How to use nonverbal communication to an interview

When you go to a job interview, you might think that if you are a candidate with the best answers to the recruiter’s questions, you will get the job. In reality, this is not a typical case.

There are studies which say that over 50% of the force of each answer, is given by the body language, while the verbal content means approximately 10%; the rest is represented by paralanguage and intonation. Thus, nonverbal communication is proving to be even more important than verbal communication.

The way that an employer evaluate, begins from the moment you enter the door to the end of the interview. If your nonverbal communication skills are not up to a minimum standard, the answers that you give can almost not even matter.



Nonverbal communication matters

If you go to a job interview with a cigarette in the corner of your lips or chewing gum, you will get few points less since the beginning. The same thing will happen if you are not dresses properly or you are wearing too much perfume.



What is important to your outfit when you have an interview?

You must always present yourself as a professional and to pay special attention to the entire process of interviewing. Clothing should be adapted to the job for which you provide.

What do you need to bring with you on a job interview?

-         a portfolio and / or a copy or your CV
-         a pen and agenda
-         mint candy – for the time when you will enter the building
-         for women: an extra pair of stockings (kept in your purse or in the car), this is a backup for unexpected “accidents”.

Things you can not bring:

-         open phone or if you want you can use the “Silent” profile.
-         Gum
-         Cigarettes
-         Coffee
-         Dirty shoes or any other clothing article which is not clean

While you are waiting to enter the employer’s office.

The way you sit, the way you say “hello” to the secretary or to the interviewer, even how you just wait, all this have impact on the impression that you leave. Be friendly and pleasant, but do not exaggerate. If you must wait do it quietly (no phones) and be patient. Shakes hands with the interviewer – firm, not aggressive or too soft.



Nonverbal communication during the interview

-         look in employer’s eyes for few seconds at a certain period of time
-         smile or nod as a sign of approval (when appropriate) when the interviewer speaks, but do not exaggerate. Do not laugh, unless the employer laughs. Be polite and keep a neutral tone in discussion
-         do not stand for nothing
-         do not sit on the back of the chair, because you will look too relaxed
-         keep your feet on the floor and the back straight when you sit
-         pay attention
-         do not interrupt the interlocutor
-         stay calm even if you had an unpleasant experience in a previous interview, keep your emotions and do not look aggressive towards the employer
-         if you are not sure what to do with your hands, you can keep a pen or your own agenda but do not gesticulate much when you talk about your points of view.

Verbal communication is also important. Remember the manners and do not forget to thank the interviewer for his time. Do not use a too common language with abbreviations and colloquial expressions. Speak clearly and resolutely.