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“...used to accent or emphasize some part of the verbal message”

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If I were asked, “What are you passionate about?” In an interview, I could draw out or change my voice level to a respondent “definitely, helping others” to emphasize my caring and empathetic nature as a practitioner.

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“...may be used to compliment or complete a message, to add nuances of meaning not communicated by your verbal message”

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Once again using the “what are you passionate about” question, to show my interest in the subject I could raise my eyebrows and smile. I could also shake my head to convey my understanding and interest in the question.

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“...you may deliberately contradict your verbal messages with nonverbal movements...”

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One of the biggest (I think dorky) things my Dad has always done is wink after making a cheeky joke. This usually gets him a positive reaction no matter the situation. In the context of an interview, I could turn my charm up to 100 after being asked “how are you today?” (Or some variation) and respond with a quip like, “livin’ the dream!” With a wink. This is a little less formal, but may help lighten the mood in the room and show my extroverted nature.

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“...may be used to indicate your desire to control the flow of verbal messages...”

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I am a really big active listener, I nod along with conversation frequently and use little verbal cues (“yeah” and “oh!”) when I show interest. In an interview, to control the flow of conversation I could not only use active listening skills, but also open my body language to show I am open and interested in speaking. This includes leaning in, uncrossing my legs, relaxing my posture, etc.

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“You can repeat or restate the verbal message nonverbally”

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I do this frequently in interviews. Sometimes I can find myself trapped on one subject and needing a quick wrap-up, so I’ll say “does that make sense?” And nod my head to imply that I’m ready to move on. Sometimes I squint a little bit too to emphasize the question.

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“You may also use nonverbal communication to substitute for verbal messages”

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While I think this type of communication is informal for an interview, I have nodded to give nonverbal understanding in professional settings before. In more informal settings, I flash a thumbs up frequently to convey understanding as well. In an interview, if I was asked “does that make sense?” I would most likely raise my eyebrows and nod.

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According to anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell, who pioneered the original study of nonverbal communication called "kinesics," face-to-face conversation is less than 35% verbal. In comparison, more than 65% of communication occurs nonverbally. From your facial expressions to your movements, the things that you don't say can often convey more than the spoken word. And that is never truer than during a job interview. Whether in person or over video, body language can make or break your chances of landing that coveted position. By implementing these body language techniques, you'll be able to project confidence during your next interview and land your dream job.

Body language tip #1: Pay attention to body posture

Whether in person or over video, slouching is a red flag. It shows a lack of self-confidence and respect for interviewers. Sitting on the edge of your chair and leaning forward is usually positive body language. It will show that you are genuinely interested in what's being said. Just don't lean in too close, which could invade the interviewer's personal space. If you are conducting a virtual interview, have the camera at eye level and position yourself so that you are visible from the waist up. The ability to see your facial expressions and hand gestures will contribute to creating a meaningful human connection.

Body language tip #2: Don't fidget

Nervous movements during an interview can be distracting-even over video. Refrain from fidgeting with your hands, twirling your hair or bouncing your leg. Even if your leg isn't visible on camera, the rest of your body will be moving, and it will distract the interviewer. Avoid touching your face. Candidates who frequently touch their faces are considered to be dishonest and untrustworthy. Similarly, rubbing your head or neck makes the other person think you are bored or uninterested. Another nervous habit is sneaking a peek at your phone. You wouldn't do it in a face-to-face interview, so don't do it during a virtual interview.

Body language tip #3: Maintain eye contact

A big mistake people make over video is to look at themselves during the interview. Instead, make an effort to look into the camera. You can practice by looking at the camera and pretending it's a person or get into the habit of hiding your self-view during virtual meetings. That will make a huge difference in how you make a connection with the interviewer. If you are face to face, the same rule applies. Obviously, you don't want to stare. But an appropriate amount of eye contact shows good manners and makes candidates appear likable and appealing. According to body language expert Susan Constantine, "Good eye contact in an interview means you are interested and appreciative of the employer's time. Poor eye contact is considered disrespectful and translates into a candidate seeming disinterested in the job, the person conducting the interview or the salary offered, for example."

Body language tip #4: Smile, but not too much

One study conducted by Northeastern University's department of psychology found that smiling can have a negative effect on applicants in a job interview. However, it is particularly harmful to those in fields perceived as more serious, such as reporting, managing and data entry. Smiling was not as disadvantageous for applicants for positions seen as more social such as teaching or sales. That is not to say that you shouldn't smile at all. Generally, it is appropriate to smile at the beginning and end of a job interview. But if you smile the whole time, it may make you seem less competent.

Body language tip #5: Practice active listening

Active listening is a crucial component to successful interviewing-whether virtually or in person. Listen closely to your interviewer's tone of voice and keep an eye on his or her facial expressions and body language. During the job interview, remind yourself to focus every time your attention begins to drift. One important active listening technique is using nonverbal cues to show understanding, such as nodding, eye contact and leaning forward. Consider injecting verbal affirmations into the conversation such as, "I see," "I know," or "I understand." Another essential aspect of active listening is having a sense of empathy for the other person. Demonstrate concern for the interviewer and ask specific questions for clarification.

They say that it takes only seven seconds to make a first impression. Practice using effective body language to send the right message. Just a few simple tweaks will go a long way toward increasing your chances of ultimately acing the job interview.

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Body Language Tips To Help You Ace The Job Interview

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According to anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell, who pioneered the original study of nonverbal communication called "kinesics," face-to-face conversation is less than 35% verbal. In comparison, more than 65% of communication occurs nonverbally. From your facial expressions to your movements, the things that you don't say can often convey more than the spoken word.

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Most of us have failed a job interview once or twice in our lives. If you have not, you are the lucky one. The truth is, there are so many variables affecting an interview outcome, sometimes it is hard to pinpoint which of the deciding factors were involved when an interview did not result in a job offer.

If you are a candidate about to interview for your dream job, your responsibility in this complex process is to not only research, prepare and practice answers for the interview questions but also to anticipate, monitor and manage the psychological aspects before and during your interview.

While the content of your responses in an interview is important, how you deliver them and your awareness of the impressions derived from your attitudes and behaviors are all significant factors. Your personality is one of the most important factors when it comes to being hired for a new role, so your attitude and behaviors can dictate a hiring decision. The better you manage the psychological aspects of an interview process, the higher the probability of your success. Below are a few tips to help you improve your interviewing awareness and readiness:
1. Control only the controllable.
Calmness projects confidence in human interactions. It is especially important that you be in your best mental state before an important interview. Stress and anxiety are common when an interview date is approaching. For some, these feelings can help you to stay alert and push you to be more thoroughly prepared. For others, feeling stressed and anxious can be debilitating.

To remedy this, focus on elements that are within your control. Practice deep breathing, and go to sleep early the night before to boost your productive energy and increase your level of confidence. If you attempt to control uncontrollable variables, such as the quality of the candidate pool or your interviewer's personality, it will result in heightened anxiety. In my experience, controlling only the controllable when preparing for an interview will ensure you stay calm and relaxed, and you will save energy and increase the likelihood that you perform at your top level.
2. Choose how you show up.
The way you show up for an interview heavily influences the interviewers' perception of who you are. It either sets you apart from the other candidates or blends you into a group of candidates whom the interviewer can vaguely recall. You are not a "victim" in the interview process, passively responding to questions when asked. You are an active participant - an equal partner who is also exploring whether the role fits your interests, aptitude and reflects the type of people with whom you want to work.

Being an active participant means that you take the responsibility of making sure the interview is a successful one for both parties. It means you assume half of the responsibility for a two-way conversation. It means you make the effort to monitor the mood of the interview and to choose the appropriate interactive approach. It also means that you pay attention to the pace of the conversation, that you listen actively so you understand the intention of a question and address that intention in your answer.

Finally, yet importantly, you should always choose to react to a negative situation or question with a positive response. When you choose to show up actively and positively, you have managed to master the art of the interview, even if the content of your answers was not perfect. Most organizations are not looking for a candidate who can answer interview questions "correctly" 100% of the time; they want a candidate who can actively contribute to a process or project, take responsibility for a successful outcome and who handles conversations and interactions in a positive manner.
3. Value yourself, and remember that personality matters.
Although you will most likely not encounter direct personality questions during an interview - such as "What is your dominant personality?" or, "Do you like to lead or to be led?" - it's important to keep in mind that your personality is being seriously assessed and evaluated.

Some people call this a screening for cultural fit in the hiring process. You can hold all the skills and technical competencies, but if you appear to possess a set of personality traits that can potentially create conflicts in the workplace and disrupt the harmony within an existing team, you likely won't receive the job offer.

In addition, try not to sell yourself too hard during an interview. Can you recall a time when a salesperson approached you with a "hard sell?" How did that make you feel? Did you believe all the values presented to you and conclude it was a good deal? Or, did you back away because the sales pitch sounded too good to be true? The same principle applies here. I believe when you sell yourself too hard in an interview, you inadvertently devaluate yourself, thus leaving doubts or a negative impression that you might be disingenuous.

Last, it's critical to carefully balance the power dynamics in your interview. Although you are the interviewee, you are not at the mercy of others to hire. Instead, think of yourself as a desired, value-added member - a future contributor whom the organization would love to have on their team. It all begins with how you value yourself. There is no need for a hard sell tactic.

In conclusion, when preparing for your next important interview, learn and practice how to manage your own psychological state so you will be calm and confident. It is equally important that you learn how to anticipate and manage interviewers' perceptions of you as a strong and irresistible candidate who takes an active role in an interview process, exhibits positive attitudes and personality traits and who can not only deliver results but also be a team player.

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Council Post: Managing The Psychological Aspects Of The Interview Process

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Most of us have failed a job interview once or twice in our lives. If you have not, you are the lucky one. The truth is, there are so many variables affecting an interview outcome, sometimes it is hard to pinpoint which of the deciding factors were involved when an interview did not result in a job offer.

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Candidate displaying the proper use of body language during interview.
When preparing for a job interview, many people overlook the importance of understanding body language during interview. By thinking about sending and interpreting information via body language, you give yourself an advantage. Interviewers pay attention to how you look and what you say, but they also interpret your body language, whether they are aware of it or not. If you know what to look for, you can pick up on body language signals from the interviewer as well, and by assessing how the interview is going, you can respond appropriately.

Here's How to Use Body Language During Interview
Kinesics: The Science of Body Language
We've all met people who stand or sit with shoulders rounded and head hung forward. We assume from such a posture that the people have no confidence in themselves. If you talk to someone who won't meet your eyes, it's hard to trust them. It's hard to like someone who never smiles. There's a science behind this aspect of human communication called kinesics.

Kinesics includes the use of posture, facial expression, movement and gestures to communicate nonverbally. When interviewing, a job hunter can send positive body language signals and interpret and respond to the interviewer's body language by understanding some basics of how to use body language during interview.
Open and Confident Body Posture
It's natural to be nervous when entering an interview room, but walking in with an erect but relaxed posture is important-practice in front of a mirror or camera at home. Keep your head up and your shoulders back but relaxed. When you sit, choose a position ideal for making eye contact. It's fine to sit against the back of a chair if it doesn't cause you to slouch.

During the interview, lean slightly forward when the interviewer speaks to show you are listening. Alternating between sitting up and leaning in tells the interviewer you are engaged. You might, for example, lean forward to listen to a question and then sit up and back for a few seconds to show you are thinking before leaning forward again to give your answer. While you don't want to rock back and forth with each interchange, changing your position occasionally shows you are paying attention and keeps you from appearing stiff and nervous.
Arms and Hands
Many people struggle with what to do with their hands and arms because of a lack of information on using body language during interview. Before interviewing, practice holding your arms and hands in a relaxed position. Don't fold your arms in front of you because you look defensive and closed. If your chair has arms, use them, and if you're seated at a table, rest your forearms on it. You can hold your hands in several different ways to show openness and have them ready when you decide to employ a gesture.

Folded Over Each Other: If you have a tabletop or desk, placing one hand on top of the other loosely can be comfortable for some, and you appear confident but relaxed.

Interlaced Fingers: If you're a fidgeter, interlacing your fingers may help keep them still. Rather than intertwining them with your palms down, you might try resting them pinky down with fingers slightly interlaced. A tight fold can make you appear tense.

Steepled: By holding your hands in front of you with your fingertips touching, you look thoughtful but relaxed. Don't put them together like you are praying. Just rest a few fingertips together with fingers up or forward. Keeping your hands in such a position throughout an interview may seem unnatural, so alternating between steepled and flat or steepled and gently interwoven allows you to move your hands to show you are engaged.

Virtual Interview: If you tend to fidget, try sitting on your hands. This is one perk of Zoom and other virtual platforms - nobody can see you sitting on your hands, but they will see you fidgeting.

The keys are to be comfortable, convey confidence, and above all, avoid fidgeting. Experiment, decide in advance on a hand position and practice, so it feels natural.
Gestures
Gestures play an important role while displaying the correct body language during interview to show the interviewer that you are confident.

Handshake: One important gesture is the handshake. Make sure to offer your hand, grasp your interviewer's hand firmly, make eye contact and smile.

Head Nods and Tilts: Nodding or tilting your head thoughtfully can effectively show you agree or are considering what they are saying. Don't, on the other hand, constantly nod like a bobblehead. Instead, use nods to demonstrate enthusiasm or understanding of the interviewer's point.

Hand Gestures: Use subtle hand and arm gestures sparingly to make a point. Make sure your hand and arm movements are natural and reserved. Professionals preparing a speech practice gestures in front of a mirror or camera to look natural and appropriate. Prepare for an interview the same way because if gestures are jerky, flamboyant or too frequent, they become distracting and convey either nervousness or aggression.

Facial Expression
Study yourself in the mirror and practice keeping your expression pleasant and natural. Make sure to smile at appropriate times. If you have trouble smiling naturally, think of something that makes you happy and see how your face looks. If necessary, remember that thought when you are interviewing. Use your eyes and eyebrows to express surprise or enthusiasm.
Interpreting Your Interviewer's Nonverbal Messages
Understanding how to send the right messages is only half of the two-way nonverbal conversation. Use your understanding of body posture, hand position and gestures, and facial expressions to decode your interviewer's attitude toward you. Looking for cues as to how your interview is going can help ensure the successful use of body language during interview. Some signs tell you that things are going well and encourage you to stay the course. Others let you know an interviewer isn't impressed and is mentally moving on. You then have the opportunity to change the interview's dynamic and direction. Trust your instincts and choose a couple to watch for since it might be difficult to concentrate on so many concepts at once. Here are two that might be useful.

Mirroring: When your interviewer mirrors your movements, whether you nod, use gestures or lean forward when you speak, usually, you can assume things are going well.

Eye Contact: If your interviewer stops making eye contact during an interview, that can be a warning sign. You may want to ask a question or volunteer some additional information about a subject you have been discussing to reengage. For example, you might say something like, "You asked about my experience with XYZ. Is that because I would be working with XYZ?" If you don't have experience, perhaps you could bring up a similar skill or talk about how quickly you have learned new processes in the past.

By practicing in advance in front of a mirror or camera, you can develop positive nonverbal communication skills and confidently use body language during interview. The more you practice, the less you will need to think about that aspect of the interview. After concentrating on your own body language, you will be more attuned to your interviewer's nonverbal cues and be able to control the course of the interview.

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effectively using and interpreting body language during interview

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Effectively Using and Interpreting Body Language During Interview | BioSpace

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Candidate displaying the proper use of body language during interview. When preparing for a job interview, many people overlook the importance of understanding body language during interview. By thinking about sending and interpreting information via body language, you give yourself an advantage.