In this guide, we’ll help determine the basic strategies you should master and avoid when using nonverbal communication in interviews.
Importance of Body Language in Interviews
Compared to many other means of communication, nonverbal communication is quite influential. You might convey a message with the best words, but your body language will either complement or interfere with the message. Business entities ensure they watch how potential employees dress during interviews. Simple things like your body posture, eye contact, and the position you adopt as you sit can work out much about you to an interviewer, including your confidence level, attitude, and interest in a particular job.
However, it would help if you observed postures during the interview process to ensure you communicate the right message.
Do: Maintain Eye Contact
Looking at the listener is one of the most accessible yet potent strategies that convey confidence and attention. This is especially important in an interview: If you do not look into the eyes of the interviewer from time to time, you are sending a signal that you are disinterested, self-unsure or both.
However, as is the case in any design process, balance must be made. Making eye contact becomes intimidating if it is done to an extremity while making eye contact that is little shows that one is lost or not assured. Make some eye contact briefly, and remember to look away, blink and move your eyes around occasionally.
Don’t Cross Your Arms
It is one of the most wrong signals one can give and is interpreted as being either angry or rude. When asked such a question, it may lead your interviewer to believe you are a closed-off person or not fully engaged in the discussion.
Instead, ensure that your arms are not crossed and should not be placed on the table; they should hang loosely by your side or lay gently on your lap. It shows that you find the other person credible and help inform them that you are paying attention and ready to listen. These signs of nonverbal communication encourage positive interactions with your interviewer.
Do: Offer a Firm Handshake
The handshake is often the first physical contact you will have with your interviewer; therefore, it should be perfect. It thus implies a firm shake because confidence and professionalism represent a firm handshake. It’s a way of telling one’s employer, “Yes sir/ Madam, I am ready for this job”.
Check this: thank you for your shoulder, but don’t make your handshake too violent. One more thing to remember – never give a lifeless handshake because people will think you are weak. A good, rigorous first-hand grip gives the tone for the rest of the interview.
Don’t: Slouch
Therefore, it is no surprise that your body language says a lot during an interview. A good posture exemplifies the interview in that you listen keenly and fully engage with what the interviewer is discussing. Leaning, on the other hand, makes you look as though you’re lazy or bored, something nobody would want to portray.
Non-verbal communication is essential up to the time you enter the room and up to the time you exit the room. Stand tall, with your chest out, arms to the sides, and legs shoulder width apart. It will keep you looking professional and attentive to the tasks in front of you and online.
Do: Nod When Appropriate
Saying yes by bobbing one’s head up and down may not be a big gesture, but everyone should try it because it tells the other parties that they’ve heard and understood the comments being made to them. It is a non-verbal sign to show that they agree or follow the conversation without stepping on the speaker’s toes.
But whatever you do, don’t overdo it. Use head nods during the conversation to show that you’re actively listening, but do not nod excessively because it may appear that you are just faking it.
Don’t: Fidget
One mustn’t fidget, drum on the table, tap one’s feet or twist hair whenever uncomfortable or anxious. Interviewing can make candidates nervous, and this common aspect must be controlled.
If you need help managing your hands, just let them lie on your lap or put them on the table where you are seated. This is an excellent chance to rehearse and only move around a little to avoid losing your cool.
Do: Smile
A genuine smile can do much of the work of building rapport with your interviewer if the rest of your presentation could be better. A smile proves you are friendly, easy-going, and have a positive attitude, which impresses the employer.
Second, smiling also reduces the tension between you and the interviewer, after which both of you become comfortable. The main thing here is to ensure that you are not straining a smile which looks genuine and forced.
Conclusion
Body language is vital to your interview presentation, often speaking louder than words. By being mindful of your gestures, posture, and eye contact, you can create a confident and positive impression that complements your verbal responses.
Remember these simple do’s and don’ts:
- Do maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake.
- Don’t cross your arms or slouch.
- Do not when appropriate, and smile to show engagement and friendliness.
- Don’t fidget or display nervous behaviours.
Mastering your body language will help you convey confidence and professionalism, giving you the edge you need to succeed in your following interview. Good luck!
