Job Interview: Dos and Don'ts
25 November 2014
Read by 3769 persons
In interviews, as in life, there is nonverbal language that you must master, even just a little, to avoid making, unintentionally, some very damaging mistakes...
First Contact:
Capital, this first moment where you will discover your interlocutor, who will do the same, at the same time. Capital, because the first impression is lasting and not easily circumvented. Lively, instinctive and decisive, it will play on your recruiter's final decision. So, shake the hand that is offered to you in an honest, natural, energetic way, without limpness but without any brutality either. Relax. The more serene you are, the more the atmosphere will be, which will allow you a positive and productive exchange. At the same time as you extend your hand, remember to look your interlocutor in the eyes, without trying to escape their gaze, without scrutinizing them insistently and impolitely. Dose with precision. Dare to be yourself. And reply, smiling, open: "Good morning sir", or "Good morning madam".
Sit Correctly:
When you are invited to sit down, avoid sitting on the edge of the chair, shy, awkward, hesitant and especially, in a position of imbalance. This would prevent you from relaxing and would give the impression to the person facing you that you only have one wish: to leave. Take the time to settle in properly, to take your mental and spatial bearings, so that you can speak, exchange and share, simply and calmly. If you have a jacket, coat or umbrella in your hands, remember to put it down at the entrance, on a coat rack or another seat, where it won't fall twenty times, disturb you, distract you and annoy your recruiter, at the same time! Find the position that suits you best, without sprawling or slumping on the back of your seat. Sit up straight, without being stiff and/or tense, leaning towards your interlocutor: enough to communicate, but not too much, so as not to encroach on their safety space. Avoid crossing your legs in a seductive attitude or an excess of relaxation. Keep them placed calmly, without wrapping them around the uprights either, without playing with them. This would only betray your nervousness and the discomfort would slowly set in. As in life, the exchange is, very often, perceived by both parties in the same way.
Watch your gestures and tone:
Uncross your arms: Absolutely avoid this gesture of protection and withdrawal into yourself. Crossing your arms is often understood as a refusal to open up to the other, a confinement in one's safety bubble. Moreover, opening your arms will help you relax, unwind and therefore communicate more easily. Also avoid clenching your fists, it's aggressive and it's sending the same negative message.
Don't put your hand in front of your mouth: Many psychologists see this as a nonverbal way of expressing your disagreement with what is being proposed to you. If you are the one speaking, this will show embarrassment and your inability to speak freely, to offer a relaxed dialogue.
Don't fidget: Avoid stroking your hair, fiddling with your ears, scratching the back of your head (which shows that you are facing a very delicate situation) or nervously massaging your thighs. These gestures will betray you and annoy the person facing you.
Don't speak too loudly or too softly: Be audible without taking over the space by means of sound. Know that, to be heard, you must lower your voice, not raise it. It is also not a question of exceeding the number of decibels imposed by the most elementary courtesy.
The ReKrute.com Team
First Contact:
Capital, this first moment where you will discover your interlocutor, who will do the same, at the same time. Capital, because the first impression is lasting and not easily circumvented. Lively, instinctive and decisive, it will play on your recruiter's final decision. So, shake the hand that is offered to you in an honest, natural, energetic way, without limpness but without any brutality either. Relax. The more serene you are, the more the atmosphere will be, which will allow you a positive and productive exchange. At the same time as you extend your hand, remember to look your interlocutor in the eyes, without trying to escape their gaze, without scrutinizing them insistently and impolitely. Dose with precision. Dare to be yourself. And reply, smiling, open: "Good morning sir", or "Good morning madam".
Sit Correctly:
When you are invited to sit down, avoid sitting on the edge of the chair, shy, awkward, hesitant and especially, in a position of imbalance. This would prevent you from relaxing and would give the impression to the person facing you that you only have one wish: to leave. Take the time to settle in properly, to take your mental and spatial bearings, so that you can speak, exchange and share, simply and calmly. If you have a jacket, coat or umbrella in your hands, remember to put it down at the entrance, on a coat rack or another seat, where it won't fall twenty times, disturb you, distract you and annoy your recruiter, at the same time! Find the position that suits you best, without sprawling or slumping on the back of your seat. Sit up straight, without being stiff and/or tense, leaning towards your interlocutor: enough to communicate, but not too much, so as not to encroach on their safety space. Avoid crossing your legs in a seductive attitude or an excess of relaxation. Keep them placed calmly, without wrapping them around the uprights either, without playing with them. This would only betray your nervousness and the discomfort would slowly set in. As in life, the exchange is, very often, perceived by both parties in the same way.
Watch your gestures and tone:
Uncross your arms: Absolutely avoid this gesture of protection and withdrawal into yourself. Crossing your arms is often understood as a refusal to open up to the other, a confinement in one's safety bubble. Moreover, opening your arms will help you relax, unwind and therefore communicate more easily. Also avoid clenching your fists, it's aggressive and it's sending the same negative message.
Don't put your hand in front of your mouth: Many psychologists see this as a nonverbal way of expressing your disagreement with what is being proposed to you. If you are the one speaking, this will show embarrassment and your inability to speak freely, to offer a relaxed dialogue.
Don't fidget: Avoid stroking your hair, fiddling with your ears, scratching the back of your head (which shows that you are facing a very delicate situation) or nervously massaging your thighs. These gestures will betray you and annoy the person facing you.
Don't speak too loudly or too softly: Be audible without taking over the space by means of sound. Know that, to be heard, you must lower your voice, not raise it. It is also not a question of exceeding the number of decibels imposed by the most elementary courtesy.
The ReKrute.com Team
