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Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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The Six Roles of Nonverbal Communication

Accent: The stress or emphasis on a particular word or phrase.

Complement: To emphasize meaning to the entire message.

Control: Regulate the flow of communication.

Contradict: You may contradict verbal messages with nonverbal movements.

Repeat: You restate or repeat a message nonverbally.

Substitute: You use nonverbal communication to substitute for verbal communication.

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Accent, Complement, and Control Your Communication

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Accent, Complement, and Control Your Communication

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Tips on body language to accent, complement, and control

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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Are you getting ready for a job interview? Here's how to make an interviewer feel dubious about your candidacy: slump in your seat, avoid eye contact, and crack your knuckles before answering tough questions.

Appearance counts during interviews-not only how you dress, but also how you carry yourself. Even if your responses to questions are flawless, the wrong body language can send the wrong signal and sour how you're perceived.

Follow these recommendations for men and women to project poise and confidence-not jitters and arrogance-during your next job interview.

Before the Interview

Put on your confidence even before the interview commences. In the waiting area, have good posture while standing and sitting. Keep your back straight, and your chin parallel to the ground. While you may not have met your interviewer at this point, it's still possible that the receptionist or potential future co-workers are observing you.

When you sit down to wait, place your briefcase or purse to the left side of your chair-that will reduce awkwardness when you have to shake the interviewer's hand and grab your personal items.

During the Interview

While first impressions do count for a lot, it's during your conversation that interviewers will have an extended time to take you in. Your answers to questions are important, as is your stance while listening and responding. Keep these body language tips in mind:

Posture and Sitting Style

First and foremost: No slumping. Keep your back straight. Lean forward slightly to indicate interest. Do not recline back into the chair fully; this can make you seem bored or disengaged.

Avoid crossing your arms or placing items in your lap; these habits indicate defensiveness, nerves, and a need for self-protection when what you'd ideally convey during an interview is confidence.

Note

Avoid Crossing Your Legs

Most experts recommend against crossed legs. With a long interview, you might need to re-cross them because your leg is falling asleep. This could come across as fidgeting.

Try Not to Appear Restless

Speaking of fidgeting, if you're a nail-biter, knuckle-cracker, hair-twirler, or leg-tapper, don't allow these habits to make an appearance during the interview. All will appear unprofessional and convey nerves. Plus, most of these actions are generally considered impolite.

Use Your Hands

Do you naturally talk with your hands? Go ahead and let them move during the interview. Stopping your natural gestures may lead to an awkward appearance. Just make sure your motions don't become so enthusiastic that they distract from your words.

Make Eye Contact

It's important to make eye contact during your interview, but don't mistake that for a directive to make constant eye contact. That can be disconcerting and considered aggressive.

At the same time, avoiding eye contact entirely comes across as untrustworthy and distant-it could make it seem like your answers are dishonest. Balance it out: Aim to make eye contact as you listen and respond to questions, but allow it to break occasionally, and let your eyes wander.

Note

Practice Your Body Language

You should practice your body language as much as you rehearse your answers to common interview questions. Natural tendencies tend to take over when you're nervous, so you have to learn to consciously overcome them.

Practice with friends or an interview coach to ensure you're fully aware and in control of your body when the time comes for the interview.

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Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview

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Are you getting ready for a job interview? Here's how to make an interviewer feel dubious about your candidacy: slump in your seat, avoid eye contact, and crack your knuckles before answering tough questions. Appearance counts during interviews-not only how you dress, but also how you carry yourself.

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"Your body communicates as well as your mouth. Don't contradict yourself." -Allen Ruddock

An explanation on how to communicate nonverbally so that it complements what you are saying, and doesn't contradict.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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This quote really caught my attention. Interpersonal communication is much more than the meaning of words, or message conveyed. It also includesmessages, whether intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviours.

Communication is a vital life skill and developing it can benefit all aspects of life. More than just the words that are used, effective communication is a combination of the way you look, listen, move, and react to another person tells them more about how you're feeling than words alone can.

Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes -

Facial expressions

Body movement and gestures

Eye contact

Posture

Tone of your voice

Developing the ability to understand and use nonverbal communication can help you connect with others, express what you really mean, navigate challenging situations, and build better relationships at home and work.
Here are 5 Tips to Improve how you Deliver Non-Verbal Communication and Read It

1. Be aware of individual differences.People from different countries and cultures tend to use different nonverbal communication gestures, so it's important to take age, culture, religion, gender, and emotional state into account when displaying or reading body language signals

2. Look at nonverbal communication signals as a group.Don't read too much into a single gesture or nonverbal cue. Consider all of the nonverbal signals you receive, from eye contact to tone of voice to body language. Remember people see the signals as a whole and read them in congruence so make sure your non-verbal communication is positive

3. Use nonverbal signals that match up with your wordsrather than contradict them. If you say one thing, but your body language says something else, your listener will feel confused or suspect that you're being dishonest

4. Adjust your nonverbal signals according to the context. Take into account the role, maturity, age, experience, emotional state and cultural background of the person you're interacting with. The tone of your voice, should be different when you're addressing a new employee than when you're addressing a group of tenured team members. Remember to dress as per the context and audience

5. Avoid negative body language. Use body language to convey positive feelings even when you're not actually experiencing them. If you're nervous about a situation-a job interview or an important presentation, you can use positive body language to signal confidence, even though you're not feeling it. Instead of tentatively entering a room with your head down, eyes averted, and sliding into a chair, try standing tall with your shoulders back, smiling and maintaining eye contact, and delivering a firm handshake.

We can reinforce, contradict, substitute, complement or emphasize our verbal communication with non-verbal cues such as gestures, expressions and vocal inflection, so make sure you are not contradicting your own self !!

At Tranziam our vision is to ignite the passion, inspire the dream and unleash the potential in every individual so that they can be the very best version of themselves. Whether you are an individual looking to improve yourself, an Educational Institution looking to support your Students and Faculty or an Organisation looking to develop your colleagues on their professional journey, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Click Here to find out more information on how we can help you achieve your goals and aspirations

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This quote really caught my attention. Interpersonal communication is much more than the meaning of words, or message conveyed. It also includesmessages, whether intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviours. Communication is a vital life skill and developing it can benefit all aspects of life.

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5 trick to win peoples heart with your c - Communication skills (learnfromblogs.com)
How to use the role of repeating to win over someone. In this case, the interviewer.

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Principle: Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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Video on appropriate ways to substitute nonverbal reactions for verbal messages.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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Nonverbal Reactions Can Substitute For Verbal Messages

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Verbal and Nonverbal Behaviors and Skills in Communication

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Verbal and Nonverbal Behaviors and Skills in Communication

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A video on examples and an explanation on how nonverbal messages interact with verbal ones.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Interact with Verbal Messages

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Verbal & Nonverbal Messages | Communication Types, Skills & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Study verbal and nonverbal behaviors in communication. Learn the difference between verbal and nonverbal behaviors, learn how they work together,...

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What to do with your hands during a job interview

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What to do with your hands during a job interview

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Video on body language to display confidence and sincerity in a job interview. This will help with the goals of being liked and being believed.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Help Manage Impressions

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What to do with your hands during a job interview

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Professional Relationships: Types and Tips

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Professional Relationships: Types and Tips

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Lists types of work relationships and how to build solid relationships with your manager, colleagues, clients, mentors, etc.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Help Form Relationships

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Four Ways Structure Can Improve Your Communication

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Four Ways Structure Can Improve Your Communication

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Structure in your interview answers can prevent you from coming off as confusing, unprepared, and uncomfortable. This article shows how structure can improve communication.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Help Structure Conversation

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You can tell when someone is talking out of their butt. They're not saying anything of substance and their words seem to be all over the place.

This can be frustrating in customer service. No one wants to resolve an issue with an agent who clearly lacks the ability to help. Even if they're charismatic and engaging, listening to someone unable to state concrete ideas and reasoning is useless.

That's why talking structure is crucial in communication, especially customer service. Spontaneous conversation can be stressful but structure helps you explain things clearly and keep a level head. When customers are angry, structuring your reasoning can lead to quicker understanding. It can also help you upsell your product or gain new customers.

Structure makes you a better speaker

Without realizing it, we live structured lives. You wouldn't walk into a grocery store with a long shopping list and grab frozen items first. Or start watching a new TV show on the fifth episode.

Structure lets you take certain steps for a desired outcome, which is also a logical approach to customer communication. As long as you have a point to prove, structure helps you assert your position.

Our ability to persuade others depends not simply on the strength of our message but on how we build our arguments and the persuasive techniques we employ.
Erin Meyer, "The Culture Map"

People are rarely satisfied with a simple statement. If you tell a customer, "I recommend upgrading your account" structure helps you give solid proof, hard facts and honest feedback for better persuasion .

Structure also saves time. If you're pitching an idea to a potential business partner, having ordered talking points makes the meeting quick and is easier for listeners to follow along with. It may even build intrigue. It's just in how and when you deliver it.

How to talk with structure

There are several methods you can try depending on the situation. The ones I compiled are similar in nature and easy to adopt. Find one that appeals to you.

What? So what? Now what?

Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams introduced this technique in his book, "Speaking Up Without Freaking Out" to help make communication more memorable:

This structure is straightforward and practical. In three steps, you can organize information in a way that is easy for others to process. Try using it the next time you write an email or during a live chat conversation.

Here's how it works:

What: Identify the context of the situation. What is the customer's question or issue?

So what: Develop further ideas from the context that will resonate with your customer. Is there a feature or detail the customer may like or find helpful? Why should it matter to them? Use clues, such as your customer's business or needs, to make your idea stick.

Now what: Present the next steps for moving forward. If you suggested an upgrade or outlined the benefits of using a new feature, offer to help them upgrade their account.

Here's a short example using our new messaging software for context:

"Unified Messaging launched. It will make it easier for you to talk to customers. I can add it to your account so you can try it out today."

What - Why - How Feedback

Customer service agents are no strangers to feedback. But how you digest and present it can truly facilitate positive change. The "What - Why - How Feedback" structure ensures that your agents report on customer feedback in a way that's clear for everyone to understand.

This structure is helpful when creating tickets or writing notes in your work management tool.

When reporting feedback, you should answer:

What is happening: For example, what did the customer like/dislike, what did they say needs to be improved or added?

Why is it happening: How did the customer come across this issue or matter? What sparked this need or idea?

How can it improve: What are some solutions or steps the company can take to make things better?

Whether you collect customer feedback from a survey after a chat or via a page on your website, this structure helps you effectively report requests. Being able to state the what and why of a situation will make your argument more persuasive .

Problem/Opportunity - Solution - Benefit

Opposite to "What - Why - How Feedback," this structure helps agents pitch an idea to or entice the customer. Try using it when explaining something like a new feature, product or upgrade to your customer.

The idea is to identify a problem and present your company's solution:

Problem/Opportunity: Expose an issue many people face, or explain how an existing product, service or practice can be improved.

Solution: Your company's future or existing plan to address the problem. Stronger if supplemented with facts and figures.

Benefit: What the customer will directly experience as a result.

Here's how this structure looks when applied, again, to Userlike :

"Businesses that offer web support struggle to always be online. Userlike created Unified Messaging, an asynchronous solution that lets agents and customers casually send and receive messages when it's most convenient for them. Clients who use this software won't need a dedicated support team online 24/7."

The Pyramid Principle

The aim of this structure is simple: start with the answer then give supporting evidence. This may feel counterintuitive to companies in an applications-first culture, but answering a customer's question first may help reduce conversation time. This is helpful in live chat or messaging where fast response rates are expected.

The steps are:

Give the answer first: When a customer asks a question, don't beat around the bush. State the facts up front.

Summarize your supporting arguments: Once you've given your answer, follow it up with at least three supporting explanations or arguments.

Logically order supporting ideas: Organize your points by time, structure and importance. Focus on what's helpful or intriguing.

Obvious from its name, the Pyramid Principle structures your speaking into a pyramid, the main idea at the top with supporting information on the bottom.

Here's how I would use the Pyramid Principle in response to a question about Userlike:

"Does Unified Messaging have a mobile app?"

Answer:

Not at the moment.

Supporting explanations:

Developing an app is a top priority on our roadmap.

Unified Messaging easily integrates with mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Your customers can reach you via their favorite mobile app.

Ordering supporting ideas:

We can alert you when an app is ready to be tested, if you're interested.

In the meantime, give our integrations a try.

They're convenient because agents don't need to be online to receive messages and can respond during normal working hours.

Talk with structure in your personal life

A new manner of speaking may feel uncomfortable and be stressful at first. Try using one of these structures in your day-to-day life to become more confident at it. Maybe your friends want to see a different movie than you, or you're knee-deep in a political discussion on Reddit. Using structure can make your arguments more convincing, and you'll soon notice it becoming second nature to you.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Userlike earns from qualifying purchases. We donate all of these proceeds to our non-profit cause, the Atefa Girl's School .

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4 Ways Structure Can Improve Your Communication

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You can tell when someone is talking out of their butt. They're not saying anything of substance and their words seem to be all over the place. This can be frustrating in customer service. No one wants to resolve an issue with an agent who clearly lacks the ability to help.

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A rundown of a typical interview structure with a step-by-step guide for nonverbal and verbal communication.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Help Structure Conversation

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Most interviews include these stages:

1. Introductory stage. | estimated length of a few minutes.

The interviewer will greet you and establish rapport. Extend your hand for a handshake as you meet. Listen carefully to your interviewer's name. State your full name, and don't speak too quickly. During this time, the interviewer gets the very important first impression of you, based on your greeting and introduction, handshake, appearance, and demeanor.

There might be friendly small talk as you are greeted and escorted to the interview room. Be alert to signals, listen, and give short responses. For example if asked if you had trouble with directions to the office, respond that you did not. (If you got lost, no need to expound.)

Sit when you are directed to do so, not before.

Address your interviewer as Ms./Mr./Dr. [lastname]. If your interviewer insists on being addressed by her/his first name, you can do so. Don't use her/his first name until told to do so. Starting with formality and moving to less formality is appropriate. If you start informally, and that is not welcome, this can be awkward and embarrassing.

There might be brief discussion of logistics, what will happen during the interview, verification that the interviewer and candidate each have appropriate information, etc. You could offer an updated copy of your resume, and any other paperwork you were asked to bring.

2. Information from the interviewer to the candidate. | estimated length of a few minutes.

The interviewer might give you more information about the position or the organization. Ideally, you would have received much of that information in advance, because you needed it to prepare for the interview. However there could be more current or detailed information the interviewer provides.

For on-campus interviews, some employers hold information sessions, usually the evening prior to the interview day, in order to share that information in advance. This way more interview time can be spent getting to know you, and the interviewer does not have to repeat the same information over and over with individual students. If an information session is offered, make it a priority to go if you can; it's to your advantage to be there.

3. Questions from the interviewer(s) to the candidate. | majority of the interview time.

Prepare for a wide variety of typical interview questions, and be ready to think on your feet if a question surprises you.

The purpose of an interview is to determine:
- If there is a match between your qualifications and the requirements of the job;
- If you are truly interested in the employer and the job; and
- If there is a good fit between you and the employer.
So you must go in to an interview knowing yourself, knowing the field/industry, knowing the employer, and knowing the position.

Although you could be asked about your understanding of issues related to your career field, an interview is not a test or quiz to see if you have memorized correct answers. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your preparation and your thought process.

Behaviorial questions [that ask you to describe how you behaved in the past] are used because past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.

Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.

Present positive information; don't focus on what you don't have.

Be concise but also thorough in responses to questions; don't make the interviewer work too hard to get information from you. If the interviewer is talking more than you are, this might indicate you are not providing complete responses.

4. Opportunity for you as interviewee to ask questions. | estimated length of a few minutes.

Interviewers expect candidates to have questions. Having none will send the message you were not prepared or interested. If all the questions you wanted to ask were already answered, you can explain that (and thank the interviewer for sharing that information).

5. Conclusion. | estimated length of a minute or a few.

Before you depart, the interviewer should explain what the next steps are in the hiring process for the organization (if not already explained), anything else expected of you, and when and how the employer will next be in contact with you.

Before you depart, thank your interviewer for her/his time and consideration. Stand when you offer a handshake. Be pleasant and cordial to any individuals you encounter as you depart.

Your follow up after the interview.

Your work is not over with the conclusion of the interview. Do anything the employer told you to do. Express your thanks promptly in writing.

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1. Introductory stage. | estimated length of a few minutes. The interviewer will greet you and establish rapport. Extend your hand for a handshake as you meet. Listen carefully to your interviewer's name. State your full name, and don't speak too quickly.

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How to Approach a Job Interview Like a Conversation

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How to Approach a Job Interview Like a Conversation

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How To Approach a Job Interview Like a Conversation | Indeed.com
Verbal and nonverbal communication tips to structure an interview in a conversational way.

(please click the link, not the photo to get to article)

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Help Structure Conversation

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An infographic and article on why and how to win and influence people, especially in the workplace.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Can Influence and Decieve

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In a previous blog post I talked about the art of persuasion and the ethical principles of influence as defined by Robert Cialdni. Today, I want to share with you further important principles from the work of another brilliant man - Dale Carnegie and his best-selling book "How to Win Friends and Influence People". The difference between this post and the one about persuasion is that with the advice from this post you can go a step further - from influencing people to making friends, or in the language of business, from influencing strangers to delighting them into becoming your loyal followers.

I read Carnegie's book a while ago and I've been thinking about how to best present my impressions. He offers valuable advice in the form of well categorised principles and I though it doesn't really make sense to just list them. So I got a little creative and put together an infographic that serves as an ethical guide to human relations and making friends.

Why is that important in your professional life?

As Dale Carnegie says,

In the world of business, making friends can be synonymous with establishing and maintaining relationships, which in turn is the guiding principle of PR. It is at the core of other areas as well such as inbound marketing for example.

Before I move on to the infographic, here are some quotes from the book that I really like. Maybe they'll inspire you :)

Infographic: How to Win and Influence People

How do you win and influence people? How useful do you think are Carnegie's tips in business?

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How to Win and Influence People [Infographic]

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In a previous blog post I talked about the art of persuasion and the ethical principles of influence as defined by Robert Cialdni. Today, I want to share with you further important principles from the work of another brilliant man - Dale Carnegie and his best-selling book "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

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Your dress helps influence the interviewer that you belong. This is how to dress for every sort of job interview from a college part-time gig to a highly esteemed position in a large corporation.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages Can Influence and Deceive and Help Manage Impressions

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What's the best outfit to wear to a job interview? The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you're interviewing with.

You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you're interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.

Note

If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it'll send the message that you don't truly understand what's involved in the role. Find out what to wear (and what not to wear) for interviews at every type of company.

Key Takeaways

Professional / Business Interview Attire

Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire. This might mean:

A suit jacket and slacks with a button-down shirt and tie

A sweater and a button-down shirt

A blouse and dress pants

A statement dress

You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. All interviewees should consider color when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.

The more important thing to consider when you're dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you're seeking. Even though your interview attire depends on the role you're applying for, no matter what the position, you should go to the interview looking neat, tidy, and well-dressed.

Non-Professional / Business Casual Interview Attire

If you have a job interview in a more informal work environment, you might wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals.

Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business casual is acceptable.

Always dress a bit more professionally than the average employee at the company. If everyone is wearing shorts and T-shirts, for example, you might wear khakis and a polo shirt or button-down.

Casual Interview Attire

If you have an interview at a startup, nix the head-to-toe formal business attire. You want to look appropriate and professional, but not too formal.

Rather than showing up in a black suit and dress shoes, opt for something relaxed but still presentable: relaxed-fit khakis, dark-wash jeans, and a nice top, for example.

Internship / College Job Interview Attire

It's important to dress professionally when interviewing for a professional job or internship as a college student. It'll show that you'll know how to dress appropriately if you're hired.

Less formal attire is acceptable when interviewing for campus jobs and more informal workplace jobs. However, you still want to dress professionally for most positions, even if they are entry-level. Skip jeans, athleisure, or anything you'd wear to the beach, the gym, or a club. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and free from visible holes or tears.

When you interview for an internship position, your clothing should follow the dress code of the company you're interviewing with. If you're hoping to land an internship with a financial services company, professional attire is a must. However, if you're interviewing for a tech internship at a startup, business casual is a better fit.

Job Interview Style Tips

Remember that your goal is to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, and enthusiasm. Avoid any style choices that distract from your abilities or detract from a professional impression.

Choose the Right Accessories

When wearing accessories to an interview, less is more. Select accessories that will enhance your interview attire, not overwhelm it.

Style Your Hair

If you have short hair, schedule a haircut close to the interview-but don't try out a new hairstyle right before. If you have long hair, choose a neat, professional style. You will want your hair to be professional and polished, like your entire outfit.

Wear Subtle Makeup

If you wear makeup, be sure that it doesn't distract the interviewer. This is not the time for bold lipstick or glittery eye shadow. Instead, keep makeup unobtrusive.

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Learn what the best interview outfits are for every type of job interview, including advice on appropriate and inappropriate interview attire and more.

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How to Keep Your Emotions "In Check" During an Interview

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How to Keep Your Emotions "In Check" During an Interview

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An article providing tips on how to take control of any negative emotions you may feel during a job interview. Keeping these under control will help you control your nonverbal messages.

Principle: Nonverbal Messages are Crucial For Emotional Expression

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It is easy to become (or feel) emotionally raw while being interviewed. The stress of finding a new job (or even worse if you are in unemployment) paired with a sleepless previous night, and the anguish over having to talk about yourself can be overwhelming. It is critical, however, that you (as a Job Seeker) maintain your composure while being interviewed.

Not keeping your emotions "in check" will naturally damage your candidacy for the position. The Hiring Manager will probably revisit your readiness and stability for the position, along with the probability of making her/him feel uncomfortable, which can't be a good thing for you at decision time. There are at least 3 main emotions that are sometimes lost during an interview. Let's examine each one from a point of view of trying to understand why it might occur. By knowing the root cause of why you felt this way, you will be in a better position to prevent or stop it next time.

* Becoming Upset: This is probably the most common emotion shown and it usually comes from feeling defensive based on the questions being asked of you. Unfortunately, some Hiring Managers confuse a job interview with a police interrogation (although I think this happens less than it used to). It can be easy to become upset because you want to sell yourself, but you find yourself constantly in defense mode. You may also be faced with an Interviewer who does not seem to want to be bothered interviewing you. I find that this will happen when a Hiring Manager asks others to get involved in the hiring process without confirming whether they really want to participate. It can also be irritating when the Interviewer does not seem to be listening to you and your answers. Whatever the scenario, you can't show your frustration or flash your temper.

* Starting to Cry: This happens more often than you may think. A question about a job departure or a gap in employment can be just the impetus to start a wave of emotion and then the resulting tears. If this occurs, all is not lost, as most Hiring Managers will understand when you explain that the situation is still very raw to you.

* Being Too "Energetic": A Job Seeker knows that they need to "sell" themselves during the interview. We are told that we must convince the Hiring Manager we are the best person for the position while also displaying to him/her how much we want the job. Unfortunately, it is possible to be too excited or amped up for the interview. This can cause you to talk too much, at too high of a volume, or otherwise just appear to be a bit erratic.

There are several things that you can do in order to better control your emotions in an interview.

* Be Prepared: Being prepared is a key to most things related to an interview. If you anticipate the tough questions (such as being asked about your background) and prepare your answers ahead of time, then you will be less likely to feel emotional when asked. Ask a friend or family member to assist you by role playing the interview and the toughest questions you are likely to be asked. Rehearse your answers to the point where answering becomes second nature to you. A key is to be fully self-aware of any holes in your work history or shortcomings in your experience, so that you can properly address. Know what your goal/mission is entering the interview, and don't allow yourself to waver.

* Get Some Rest: None of us are our usual self when we are tired. As difficult as it may be due to pre-interview nerves, getting a good night's sleep will go a long way to stabilizing your emotions. Plus, you will also be more alert during the interview.

* Don't Assume It Is Intentional: Becoming emotional can be a direct result of assuming someone is trying to personally attack you. If you assume that the Interviewer is only asking legitimate questions with no "hidden agenda", it is unlikely you will become upset with the questioning. Even if you do think it may be intentional, if you conclude that it is "just business" and not personal, then you should be less emotional.

* Determine If Now Is the Best Time: If you are in a situation where you are having trouble controlling your emotions, such as in a period of grief, then consider delaying your job search. I normally strongly advocate avoiding gaps in employment and jumping right into your search, but if you are not emotionally ready, you will probably do more harm than good.

Now you may have the point-of-view that any prospective employer that would get you this emotional is not a company you would want to work for. While this may be true if the situation was intentional, I have taken the position that a Job Seeker should control her/his emotions during the interview and then make the ultimate decision regarding whether to join a company if an interview is extended.

So, do what you can to keep an even keel during your interview, and avoid any extreme emotional display that will hamper your candidacy.

As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional

Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein

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Keep Your Emotions "In Check" During the Interview - WNY Jobs

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It is easy to become (or feel) emotionally raw while being interviewed. The stress of finding a new job (or even worse if you are in unemployment) paired with a sleepless previous night, and the anguish over having to talk about yourself can be overwhelming.