Use Body Language to Your Advantage in an Interview
6 April 2015
Read by 3831 persons
Many people only worry about what they say in an interview, and that's a monumental mistake. Beyond words, your whole body speaks, and recruiters know how to interpret your body language. Hence the importance of using it wisely, considering your nonverbal language as part of the overall message you deliver to the employer.
Gestures are the first language of human beings and therefore the most ingrained in our emotional memory and the most significant in our subconscious. While verbal exchange is conscious, nonverbal communication is partly unconscious, although it is possible to conduct it deliberately and use it strategically.
Your body speaks without you knowing it
The body expresses all the emotions that inhabit us. Facial expressions, gestures, postures, and various noises reveal much more than we think. Clothing choices, hairstyle, and makeup are also part of the nonverbal communication elements that send signals to recruiters.
It is clear that verbal communication is only one component of communication. Indeed, in the 1960s, American researcher Albert Mehrabian estimated that 55% of a message is transmitted by body language, with tone of voice contributing 38%, while words only account for 7%.
It is not surprising that the employer observes body language to complete their evaluation, especially since they must gather a maximum of information in a minimum of time. For example, a simple nod, without uttering a single word, reveals to your interlocutor that you understand what they are saying. This is a good way to stay active and show your interest even when you are not speaking.
Since most recruiters take notes that will serve as a reminder when evaluating candidates, the importance of words in communicating your message will be higher than the percentage suggested by Mehrabian, provided there is agreement between what you say and what you show. For example, if you mention that you are a dynamic person, the employer must make the observation themselves during the interview to believe you.
The first impression
A good first impression is extremely important: even before uttering a single word, the image projected by the candidate will have an effect on the employer. Remember that a bad first impression does not easily fade and that there is no second chance to make a good first impression!
Be careful, it is not only the recruiter who can notice you during your appointment. Remember to be courteous with the reception staff and be polite and smiling with all the employees you meet in the corridors so that they have a positive opinion of you. Indeed, these people are often called upon to express their perception of the candidates received by the organization.
Watchful, but natural
The importance of nonverbal language is therefore very significant, especially during an interview. Since body language plays an important part in your presentation and the recruiter interprets it without your knowledge, pay attention to your way of moving. Most people know that this dimension of communication exists, but many candidates do not accurately measure its extreme importance in an interview.
However, you should not be afraid to make gestures. You can use nonverbal language to your advantage, as it can reinforce the coherence of your speech. It is said that body language tells the truth.
This column is taken from the book Interview - Prepare in 3 steps: PAT Interview Method. Copyright © Patricia St-Pierre, 2011. www.entrevues-conseils.com
Patricia St-Pierre
Workopolis.com
Posted online April 6, 2015.
Gestures are the first language of human beings and therefore the most ingrained in our emotional memory and the most significant in our subconscious. While verbal exchange is conscious, nonverbal communication is partly unconscious, although it is possible to conduct it deliberately and use it strategically.
Your body speaks without you knowing it
The body expresses all the emotions that inhabit us. Facial expressions, gestures, postures, and various noises reveal much more than we think. Clothing choices, hairstyle, and makeup are also part of the nonverbal communication elements that send signals to recruiters.
It is clear that verbal communication is only one component of communication. Indeed, in the 1960s, American researcher Albert Mehrabian estimated that 55% of a message is transmitted by body language, with tone of voice contributing 38%, while words only account for 7%.
It is not surprising that the employer observes body language to complete their evaluation, especially since they must gather a maximum of information in a minimum of time. For example, a simple nod, without uttering a single word, reveals to your interlocutor that you understand what they are saying. This is a good way to stay active and show your interest even when you are not speaking.
Since most recruiters take notes that will serve as a reminder when evaluating candidates, the importance of words in communicating your message will be higher than the percentage suggested by Mehrabian, provided there is agreement between what you say and what you show. For example, if you mention that you are a dynamic person, the employer must make the observation themselves during the interview to believe you.
The first impression
A good first impression is extremely important: even before uttering a single word, the image projected by the candidate will have an effect on the employer. Remember that a bad first impression does not easily fade and that there is no second chance to make a good first impression!
Be careful, it is not only the recruiter who can notice you during your appointment. Remember to be courteous with the reception staff and be polite and smiling with all the employees you meet in the corridors so that they have a positive opinion of you. Indeed, these people are often called upon to express their perception of the candidates received by the organization.
Watchful, but natural
The importance of nonverbal language is therefore very significant, especially during an interview. Since body language plays an important part in your presentation and the recruiter interprets it without your knowledge, pay attention to your way of moving. Most people know that this dimension of communication exists, but many candidates do not accurately measure its extreme importance in an interview.
However, you should not be afraid to make gestures. You can use nonverbal language to your advantage, as it can reinforce the coherence of your speech. It is said that body language tells the truth.
This column is taken from the book Interview - Prepare in 3 steps: PAT Interview Method. Copyright © Patricia St-Pierre, 2011. www.entrevues-conseils.com
Patricia St-Pierre
Workopolis.com
Posted online April 6, 2015.
