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Definition: to place an emphasis in a part of verbal communication

Use your job experience and certifications to emphasize your qualification for your job position.

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i Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

A job interview can be like the test drive for a new car. You've been called in because the hiring managers like your style, but whether or not you'll be their ultimate choice is based on your performance in the interview. Knowing what to emphasize during the interview helps ensure a smooth ride. However, perfection in unrealistic, so be prepared to discuss your weaknesses in the context of the invaluable lessons you've learned.

Work Ethic

If you have a strong work ethic, impress your potential employer with the depth of your commitment. Emphasize your dependability, resourcefulness and diligence. If you take pride in the fact that you've never been late for a day on the job, say so. If you're the type of employee who comes in early, stays late and snags an extra shift on the weekend, let your future boss know. Back up your tales of dedication with a reason for your passion. Discuss how accomplishing goals gives you an unparalleled sense of fulfillment, or how you're gunning to be the youngest hot shot in your field. Whatever your source of motivation, make it clear in the interview that you are self-directed and unstoppable.

Professionalism

Regardless of how well you and your interviewer get along, do not drop your guard. Even if the person doesn't maintain a high level of professionalism, refuse to follow her lead. Take the high road at all times. Interviewers often try to trick potential employees into relaxing enough to let down their guard, only to penalize them later for any display of unprofessional behavior. Don't take the bait. Instead, discuss how your impeccable professionalism has helped you throughout your career. Use examples of conflict management and resolution, excellent customer service, teamwork and critical thinking to drive the point home. Remain focused, and prove to your interviewer that you will not be diverted from your goal.

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A job interview can be like the test drive for a new car. You've been called in because the hiring managers like your style, but whether or not you'll be their ultimate choice is based on your performance in the interview. Knowing what to emphasize during the interview helps ensure a smooth ride.

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Complement: Match the Nonverbal to the Verbal

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Complement: Match the Nonverbal to the Verbal

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Definition: a nonverbal gesture that helps completes a message

Shaking hands to the interviewers when you first introduce yourself while smiling when saying "nice to meet you"

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Definition: Your nonverbal communication does not agree with your verbal communication
Playing with your hands or jewelry can make you appear less confident when answering questions during your interview

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What to do with your hands during a job interview

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Definition: nonverbal communication used to indicate your desire to lead the flow of conversation

Use eye contact and leaning in to signify your interest in speaking up during your interview

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Repeat: Use Facial Expressions When Asking Questions 

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Repeat: Use Facial Expressions When Asking Questions 

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Definition: restating a verbal message with nonverbal communication
Using a facial expression with a questioning look and good posture when asking questions to your interviewer can showcase your confidence in landing your job interview

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While at a job interview, you might think that if you have the best answers to the interview questions, you'll get the job, but that isn't necessarily the case. A big part of the success of your answers is actually nonverbal communication.

This includes your body language and what is known as "paralanguage"-the elements of your speech besides the words, such as your intonation, speaking speed, pauses and sighs, and facial expressions. Nonverbal communication also includes your attire and grooming.

Nonverbal communication is as important as verbal communication. The interviewer will be observing your nonverbal communication throughout the entire interview. If your nonverbal communication skills aren't up to par, it won't matter how well you answer the questions.

The Importance of Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication matters as soon as you walk in the office door. If you come to an interview reeking of cigarette smoke or chewing gum, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant won't help either.

Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking on your cell phone or listening to music while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike.

When you're participating in a video interview, it's important to have a professional background and few distractions. Your professional presence will be evaluated as it would be at an in-person interview.

What's important when interviewing is to appear professional, attentive, and confident throughout the interview process.

How to Prepare

Remember that the image the interviewer has of you when they first meet you is the one that is going to last. If you're slouchy, sloppy, or messy, it won't matter how well you answer the interview questions. You are not going to get the job.

When practicing for an interview, work on your nonverbal communication and your other interviewing skills. It could be what clinches the job offer for you. You can practice with a friend or interview coach who conducts a mock interview and gives you feedback. You can also film yourself and review your nonverbal communication.

Before you leave for the interview, make sure you are dressed professionally, are neatly groomed, your shoes are polished, and you haven't overdone the perfume or aftershave (none is better than too much).

What to Bring to an Interview

There are things that you should bring with you to the interview and things that you need to leave at home. Following the advice in these lists will help improve your nonverbal communication:

Portfolio or pad holder with a copy of your resume and a list of references

Work samples (if relevant)

Notepad and pen

Breath mint (before you enter the building)

What Not to Bring to an Interview

Cell phone

Gum

Cigarettes

Candy

Soda or coffee

Scuffed shoes and messy or not-so-clean clothes

While You Wait

The way you sit in the lobby, the way you greet the receptionist and the interviewer, and the way you wait, will all have an impact on whether you are going to be considered for the job. Be friendly and pleasant, but not overbearing. If you need to wait, sit quietly (no phone calls) and patiently.

Nonverbal Communication During the Interview

Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.

Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but don't overdo it. Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first.

Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet.

Don't slouch.

Do relax and lean forward a little toward the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged.

Don't lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed.

Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair.

Pay close attention to the interviewer. Take notes if you are worried you will not remember something.

Listen.

Don't interrupt.

Stay calm. Even if you had a bad experience at a previous position or were fired, keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.

Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Don't let your arms fly around the room when you're making a point.

Nonverbal Communication at the End of the Interview

Before leaving the interview, be sure to give the interviewer another firm handshake and smile. On your way out, say goodbye to the receptionist or anyone else you spoke to during the interview.

Your verbal communication is important too. Don't use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. Remember your manners and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.

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How To Use Nonverbal Communication at an Interview

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While at a job interview, you might think that if you have the best answers to the interview questions, you'll get the job, but that isn't necessarily the case. A big part of the success of your answers is actually nonverbal communication.

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Definition: nonverbal communication that replaces verbal messages
Leaning forward and nodding in an interview will show that you are engaged and listening

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While at a job interview, you might think that if you have the best answers to the interview questions, you'll get the job, but that isn't necessarily the case. A big part of the success of your answers is actually nonverbal communication.

This includes your body language and what is known as "paralanguage" - the elements of your speech besides the words, such as your intonation, speaking speed, pauses and sighs, and facial expressions. Nonverbal communication also includes your attire and grooming.

Nonverbal communication is as important, or even more important than, verbal communication. The interviewer will be observing your nonverbal communication throughout the entire interview. If your nonverbal communication skills aren't up to par, it won't matter how well you answer the questions.

Nonverbal Communication Matters

Nonverbal communication matters as soon as you walk in the office door. If you come to an interview reeking of cigarette smoke or chewing gum, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant won't help either.

Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. Talking on your cell phone or listening to music while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike.

What's important when interviewing is to appear professional, attentive, and confident throughout the interview process.

How to Prepare

Remember that the image the interviewer has of you when they first meet you is the one that is going to last. If you're slouchy, sloppy, or messy, it won't matter how well you answer the interview questions. You are not going to get the job.

When practicing for an interview, work on your nonverbal communications as well as your other interviewing skills. It could be what clinches the job offer for you. You can practice with a friend or interview coach who conducts a mock interview and gives you feedback. You can also film yourself and review your nonverbal communication.

Before you leave for the interview, make sure you are dressed professionally, are neatly groomed, your shoes are polished, and you haven't overdone the perfume or aftershave (none is better than too much).

What to Bring to an Interview

There are things that you should bring with you to the interview and the things that you need to leave at home. Following the advice in these lists will help improve your nonverbal communication:

Portfolio or pad holder with a copy of your resume and a list of references on quality paper

Work samples (if relevant)

Notepad and pen

Breath mint (before you enter the building)

Women: extra pair of pantyhose (keep in your briefcase or car)

What Not to Bring to an Interview

Cell phone

Gum

Cigarettes

Candy

Soda or coffee

Scuffed shoes and messy or not-so-clean clothes

While You Wait

The way you sit in the lobby, the way you greet the receptionist and the interviewer, and the way you wait, will all have an impact on whether you are going to be considered for the job. Be friendly and pleasant, but not overbearing. If you need to wait, sit quietly (no phone calls) and patiently.

Shake hands with the interviewer. Your handshake should be firm - not sticky or wimpy. To avoid sweaty palms, visit the restroom, wash your hands, then run them under cool water prior to the interview. Keep your palms open rather than clenched in a fist and keep a tissue you in your pocket to (discreetly) wipe them.

Nonverbal Communication During the Interview

Make eye contact with the interviewer for a few seconds at a time.

Smile and nod (at appropriate times) when the interviewer is talking, but don't overdo it. Don't laugh unless the interviewer does first.

Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet.

Don't slouch.

Do relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged.

Don't lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed.

Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair.

Pay close attention to the interviewer. Take notes if you are worried you will not remember something.

Listen.

Don't interrupt.

Stay calm. Even if you had a bad experience at a previous position or were fired, keep your emotions to yourself and do not show anger or frown.

Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold a pen and your notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap, so you look comfortable. Don't let your arms fly around the room when you're making a point.

Nonverbal Communication at the End of the Interview

Before leaving the interview, be sure to give the interviewer another firm handshake and smile. On your way out, say goodbye to the receptionist or anyone else you spoke to during the interview.

Your verbal communication is important too. Don't use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. Remember your manners and thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.

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Tips to Learn How to Use Nonverbal Communication at a Job Interview

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While at a job interview, you might think that if you have the best answers to the interview questions, you'll get the job, but that isn't necessarily the case. A big part of the success of your answers is actually nonverbal communication.