How to use nonverbal behavior to enhance your job application?
24 September 2011
Read by 2485 persons
Creating a feeling of sympathy through direct eye contact, a smile, a firm handshake, appropriate clothing... These are all determining factors that will guide and influence the recruiter's hiring decision.
Nonverbal communication includes all forms of communication expressed other than through words. It includes, among other things, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, gestures, vocal behavior, physical characteristics, and clothing. Nonverbal behavior is an essential element in hiring decisions. It is therefore necessary to pay attention to the behaviors you will express during the interviews you attend.
In terms of process, your behavior will provoke emotional reactions in your interlocutor. Presenting yourself positively, smiling, or showing agreement with the recruiter will generate a favorable impression, which will increase your expected performance. This is because the recruiter may expect you to provoke the same type of reaction in your future colleagues or clients. In other words, if you make a good impression, recruiters will be more likely to recommend you for the position. However, it is not necessary to elaborate elaborate strategies regarding the behaviors to adopt. During the interview, the goal is mainly to remain natural and appear at ease. As the proverb says: "the best is the enemy of good." Furthermore, recruiters analyze nonverbal behavior in a general way, as it remains less important than the content of your speech or your resume. The meaning of behaviors varies greatly from one person to another, so recruiters must also remain cautious about their interpretation. However, they have a representation of what is "normal" behavior. If your behavior does not correspond to the subjective norm they have established, recruiters may be led to deepen their analysis. For example, when your nonverbal behaviors appear to contradict what you are saying.
As part of the research we conducted on more than 80 recruiters in French-speaking Switzerland, we asked them to evaluate fifteen nonverbal behaviors that could be expressed during an interview. The scatter plot below shows the responses regarding the importance of behaviors (vertical axis) for decision-making and the valence of these behaviors (horizontal axis). Valence defines an element as positive or negative. We note that five behaviors are negative and important for decision-making. These are interrupting the recruiter, looking away, speaking hesitantly, having a relaxed posture, and talking a lot. Two behaviors are positive and important for decision-making. These are smiling and looking the recruiter in the eyes.
The results of this study are consistent with those obtained in previous research. We will use them to advise you on the behaviors to adopt during your interviews, following a structure linked to the main research areas in nonverbal communication.
•Eye contact. It is advisable to frequently look the recruiter in the eyes, without staring. Avoid avoiding their gaze or glaring at them. This remark applies to Switzerland, but may work against you depending on the country in which you are applying. In general, recruiters believe that eye contact is linked to the interest shown in the position or the conversation. Research also highlights self-confidence, sincerity, or sympathy.
•Head and facial expressions. Keep your head straight, facing your interlocutor. Nodding your head, as a sign of approval, reflects your levels of attention and interest in what the recruiter is telling you. Try to show as many positive expressions as possible with your face. Smiling remains one of the key elements in the evaluation of your behavior.
•Posture. Adopt an upright posture, without being rigid. You can lean slightly forward or backward, but avoid being completely relaxed in your seat. A high degree of relaxation can be interpreted as negligence and therefore perceived negatively. Similarly, it is advisable to have an open posture, that is, not to cross your arms or legs. Finally, remain oriented towards your interlocutor.
•Gestures and movements. Be active during the interview, without overdoing it. The goal is to show that you are a dynamic person. Like a politician, you can use your gestures to accompany your speech, in order to make your words more persuasive or explicit.
•Touching. Scratching or touching your hair, head, or body is generally perceived negatively. Similarly, it is advisable to avoid manipulating too much the objects that you might have within reach, such as your pen. Recruiters believe that these are signs reflecting a lack of confidence or anxiety. It is also strongly recommended not to touch the recruiter and to maintain a certain distance from them. On the other hand, a firm and energetic handshake will be perceived positively, provided it remains adapted to the interlocutor. Taking notes is also well perceived. Some recruiters associate this behavior with conscientious and interested individuals.
•Vocal behavior. Varying the tone and intensity of your voice is perceived more positively. This can make your speech less monotonous. The intensity of the voice is correlated with extraversion and status. However, as we saw in the diagram presented above, you should not speak too loudly either. Make sure to keep your speech fluent, articulate well, and not speak too quickly. Finally, taking pauses when you speak can be well perceived. However, this strategy can be risky, because interrupting yourself too often or interrupting your interlocutor is evaluated very negatively.
•Personal characteristics. Many studies show that a person's attractiveness is linked to desirable social factors such as success, sociability, intelligence, or persuasion. It is therefore advisable to present yourself in your best light during the interview. Every detail counts. Among the elements over which you have the most control, we can mention your haircut, nail care, and body odor. Recruiters will not explicitly evaluate your personal characteristics. However, like everyone else, they are victims of certain cognitive biases and stereotypes that you must take into account.
•Clothing. The requirements for your outfit will depend on several factors such as the type of position, the person conducting the interview, or the company in which you will be applying. If you have any doubts about how to dress, you can always inquire about the company's dress code from your contact person. Specialists emphasize the fact that appropriate attire can help career advancement, as it reflects the individual's relationship with the company. In addition, clothes and accessories can be a way of communicating information about yourself. Your credibility will therefore depend on a suitable, elegant, and clean outfit, giving the impression of a conscientious, loyal, and respectful person.
It is important to note that behaviors are not analyzed one by one during the interview. They belong to a set of synchronized and dynamic reactions that are evaluated globally. The intensity and frequency of expression of certain behaviors can allow you to favor your application. However, you must avoid overdoing it. You must be able to gauge these aspects using your common sense so that they fit into a coherent and authentic behavior.
www.success-and-career.ch
Posted on September 24, 2011.
Nonverbal communication includes all forms of communication expressed other than through words. It includes, among other things, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, gestures, vocal behavior, physical characteristics, and clothing. Nonverbal behavior is an essential element in hiring decisions. It is therefore necessary to pay attention to the behaviors you will express during the interviews you attend.
In terms of process, your behavior will provoke emotional reactions in your interlocutor. Presenting yourself positively, smiling, or showing agreement with the recruiter will generate a favorable impression, which will increase your expected performance. This is because the recruiter may expect you to provoke the same type of reaction in your future colleagues or clients. In other words, if you make a good impression, recruiters will be more likely to recommend you for the position. However, it is not necessary to elaborate elaborate strategies regarding the behaviors to adopt. During the interview, the goal is mainly to remain natural and appear at ease. As the proverb says: "the best is the enemy of good." Furthermore, recruiters analyze nonverbal behavior in a general way, as it remains less important than the content of your speech or your resume. The meaning of behaviors varies greatly from one person to another, so recruiters must also remain cautious about their interpretation. However, they have a representation of what is "normal" behavior. If your behavior does not correspond to the subjective norm they have established, recruiters may be led to deepen their analysis. For example, when your nonverbal behaviors appear to contradict what you are saying.
As part of the research we conducted on more than 80 recruiters in French-speaking Switzerland, we asked them to evaluate fifteen nonverbal behaviors that could be expressed during an interview. The scatter plot below shows the responses regarding the importance of behaviors (vertical axis) for decision-making and the valence of these behaviors (horizontal axis). Valence defines an element as positive or negative. We note that five behaviors are negative and important for decision-making. These are interrupting the recruiter, looking away, speaking hesitantly, having a relaxed posture, and talking a lot. Two behaviors are positive and important for decision-making. These are smiling and looking the recruiter in the eyes.
The results of this study are consistent with those obtained in previous research. We will use them to advise you on the behaviors to adopt during your interviews, following a structure linked to the main research areas in nonverbal communication.
•Eye contact. It is advisable to frequently look the recruiter in the eyes, without staring. Avoid avoiding their gaze or glaring at them. This remark applies to Switzerland, but may work against you depending on the country in which you are applying. In general, recruiters believe that eye contact is linked to the interest shown in the position or the conversation. Research also highlights self-confidence, sincerity, or sympathy.
•Head and facial expressions. Keep your head straight, facing your interlocutor. Nodding your head, as a sign of approval, reflects your levels of attention and interest in what the recruiter is telling you. Try to show as many positive expressions as possible with your face. Smiling remains one of the key elements in the evaluation of your behavior.
•Posture. Adopt an upright posture, without being rigid. You can lean slightly forward or backward, but avoid being completely relaxed in your seat. A high degree of relaxation can be interpreted as negligence and therefore perceived negatively. Similarly, it is advisable to have an open posture, that is, not to cross your arms or legs. Finally, remain oriented towards your interlocutor.
•Gestures and movements. Be active during the interview, without overdoing it. The goal is to show that you are a dynamic person. Like a politician, you can use your gestures to accompany your speech, in order to make your words more persuasive or explicit.
•Touching. Scratching or touching your hair, head, or body is generally perceived negatively. Similarly, it is advisable to avoid manipulating too much the objects that you might have within reach, such as your pen. Recruiters believe that these are signs reflecting a lack of confidence or anxiety. It is also strongly recommended not to touch the recruiter and to maintain a certain distance from them. On the other hand, a firm and energetic handshake will be perceived positively, provided it remains adapted to the interlocutor. Taking notes is also well perceived. Some recruiters associate this behavior with conscientious and interested individuals.
•Vocal behavior. Varying the tone and intensity of your voice is perceived more positively. This can make your speech less monotonous. The intensity of the voice is correlated with extraversion and status. However, as we saw in the diagram presented above, you should not speak too loudly either. Make sure to keep your speech fluent, articulate well, and not speak too quickly. Finally, taking pauses when you speak can be well perceived. However, this strategy can be risky, because interrupting yourself too often or interrupting your interlocutor is evaluated very negatively.
•Personal characteristics. Many studies show that a person's attractiveness is linked to desirable social factors such as success, sociability, intelligence, or persuasion. It is therefore advisable to present yourself in your best light during the interview. Every detail counts. Among the elements over which you have the most control, we can mention your haircut, nail care, and body odor. Recruiters will not explicitly evaluate your personal characteristics. However, like everyone else, they are victims of certain cognitive biases and stereotypes that you must take into account.
•Clothing. The requirements for your outfit will depend on several factors such as the type of position, the person conducting the interview, or the company in which you will be applying. If you have any doubts about how to dress, you can always inquire about the company's dress code from your contact person. Specialists emphasize the fact that appropriate attire can help career advancement, as it reflects the individual's relationship with the company. In addition, clothes and accessories can be a way of communicating information about yourself. Your credibility will therefore depend on a suitable, elegant, and clean outfit, giving the impression of a conscientious, loyal, and respectful person.
It is important to note that behaviors are not analyzed one by one during the interview. They belong to a set of synchronized and dynamic reactions that are evaluated globally. The intensity and frequency of expression of certain behaviors can allow you to favor your application. However, you must avoid overdoing it. You must be able to gauge these aspects using your common sense so that they fit into a coherent and authentic behavior.
www.success-and-career.ch
Posted on September 24, 2011.
