The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication in Interviews

Our LeaderStat recruiters want you to be successful on your next job hunt. To that end we have offered tips on how to improve your resume, interview skills, and social media profiles, among others. A topic we haven’t covered in depth is non-verbal communication (during interviews or other important meetings). For a long time the thinking has been that non-verbal communication is just as important, if not more important, than verbal communication. More recent research indicates this may not be the case.

LANGUAGE BARRIER

Some aspects of non-verbal communication are universal. People all over the world express strong emotions in remarkably similar ways, and these are usually easily recognized by others. Obviously if you are slumped in your chair, yawning, looking at your watch, letting your eyes wander, etc., you are giving the universal message that you don’t want to be there, and even if you have fantastic answers to the interviewer’s questions, you’re likely going to be crossed off as a candidate when you leave the room.  Conversely, good non-verbal communication (including good body language), can’t save you if your answers are off-base or bizarre.

ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Where non-verbal communication is key is when the employer is deciding between you and another candidate or two, and you have all given great interviews. The decision then often comes down to who gave off the best ‘vibe.’ This ‘vibe’ is usually based on more subtle non-verbal communication, such as micro-expressions (unconscious expressions of an emotion that lasts less than a second), poise, and expressiveness.

POSITIVE DIRECTION

Micro-expressions reflect the emotion of the moment, and are a good measure of genuineness. If you are excited about this job opportunity, eager to take the job, interested in what the interviewer has to say, and happy to have the opportunity to meet with him/her, this will show in your expressions. Micro-expressions can’t be controlled or practiced, but they are a reflection of our emotions, and our emotions are controlled by our thoughts. Take some time before the interview to gather your thoughts and focus them in a positive direction. Thoughts like “I’m right for this job,” “I’m happy to have this opportunity,” “I’m going to enjoy meeting people who work here,” etc., will set you up for success.

MORE PIE, PLEASE

Researchers at Psychology Today further stress the non-verbal communication of the acronym PIE: poise, interest, expressiveness. People with poise “appear confident, comfortable, and in charge of themselves...and ‘ready to take on the world.’" Poise is difficult to fake, but can be acquired with practice. Interest can be expressed with good body language, attentiveness, eye contact, and posture. Expressiveness refers to giving off an overall positive impression: smiling, avoiding angry/annoyed/frustrated words and expressions, and being energetic.

HOW DO I GET TO CARNEGIE HALL?

Even people with a lot of PIE will struggle in an interview if they ‘wing it.’ Those who are prepared are more likely to have a positive outlook going into the interview, which will show on their face and in their body. Practice answering tough questions and having positive thoughts. Ask a friend to mock interview you and get pointed feedback about your posture, sense of confidence, expressions, and overall vibe. Practice will increase your confidence and positivity, and give you more PIE!
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