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Connection #6 Repeat- Engaging with Interviewee

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Connection #6 Repeat- Engaging with Interviewee

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I must seem like I am interested in talking with the person conducting the interview. This goes alongside connection #4. Not only will I nod my head and smile, but I would also show in my face that I am listening. I'll be expressive, showing positive emotions while also replying and adding to the conversation with simple replies. This will create a closer relationship and connection between us, giving them a good impression of me.

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After you've landed a job interview, chances are you spend a lot of time preparing for the questions that may be asked and the answers you'll give. But remember nonverbal communication is just as important as what you'll say.

Consider: Many studies show people form their first impressions on others based 55% on body language and only 7% based on actual verbal content.

During an interview, managers will be listening to what you're saying, but they'll also be reading your body language. Subtle nonverbal cues like hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions reveal a lot about how you're feeling.

The goal is to use positive body language and gestures to give the impression you're calm, relaxed, and confident. Projecting this strong image can go a long way in lending credibility to what you're saying during the interview.

Based on Empire Resume's study of nonverbal communication, here's what you need to know for an upcoming job interview:

Basics of Nonverbal Communication

When people talk about communication, we often think about the verbal kind - what's being said. But there's much more to interpersonal communication than the words we say, especially during a job interview.

Nonverbal communication includes signals like facial expressions, the tone and pitch of voice, body language gestures, and the physical distance between the people communicating.

This wide range of nonverbal signals provides additional information and context during conversations that adds meaning to what's being said.

Nonverbal cues can sometimes be even more important than what we say. These cues can reinforce, or contradict, what's said in words. For example, when someone shrugs their shoulders and says, "I'm fine," it probably signals they're not feeling fine at all.

The nonverbal types of communication are often the best indicator of someone's emotional state. We can usually tell how someone is feeling based on things like their facial expressions and tone of voice.

It's important to remember people generally have less control over nonverbal communication than the verbal kind. This is because nonverbal communication is largely driven by emotions and instincts.

Keep this last part in mind during your interview. How you're feeling will most likely determine the nonverbal cues you give to the manager. For example, if you're feeling nervous and not very confident, you'll be more likely to fidget and avoid eye contact.

Empire Resume reminds you that adequately preparing for the interview and using relaxation techniques can build confidence and a sense of ease which, in turn, will lead to positive nonverbal cues more naturally.

Nonverbal Do's and Don'ts

Your nonverbal cues will make a lasting impression during your interview. If you slouch and your appearance is messy, the chances are you probably won't get the job.

Make sure you're dressed professionally for your interview, you're neatly groomed, and don't overdo perfume or aftershave. Be friendly while waiting in the lobby and be patient and don't kill time by playing with your phone.

During the interview, make eye contact with the hiring manager for a few seconds at a time, which displays confidence. Smile and nod (at appropriate times) while the manager is talking, but don't overdo it.

Keep an even tone of voice while you're talking, and don't speak too loudly or quietly. Also, pay attention to your posture. Don't slouch - instead, relax and lean forward a little toward the manager, which shows him or her you're interested and engaged in the conversation.

As for posture, also don't lean back, as this will make you seem too relaxed and casual. Pay close attention while the manager is speaking and practice active listening skills. It's also smart to take occasional notes, which can help when you get a chance to ask questions at the end of the interview.

Stay calm while answering difficult questions. Try to keep your emotions in check and don't show anger or frown, even if asked about something particularly difficult, like a previous job where you had been laid off or fired.

Poise, Interest, and Expressiveness

So many of our nonverbal communication cues are unconscious, and we can be unaware of our tendencies. That's why Empire Resume always recommends doing mock or practice interviews so you can work on nonverbal (and verbal) communication.

A friend, family member, or career coach can analyze and correct less than positive nonverbal signals during mock interviews. You could even record the practice interviews and look over the video together.

Paying closer attention to nonverbal communication won't just help during the job interview. These subtle forms of communication are always important in life and the workplace. Learning how to appear more relaxed and confident will help during the interview and during daily interactions in the office once you land a job.

Empire Resume recommends focusing on three specific things to convey during the interview: poise, interest, and expressiveness.

You'll want to appear poised, as in confident and comfortable. People who display this quality can control nervous tics and behaviors and look like they're ready to take on the world. The more practice you get at job interviews, the more you'll be able to naturally look poised.

It's also important to verbally and nonverbally express your interest in the job. From a nonverbal standpoint, this means you should never look disinterested by yawning, slouching, or looking bored. Make an appropriate level of eye contact during the interview, lean forward to look engaged, and be attentive to what the manager is saying.

Finally, be expressive in a positive way with your nonverbal cues. This means demonstrating excited energy while speaking and answering questions, smiling, and generally appearing cheerful.

The Natural Solution for Good Nonverbal Cues

Nonverbal communication such as body language, posture, and facial expressions are important during your job interview. But remember there's no magic recipe for success in this area. The key is to act natural and appear confident, relaxed, and interested in the job, the company, and the interviewer.

Most of our nonverbal cues are triggered by our emotional states so, while it's possible to appear poised when you're super-nervous, you should also work on calming your nerves so you can naturally feel and appear relaxed.

Take the time to prepare for your interview by researching the company and the questions you may be asked. Also, practice good self-care by getting a good night's sleep and eating a healthy breakfast before you leave.

Bottom line: Know the basics of positive nonverbal communication for job interviews, but keep in mind that the more prepared you are and the more confident you are in yourself, the more likely you'll naturally exude confidence and express positive body language, facial expressions, etc.

Maria Gold is a Content Manager/Writer for Empire Resume. She is dedicated to helping educate and motivate people with the latest career articles and job search advice. Her interests range from writing to programming and design. She is also passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
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Nonverbal Communication During an Interview | Empire Resume

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After you've landed a job interview, chances are you spend a lot of time preparing for the questions that may be asked and the answers you'll give. But remember nonverbal communication is just as important as what you'll say.

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When being assertive, I need to make sure I know exactly what my ideas are, and how I want to say them. My answers themselves need to be strong to impress the interviewee, but also how I say it. I can't be mumbling, stuttering, slouching, looking down while saying it. I need to present myself and my answers as confident. This allows me to influence the conversation, and make me look like a positive candidate.

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I will use nonverbal cues while listening such as nodding my head and maintaining eye contact. While they cue me to talk, I will acknowledge what they said and be assertive with my answer. This gives structure to the conversation.

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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.

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Connection #3 Substitute - Answering Questions/Silence

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Connection #3 Substitute - Answering Questions/Silence

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While answering questions, I will try not to take too long to answer them, but will also take the time to think about what I want to say instead of stuttering or using filler words like "um". With this, I will be using the silence channel of nonverbal communication while not making it seem like I need to lie with that silent response.

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Connection #2 Contradict - Body movement

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Connection #2 Contradict - Body movement

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While I am in my interview, I will avoid trying to moving around too much. It will make me seem distracted and give a bad impression. The interviewee might even think I am lying if I am moving my body too much or looking away a lot. This forms my expression.

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Controlling one's nerves during a job interview is often quite challenging indeed. However, even though you are terrified inside, the key to success lies in your capacity to convince your potential employer that you are calm, collected and confident. If, instead, you come across as nervous and unsure, your potential employer might start to doubt your abilities and wonder whether you are, in fact, a good fit for the role on offer.

Ultimately, while sweaty palms and shaking are indeed symptoms of anxiety, the most obvious tell-tale sign is that of fidgeting. According to a recent study, approximately 26% of applicants lose out on a job opportunity as a result of their fidgeting. Here are some tips to stop this from happening to you.
Talk with Your Hands
In an effort to ensure that you fidget less while answering your interviewer's questions, talk with your hands. By making gestures with your hands while speaking, you will be unable to fidget - and will come across as a much more confident and animated person as a result. However, keep the gesturing subtle as too many frantic movements could end up having the opposite effect!
Clasp Your Hands when Listening
While the interviewer is talking to you, gently clasp your hands upon the table and make an effort to avoid moving them, unless you need to explain something that warrants a hand gesture. If you can't manage this, place your hands underneath the table instead.
Breathe
Fidgeting is caused by anxious energy, so, in order to reduce this energy, it is important for you to breathe. Deep inhalations and long exhalations will help you to calm both your body and your mind. It is a good idea to maintain this breathing both before and during the interview, as it will give you something else to focus on so that you will be able to control your fidgeting tendencies.
Avoid Caffeine and Sugar
Caffeine and sugar will only make your anxiety levels worse. They are sure to make you jittery and restless, and a lot less likely to be able to calm yourself down. Instead, stabilise your blood sugar levels by ensuring that you eat a wholesome, natural and filling meal beforehand.

Reducing your need to fidget when nervous is all about 'mind over matter'. By keeping the aforementioned tips in mind, you are certain to enter the interview room a much more confident person.

If at first you don't succeed, try again. Whether you are looking for jobs in East London or jobs in Durban, PNet makes it easy for you to climb the ladder of success. Check out the latest job listings .

Minding your body language is important during an interview. For more on this, click .

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Tips That Will Help You Stop Fidgeting During an Interview - PNET Blog

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Controlling one's nerves during a job interview is often quite challenging indeed. However, even though you are terrified inside, the key to success lies in your capacity to convince your potential employer that you are calm, collected and confident.

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Connection #1 Complement - Body Language 

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Connection #1 Complement - Body Language 

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Nonverbal ques like eye-contact as you're speaking, sitting up straight, and smiling while talking will make the interviewee more impressed by me with my positive and confident energy I convey. This will form my emotional expression.

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Just as what you say during an interview helps communicate your fit for the job, so too does your body language.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Shake hands

Amanda Augustine, career advice expert for TopResume, says you should always start an interview by shaking hands with your interviewer. You are far more likely to be remembered if you do, and your interviewer will react by being friendlier and more open, she says.

"A firm handshake can help you demonstrate confidence, create a bond, and become more memorable to your interviewer - all in less than three seconds," Augustine tells Business Insider.

Not only does etiquette and civility expert R osalinda Oropeza Randallalso recommend mastering your handshake, but she says it's also a good idea to learn how to graciously handle an inexperienced hand-shaker, being shunned, or awkward handshakes.

Business Insider

Maintain good eye contact

As Heidi Grant Halvorson explains in her book " No One Understands You And What To Do About It," the very first thing people will try to decide about you when they meet you is if they can trust you, and maintaining good eye contact is an effective way to convey you're trustworthy.

Look your interviewer in the eye while shaking their hand and maintain regular - but not overly persistent - eye contact throughout the interview, suggests Augustine.

"Constant eye contact is often considered to be an attempt at intimidation and can make the recruiter feel anxious, so be sure to look away if you feel yourself staring intently for too long," she says.

Sit up straight

"If you lounge back in your chair, recruiters interpret it as a sign of your disinterest in the open position or that you're not taking the interview seriously, neither of which will help you land the job," Augustine says. "In addition, slumping over in the chair can indicate a lack of confidence."

Instead, she suggests sitting as if there was a string tied from the top of your head to the ceiling. Sitting up straight is seen as a sign of intelligence, confidence, and credibility, she explains.

Lean in slightly from time to time

Leaning forward in your chair shows your interviewer that you're engaged in the discussion, says Amy Glaser, senior vice president of Adecco Staffing USA.

Augustine warns, however, against leaning too far over the table, since this could crowd the interviewer and seem intrusive. "Remember, you want to indicate your interest, not invade the interviewer's space," Augustine says.

A good rule to remember is that personal space extends about 20 inches, Haefner says, and encroaching on this space could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable and take the focus away from your conversation.

Mirror your interviewer

While your default should be to sit up straight, aligning your body's position to that of the interviewer's, known as mirroring, shows admiration and agreement, says Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer at CareerBuilder.

Keep your arms and legs uncrossed

Crossing your arms and legs makes you appear defensive or guarded, Augustine says.

Find a place for your hands

Your hands don't belong stuffed in your pockets, or wildly gesturing halfway across the table, Augustine says. Instead, press the fingertips of your hands together to form a church steeple, which is a display of confidence.

Nod

Nodding demonstrates your interest in the conversation and your agreeability, and it also expresses that you understand what someone is saying, Glaser says.

"Some people naturally nod while listening to speakers or in conversation, but if you're not one of those people, be conscious of opportunities to nod," she suggests.

"However, don't overdo it or you'll come off looking like a woodpecker," Augustine warns.

Smile

"A genuine smile is often contagious and can immediately create a more positive environment," Augustine says.

J.T. O'Donnell, the founder of career-advice site CAREEREALISM.com and author of " Careerealism: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career," warns against the perils of "resting crabby face," which you may not even realize you're exhibiting. If you suffer from "resting crab face," she suggests putting your watch or ring on your other arm or finger. Then, "each time you notice it in the interview, remind yourself to smile a bit so you don't look angry," she says.

Walk with purpose and energy

"I don't mean you have to power walk up to the reception area or skip and whistle a happy tune, but do not strut," says Randall, the author of " Don't Burp in the Boardroom."

Be graceful

When your interviewer invites you to sit, ease into it. Don't plop yourself into the chair, Randall says.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Address everyone

"If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both people with your gaze (without looking like a tennis spectator) and return your attention to the person who has asked you a question," Haefner suggests.

More: Features Body Language Job Interview Interviewing

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12 body language tricks to use during a job interview

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Just as what you say during an interview helps communicate your fit for the job, so too does your body language. Amanda Augustine, career advice expert for TopResume, says you should always start an interview by shaking hands with your interviewer.