, 2010
oda.com
