Non–Verbal Cues During a Job Interview

Impressions Made at Interviews Can Hurt or Help Candidate's Chances

Sep 7, 2009

The actions taken by candidates can often disqualify them in an interview process, just as easily as their words can.

Interviews can often be stressful for candidates. The ability to give the right responses, as well as to have the right dress and presence can often be daunting. While all of the above factors are important, there are other actions the interviewer looks for during an interview that candidates might not even consider.

What is Non–Verbal Communication?

Non - verbal communication is communication done without words. It is more how individuals communicate through behaviors, expressions, postures, and gestures. The uses of non–verbal communication are vast. From the classroom to the workplace, how people interact with others effects how they're seen. Few individuals understand how these behaviors can affect how they're perceived in their interview, and these impressions can affect the results of that interview process.

Eye Contact is Key to Establishing a Connection During an Interview

While non–verbal cues can vary, there are a few that interviewers look for. The first, and most common, is eye contact. In any interview, the process consists of an exchange of ideas and experiences in a one on one setting. A candidate's ability to maintain eye contact throughout this interaction is key in many ways. Not only does it obtain the interviewer's attention, but it can also help keep his interest.

A candidate's ability to maintain the right amount of eye contact also reveals quite a bit about them. Someone who refuses to establish eye contact is often assumed to be shifty and untrustworthy – which are not qualities most are looking for in applicants. On the other hand, a candidate who never takes his or her eyes from the recruiter can create an unsettling environment, making the interviewer uncomfortable.

Posture Says More About Applicants in an Interview Than They Think

Posture is another indicator of how a potential employee may function within the workplace. Often in interviews, applicants may not be aware of how they position their bodies, and what that position says. Sit too straight, and the applicant becomes tense and uncomfortable - not the easy going, friendly professional that the interviewer may be looking for. Be too relaxed, and the candidate is saying that he or she is lazy and nonchalant, which is, again, not the impression the applicant wants to give.

To hit the right balance, it's imperative that the candidate feed off the vibe given by the recruiter. If the interviewer is relaxed, then mimic his or her motions, but always make sure to be professional. The applicant wants to come across as friendly and serious, easy going and professional. It's all about middle ground when trying to give the right impression.

Fidgeting Never Comes Across as Professional

When applicants fidget, it can give the recruiter many unwanted ideas about them. Is the candidate shifty or timid? Is he incapable of paying attention for prolonged amounts of time? No matter what it boils down to, fidgeting never gives a positive impression.

Applicants should focus on being calm. They should practice being in a tense situation without giving into the need to twiddle thumbs or tap a foot. Remember, there's only one chance to make that impression, so focus on doing well.

Interviewing well is like anything else in life – it takes practice and work. But, if applicants know what actions to fix, and can understand how their actions will be perceived by recruiters, they'll be one step closer to their working goals.

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