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In an interview you want to pay attention to your tone of voice. Do I sound enthusiastic, boring, engaging, etc.? Is my voice range consistent or do I allow fluctuation and emphasis on parts I want to grab the interviewers attention? I never lack in showing expression and emotion when I am talking. Sometimes it's a little too consistent and comes off overwhelming. Something to practice is remember the key parts and using those as opportunities to make what I am saying more lively.

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According to , body language and tone of voice play a key role in communication. More specifically, when we interact with other people, 55% of the cues we receive are non-verbal, 38% relate with the tone of voice, and only 7% connect with the exact words we use or hear. Undoubtedly, the non-verbal signals we send and receive during a conversation affect its quality massively.

During job interviews, communicating effectively with the interviewer is crucial to make a good impression on them and get the job. So how can you ensure that all your communication channels will work in your favor on that day? With the right interview preparation , everything will be on point. Here, we share some valuable tips for interviewees regarding body language and tone of voice to help you out.

Body language and voice projection tips for your next interview

Firstly, to have positive body language on the interview day, it's important to be rested and relaxed. To avoid being fatigued and uneasy, get a good night's sleep and eat healthily. Also, pick an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and make sure to arrive at the meeting well-prepared. For example, organize the items that you'll need during the interview, such as a printed copy of your or your cover letter , well in advance. This way, you'll reduce anxiety and tension before the assessment starts, emotions that could easily distract both you and the interviewer.

And now the time has come. You've reached the interview location and the interviewer is waiting for you. What will happen next?

As you may know, first impressions count. That's why it's important to gain the interviewer's trust from the beginning, in this case through a handshake. Since the interviewer is hosting this meeting, wait for them to give you their hand first. When this happens, look at them in the eye and return them a firm and steady handshake to shield a great first impression.

Once the interviewer has welcomed you, it's time to take a seat. Make sure to sit upright, not too loosely nor too tightly, and lean your body towards them. It's best to keep your items close to you in case you need anything during the interview process. Plus, avoid crossing your legs or arms, as this could reveal defensiveness and insecurity. Instead, keep an "open body" position that shows curiosity and self-confidence, and make yourself comfortable.

Remember to make eye contact with the speaker to show them that your attention is on them. Take some small breaks in-between to look at the environment around you when you see fit. This way, you won't intrude on the interviewer's personal space and you'll help them feel comfortable, as well.

When we talk, we usually move our hands naturally to emphasize what we say. In most cases, this promotes healthy communication. Make sure not to overdo it though, as you might distract the interviewer. Try to avoid some automated, unconscious habits, such as touching your face, as it may seem impolite.

To make someone understand that you're listening to them, it's important to send them cues that you notice what they say. Nod your head at certain moments, smile to show them that you're positive, and make vocal affirmations, especially when you haven't spoken for a while. In short, be fully present.

Based on the stats mentioned earlier, tone of voice impacts communication more than the actual words we say. Overall, a gentle but secure tone of voice will enable you to initiate and maintain clear communication. Project your voice clearly and let it fluctuate to show emphasis when needed. On the other hand, a monotonous, low-pitch voice could indicate that you're indifferent.

Finally, if you want to take it to the next level, you can follow the principles. Mirroring often happens unconsciously when trying to build rapport with someone. But we can also self-organize with the speaker on purpose by mimicking their behavior or highlighting our common traits to nurture a sense of belonging. However, it's important to stay true to yourself and avoid exaggerating, as you might show a lack of authenticity.

About video interviews

The majority of interview tips shared above apply to video interviews as well, except for the handshake. The interviewer receives the rest of the non-verbal cues through the screen as they would in real-time.

If you want to maintain eye contact virtually, look straight at the camera when you talk and focus your eyesight on the screen when the interviewer takes the lead to show them that you listen. To ensure an efficient experience from the interviewer's side, before the interview starts, check all the equipment your non-verbal communication will rely on during the call: camera, microphone, and internet connection.

About phone interviews

As for phone interviews, tone of voice is the main non-verbal cue. Apart from the relevant tips mentioned above, we strongly recommend taking the call in a quiet place so that the interviewer can hear you. Plus, during phone interviews, vocal affirmations matter a lot as the interviewer is unable to observe if you listen to them through your body language.

To sum up, body language and tone of voice will define the success of your next interview to a great extent. To achieve the best results, you can practice alone by recording yourself to improve your body language or learn how to control your voice. You can also book a mock interview session with a career strategist or coach , who will help you absorb all this information quickly and efficiently.

A final note: All these tips can be handy and useful during interviews, but what matters the most to get the job is your skillset. That's why it's important to stay true to yourself and avoid replicating something that feels unnatural to you. All these practices will eventually enable you to reduce unnecessary noise and distractions and help the interviewer concentrate on your talents, work values, and credentials.

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CareerHigher | Interview Body Language and Tone of Voice- Best practice

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According to , body language and tone of voice play a key role in communication. More specifically, when we interact with other people, 55% of the cues we receive are non-verbal, 38% relate with the tone of voice, and only 7% connect with the exact words we use or hear.

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Is my body language complimenting my verbal message? Or am I contradicting it? While you are literally speaking your body language is your nonverbal voice (and believe me it says a lot). While tapping your feet, fiddling with your hand and more can show a sign of insecurity and nervousness in an interview. Nodding your head, sitting up straight, etc., can show confidence, sureness and assurance in what you are saying. https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-body-language-tips

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There are several steps to nail when it comes to landing your dream job, like polishing your resume and perfecting your cover letter. Once you make it to the interview stage, give yourself a brief pat on the back, but don't get too comfortable. How you appeal to an employer goes beyond what's on paper. Your work experience may show your ambition and qualifications, but what does your slouching say?

What's the best job for you?

Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. Select the career path that aligns with you:

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Calculating your job matches...

Body language is a form of communication, and it pays to be mindful of the message you're sending with it. During a job interview, you'll want to use it to showcase not only your best professional self, but also your genuine personality.

What Is Body Language and Why Is It Important in an Interview?

Body language boils down to what you're communicating without speaking. These nonverbal cues can include your posture and eye contact (or lack thereof) as well as toe tapping, pen clicking, and other common actions you may not think about.

"We read each other's body language and vocal delivery to make hundreds of snap judgments that affect whether we like, trust, and respect a person," says Muse career coach Eloise Eonnet, who's an expert in interviewing, communication, and public speaking. "These snap judgments powerfully impact a decision of whether to hire someone or not."

Your cover letter and resume got you to this point-now you want to fully match and hopefully exceed their expectations. The goal is to communicate strength, assuredness, and confidence at your interview, but not at the expense of being relaxed and personable. So much of that comes down to what you express beyond just your words.

"Body language is 90% of how we are perceived. We can say, 'I am a great fit for this position,' two times and the first time comes off as confident, poised, and knowledgeable, and the second time as unsure, nervous, and inexperienced," Eonnet says. "All that hinges on how we say something, not what we say," she adds, which is why your physical and vocal delivery are so important.

For example, one study that looked specifically at facial behaviors during job interviews found that eye contact and smiling were particularly important to employers. In a separate survey by the staffing firm OfficeTeam, senior managers said that after eye contact, facial expressions, posture, handshakes, and fidgeting were some of the most telling nonverbal cues in an interview.

"Facial expressions can be the most misunderstood nonverbal cue," says Monique Sample, a coordinator for employer and experiential development at Virginia Commonwealth University Career Services. "Our faces tell more of the story than any words we use. Being mindful of how you express emotion when speaking (or when not) is important when interviewing," she adds. "Focus on answering the question honestly, enthusiastically, and with some emotion. You do not want to look stoic in an interview."

8 Body Language Tips for Your Next Interview

Because body language can communicate so much-and interviewers are definitely paying attention-you'll want to be just as prepared to give positive nonverbal cues as you are to answer interview questions. Here are eight tips you can use to send the right message.

1. Make a Solid First Impression

Your interview begins as soon as you enter the building, Sample says. Just as you'll want to treat everyone you meet during the interview process (not just the hiring manager) with respect, you'll want to exude confidence and poise throughout (not just while you're literally sitting down for your interview).

When you enter the office and connect with the receptionist, executive assistant, or whoever you encounter, make sure that you maintain strong eye contact and introduce yourself with confidence. If you are initially led to a waiting area, avoid the common default of hunching over your phone. This kind of body language can easily translate as boredom. Instead, sit upright in a comfortable position while you wait.

When you meet the interviewer, stand up and introduce yourself with a warm, genuine smile and a firm handshake.

2. Think Twice Before Wearing the New Shoes

Discomfort is another issue that can be very distracting for both you and the interviewer. Buying a nice pair of new shoes or a belt to match your blazer may seem like a great idea, but if your wardrobe causes you to fidget or do a lot of shifting, consider going with an appropriate but reliable option instead. Making a lot of fuss with your clothing can send the wrong signal, potentially communicating discomfort with the interview rather than your apparel.

3. Make Eye Contact

Eye contact is essential because it "showcases your confidence in yourself and in your answers," Sample says. In practice, you should "avoid looking all around the room, looking down at your watch, or not making eye contact at all, as it makes [you] appear apprehensive and distracted."

But it goes beyond confidence and focus. Eye contact is also the basis for making connections and building relationships. "Your listener will only feel truly engaged with you if you are looking at them, and ultimately, your number one objective is to engage your listener and make them respond-even internally-to what you are sharing," Eonnet says. "Without steady eye contact throughout the conversation, and especially at the beginning of your answers, you're breaking that connection and impacting how emotionally connected your interviewer will be with what you share," she adds. "At the end of the day, the interview is just a conversation with another human being. Make a strong connection at that level, and you are doing yourself a huge favor!"

On the other hand, remember that maintaining unwavering eye contact without any variation in your facial expression is just staring and can make an interviewer uncomfortable or even signal hostility. Which brings us to this next tip.

4. Be Responsive and Listen to Understand

It's only natural to want to tell the interviewer all about yourself and the accomplishments and experiences that make you the perfect candidate, Sample says. But don't forget to listen empathetically and engage with what the interviewer is saying as well. They'll be looking to assess your interpersonal skills along with your experience and other qualifications, and how you behave when you're not talking is an important part of the impression you'll make.

The goal is to stay alert and responsive. "When interviewing, lean slightly forward toward your interviewer. This sends the message that you are open, interested, and involved in the conversation," Sample says. Giving a genuine nod can show you're listening and tilting your head slightly to one side can help you come across as someone who's friendly and approachable.

5. Remember Your Posture

"The way we hold our bodies tells lots of stories at an unconscious level: Is the person confident and engaged, or is the person shy and in retreat?" Eonnet says. "Posture is the first clue and impacts the way we are heard, regardless of how great our stories are."

Slouching in particular can translate as a lack of energy and confidence, Sample says. So make sure you're sitting up straight and think of keeping your shoulders back rather than up. On the other end of the spectrum, "Being stiff can easily be associated with being nervous, which is something that recruiters and hiring managers expect," Sample says. "But being too stiff can make you appear uncomfortable or unfriendly, so try to loosen up a little before your interview."

6. Be Mindful of Your Hands

Interviewers are trying to get a sense of who you are, Sample says, so let your personality shine through! This includes talking with your hands if that comes naturally to you. Some candidates feel self-conscious about doing so, but stifling a trait like this can actually lead to unnecessary fidgeting. So feel free to use your hands to communicate effectively and genuinely.

Otherwise, when you're not talking, put your hands in a neutral position and hold them still to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to them. "The best place for your hands to rest is on the table or desk in front of you," Eonnet says. "This helps prevent slouching and has them be available for gesturing when appropriate. If you are taking notes, put down the pen when you are done taking notes."

7. Exit Strong

Make sure your exit is just as strong as your entrance, regardless of how you feel the interview went. We are often our own worst critics, and it won't do you any favors to showcase your disappointment by giving in to that slouch or looking at your feet dejectedly.

Repeat the steps from the entrance, including a genuine smile and a firm handshake, adding a "thank you" for your interviewer's time. Place your chair back where you found it before you entered, and keep your shoulders back before closing the door gently behind you.

If the interviewer walks you to the exit or lobby, be sure to keep your energy up. You can use this time to ask general questions or make relevant small talk, whatever feels most comfortable. Even once you're alone, if you have to wait for your elevator or ride in a visible spot, try to maintain your composure until you're out of sight.

8. Practice!

It's completely OK if all of these tips don't come naturally to you. Take the time to get in front of another person (or a mirror) and practice! Sit in your computer or living room chair (potentially in your interview outfit) and identify which position feels most comfortable. You can go through the motions with a friend and ask them to provide constructive feedback. They might notice your eyes wander a lot or you tend to play with your hands when you're not sure about your answer. If you know your interview will be remote, hop on a video call with that pal. They can help you figure out which angles look best or let you know if you appear too stoic.

What If It's a Remote Interview?

Many companies are shifting toward video interviews for at least part of their hiring processes. COVID-19 sparked this change for some companies, while others had already implemented it prior to the pandemic.

For some candidates, a video call eases the anxiety that can come along with the interview portion of the hiring process. Still, it can make things more complicated. Connecting virtually can be a challenge, primarily due to the fact that your regular nonverbal communication is either difficult to see or more easily misinterpreted.

But with a little prep, you can still use your body language to help communicate what a great fit you are for the job. Your posture is still important, so be sure to adjust your chair height and camera angle so you can sit straight up. Put the videoconferencing window right by the camera so you can look straight into it to simulate eye contact, and try not to look away at other notes or windows on your screen. And make sure you troubleshoot any potential setup and technical issues-such as camera angles, proper lighting, outside noise control-prior to your call to limit the need for shifting and adjusting during your interview. Fidgeting doesn't translate well virtually either and can cause unnecessary distractions.

You can nod and smile to show you're listening (rather than using verbal cues and inadvertently muting the other person's microphone). And don't be afraid to talk with your hands, even in a video interview. "Using gestures is powerful," Eonnet says. "It helps you come off as engaged and helps your audience understand what you are saying better. Just make sure your camera is far away enough from you to not have giant hands on the other side of the screen!"

If this seems like a lot to think about on top of what you're going to say, take a deep breath and remember: Nerves are a natural part of the interview process. But you've made it this far, and you have the credentials and expertise. So don't let something like body language stand in the way of you and your next job.

Taneasha White is a Black, queer lover of words, inquisition, and community. A graduate of the English; African American studies; and gender, sexuality, and women's studies departments of Virginia Commonwealth University, she is the founder and editor of UnSung Literary Magazine, a guest editor with Quail Bell Magazine, and co-host of the podcast, Critiques for The Culture, where media is dissected through humor and a socio-political lens. Her writing has appeared in Prism, Well + Good, Rewire.News, Black Youth Project, them., and more.

More from Taneasha White

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8 Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview

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What is body language and why is it important in a job interview? Plus, body language tips to help you land the job.

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If you go into an interview with a positive aura, while talking about how much you'd love to be apart of the team, you are supporting your verbal with your nonverbal. Going into a job slouching and looking uninterested, but saying you're interested, will leave the interviewer with a lot of question (mainly if what you are saying is actually what you believe). That's where you fall into contradiction.

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Nonverbal communication is a natural way of communicating through body language -- from your face, to your feet. Most of us don't think about it, especially in daily, informal conversations and interactions. In professional or important situations like a job interview, however, you want to be aware of what messages you may be sending nonverbally to ensure they are consistent with what you are saying. Ask friends for honest feedback on your nonverbal communication in a practice interview so you know that how you say something and how you listen is consistent with your words and not distracting.

Definition

Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, the tone and volume of your voice, and body movements such as posture, hand gestures and how you handle personal space, including touching someone. These communication actions reinforce what you say verbally. For example, if you are excited about a specific job responsibility, moving slightly forward in your chair and smiling reinforce that message to the prospective employer. If you slouch and have a disinterested look on your face, your nonverbal communication is contradicting or substituting a message for your verbal one. Nonverbal communication can't be faked, but it can be managed.

Importance and Impact

Research findings published in 2011 in "Psychology Today" indicate that while nonverbal communication is not more important than what you say aloud in an interview, it can cause misgivings if it doesn't match your verbal communication. For example, saying you don't mind traveling with a dour expression sends conflicting messages. Similarly, if you concentrate heavily on your nonverbal communication, believing it can boost a weakness in knowledge or experience, think again. Consistency between verbal and nonverbal cues is the most effective. Demonstrating a genuine interest, controlling your nervousness and displaying a positive outlook are important behaviors you can practice.

Practice your handshake. Make sure it is firm -- not limp, but not overly aggressive either. During the interview, don't hold anything that prevents you from using your hands naturally during the interview, like a pencil or purse. Hand gestures are natural as long as they are not distracting or excessive. Keep your hands away from your face so the interviewer can make eye contact and see your expressions. Never use your hands to display nervousness, such as tapping on a desk, twirling your hair or adjusting your tie.

Your Eyes and Posture

Don't fix your gaze on your interviewer, but maintain steady eye contact for at least five seconds, glance away briefly, then re-establish contact. If there are several interviewers, do this with each one, giving full attention to the person asking the question. Eighty percent of your interview time should be spent maintaining eye contact. Your posture should be relaxed, but at attention. Sit more at the edge of your seat than all the way back; this will help keep your back straight. If you have a nervous habit such as tapping your feet, practice controlling it before the interview.

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Nonverbal Communication in Interviews. Nonverbal communication is a natural way of communicating through body language -- from your face, to your feet. Most of us don't think about it, especially in daily, informal conversations and interactions. In professional or important situations like a job interview, however, ...

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Control - Know When to Enter The Conversation

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Control - Know When to Enter The Conversation

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In an interview, I like to make sure the interviewer and I are having more of a conversation rather than us talking at or over each other. Often in interviews I mistakenly interrupt or talk over people, especially in a group interview. Good ways of avoiding this is to allow the person to pause or finish what they are saying, attempt to make eye contact and use either a hand gesture or lean in to indicate that you have something to say. I like to control the flow of the conversation so I and the interviewer can get their point across.

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In interviews there are ways to show how you're feeling or what you are saying without words. For me, things like hand shaking hands before leaving says 'thank you' and is a dismissal. Another one is smiling with eye contact, to show you are interested in what the interviewer has to say.https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/non-verbal-interview/

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"Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true. "

It is said that if you interview for employment and answer all questions correctly while effectively selling yourself, you might get the job. Honestly, it is easier said than done. While articulating properly is important, it's imperative to understand that little things, too, can make a world of a difference between pass and fail.

You might think that non-verbal behaviour is incapable of sinking the ship. According to CollegeJournal, an interview comprises of 55% body language, 7% verbal communication, and 38% paralanguage or intonation. Hence, non-verbal communication is not just essential, but exceptionally vital to ace the process.

There have been numerous cases where qualified candidates did not make the cut due to their behaviour or manner of dressing. Body language in its entirety can wheedle out the no-getters from the go-getters. It is to the applicant's advantage to fully grasp the fundamentals of non-verbal behaviour for ultimate success.

Basically, non-verbal cues:

Supplement verbal communication. Example: nodding your head when saying "yes".

Define relationships between two people. Example: shaking hands when exiting the room.

Convey information about the emotional state of the applicant. Example: blinking too much or tapping your feet (nervousness and anxiety).

Give definitive feedback.

Control the flow of communication. Example: signalling to start or stop speaking.

Before we go any further, let's throw some light on the different components that define non-verbal behaviour:

Body language or kinesics:

Body movements include posture, gestures, hand and head movements, or movements of the whole body. Body language constitutes a vital part of communication as it reinforces what an individual is trying to say while offering information about their emotions and attitudes. Sometimes, it's possible for body language to conflict with what is being said. For example, when answering questions in an interview, a seasoned observer could pinpoint discrepancies in behaviour and use them to reach a certain conclusion.

According to research, body language can be broken down into the following categories:

Emblems: Gestures that mean the same as what is being said. For example, the sign for "OK" and "V" for victory. However, the interpretation of these gestures can wary internationally. "V" could mean the number two in US and the symbol is downright offensive in Australia.

Illustrators: Gestures that supplement verbal communication. For example, pointing to something that you are talking about. Such signals reinforce what is being said. Illustrators, too, are different from culture to culture. 'Looking into the eyes' while emphasizing a point is considered rude in Asia, but shows interest and confidence in America.

Affect Displays: Gestures or facial expressions that show emotions. They are normally unintentional and may easily conflict with what is being said. For example, shaking when in anger or using silence to show displeasure.

Regulators: Gestures that provide feedback during a conversation. They modulate, regulate, and maintain the flow of speech. For example, using sounds like "uh-huh" when nodding your head to indicate understanding.

Adaptors: Gestures that satisfy a physical need. For example, scratching an itch or biting fingernails when nervous. Such body movements are carried out at a low level of awareness.

Eye movements or oculesics:

The magic of sight can make or break your chances of landing a lucrative job prospect. Staring at the panel with a look of utter terror on your face is a sure shot ticket to instant dismissal. Pupil dilation, blink rate, frequency of glances, and the intensity of your gaze can publicize hidden intent during an interview. Eye movements are a window into ones soul and have a tendency to divulge information, unintentionally. To avoid embarrassment, it's best to focus at a point close to the interviewer's eyes, maybe the nose, while glancing briefly at the other interviewers when addressing them directly.

Maintaining eye contact indicates interest, which is one way to give and receive feedback.

Oculesics cultivates relationships. For example, you avoid eye contact when you are uncertain about answering an interview question, whereas, you maintain a positive eye contact when you are eager to respond to a query.

A steady gaze forms a bridge between speaking and listening.

Eye movements have a tendency to imply different emotions. For example, looking down when you are unsure of an answer, or blinking too much in a state of confusion.

Voice modulation or paralinguistics:

Paralanguage refers to all those aspects of speech which are not directly related to "words". Voice modulation includes intonation, pitch, tone, and audibility level of your baritone. When answering questions in an interview, always be aware of how you enunciate, the volume and speed of your message delivery, and the pauses between words. Emphasis on certain words can be easily picked up by the hiring manager.

Paralinguistics indicate feelings about what is being said.

Emphasizing certain words gives way to prompt feedback.

Voice modulation helps in judging your situational temperament.

Girls generally have a shrill voice which can be mistaken for nervousness, whereas boys have a deeper baritone which could indicate ignorance.

Personal space or proxemics:

In today's multi-cultural society it is very important to understand the detailed nuances of personal space expressed in different ethnic groups. Violating an individual's space can be highly offensive and completely open to misinterpretation. In Western society proxemics is defined by 4 types of relationships that are internally divided into a close phase and a far phase:

Intimate (up to 45cm): This distance stretches from "touching" to 45cm. Invading an individual's intimate space without permission can be very disturbing.

Personal (45cm - 1.2m): This is the most appropriate distance for having a conversation. Handshaking takes place within this boundary. At this distance it is very easy to see and analyze the other person's body language.

Social (1.2m - 3.6m): This form of proxemics comes into play when sitting for an interview. It is the normal distance for impersonal business. This is where the different aspects of non-verbal communication like facial expressions, eye movements, posture, etc. become prominent for observation.

Public (3.7m - 4.5m): At a far distance of 4.5m it is essential to exaggerate non-verbal cues for effective communication. Facial gestures are normally lost at such long distances so bold hand movements are employed as a clear substitute.

Study of time or chronemics:

The language of time can be very technical to understand. Getting a hang of chronemics makes for good interview ethics and bodes well for your character in case you get hired. The concept of time in interview preparation pertains to interactions, punctuality, patience, and willingness to wait. Your time-usage acumen can define whether you are suitable for a particular job position or not. The simplest example is reaching the interview venue on time.

Chronemics across cultures in divided into:

Monochronic time: Everything is organized, scheduled, and pre-planned. Events and occasions are conducted at one particular point in time. Switzerland, Germany, and Canada are monochronic.

Polychronic time: Multiple proceedings are conducted at once, and scheduling time is highly flexible. Latin America, Africa, and Asia are polychronic.

Pointers to impress:

It's easy to simply talk about non-verbal behaviour, but it's quite a different story when it comes to practising it in real time. There are no tips or pointers about non-verbal cues that you can mug-up before giving an interview. These are inherent traits which could manifest themselves in any form on the final day.

However, to abate nervousness and gain some confidence, keep these suggestions in mind when preparing for an interview:

Dress appropriately for the interview - business formals, polished shoes, and ties for men.

Keep stray hair in check by clipping them properly. It is a massive turn-off for an interviewer when a candidate's face is obscured by tufts of hair.

Tone down the bling when it comes to jewellery, makeup, and especially fragrance.

Ensure that tattoos and piercings are well hidden.

Bring several copies of your resume to the interview centre. (organized)

Smile when you meet the hiring manager for the first time. (openness)

Glance at the interviewer from time-to-time but never stare or avoid eye contact completely.

Be attentive and pay attention to detail.

Sit confidently and do not shrivel in your own space. (strength of character)

Relax your limbs and sit naturally. NEVER start scratching in front of the manager. Control the itch if required.

Take care of your intonation, pronunciation, and rhythm. Do not shout or raise your volume.

Be positive when narrating experiences and avoid negative comments.

Remember to listen attentively.

Keep your emotions in check, always.

Prepare interesting questions to ask the hiring manager.

Thank the interviewer for his time and patience.

Never:

Chew gum in front of the hiring panel. You will find yourself walking out the door the very next instant.

Proceed with a "limp fish" handshake. Keep it firm, but not bone-crushing.

Lounge in the chair. Sit straight, preferably at the edge of the seat to appear eager and attentive.

Flail your hands around when enunciating.

Wipe sweat off your body indecently.

Stop speaking abruptly in the middle of a sentence and trail off.

Tap your feet, doodle, drum your fingers, or keep touching your hair incessantly.

Lean too much towards the interviewer. It is a clear violation of his personal space.

Demean or speak ill of your previous employer.

Bring a cell phone, gum, iPod, candy, cigarettes, dirty clothes, or a soda can to the venue.

Interrupt the hiring manager.

Glare at the manager out of anger.

Use words like um, er, uh, like, you know.

Slouch, slump, or drag your feet.

Behave indecently on being rejected. Keep your cool and accept defeat gracefully.

Be completely expressionless. This behaviour can be quite irritating. Hiring managers are interested in people, not robots.

Come armed with a bag full of attitude. It is never cool to act haughty and superior.

Final thoughts:

Non-verbal communication is an essential part of a candidate's profile. Several job seekers are unaware of this form of communication; hence, making mistakes is quite common. With sufficient practise and repeated interview sittings, you will not only grasp the minute details of this daunting process, but will begin to understand the non-verbal cues of the interviewer as well. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the aforementioned pointers will lead to greater shared interaction, which is the sole purpose of effective communication.
Author: Tina Jindal is a professional content writer who works on a variety of topics like employment, real estate, and education. A career advisor for naukri.com, she has been involved with renowned publications and has tried her hand at editing works on Cookery, Gardening, Pregnancy, and Healthcare.

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How to Decode Non-Verbal Communication in Interviews

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"Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true. " It is said that if you interview for employment and answer all questions correctly while effectively selling yourself, you might get the job.

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Repeat - Gestures Make Things A Lil Interesting 

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Repeat - Gestures Make Things A Lil Interesting 

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A huge thing I like to practice before my interviews are my facial gestures and using them at the correct moments. There is such thing as the wrong time! I like to make sure that I am setting off a good impression and assuring what I am saying. Head nods, raising eyebrows, smiling, etc., are all great ways to show that you are engaged in what you are talking about. If I am engaged and showing it verbally and nonverbally, I feel that my interviewer will be too. https://www.optistaffing.com/2021/08/23/interview-communication-and-body-language-101-facial-expression/

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Interview Communication and Body Language 101: Facial Expression

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When preparing for a job interview, people focus on what they are going to say, how they are going to respond to the questions from the hiring manager. And this is definitely the most important aspect of the interview.