Body Language during Interviews
According to a recent study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA,) 93 percent of the effectiveness of communication depends on the nonverbal signals that our body produces such as facial expressions, gestures and mannerisms.
Hence, during a job interview, a candidate's body language plays a huge factor in the interviewer's decision making and screening process. Body language is an individual's body movements that depend on his/her attitudes and feelings. More so, body language conveys a meaning of its own.
A person's body language is dictated by certain emotions like excitement, nervousness and enthusiasm. Thus, it is extremely important that job candidates know how to conceal the negative emotions and radiate the positive ones. Candidates must know how to act effectively during job interviews.
Once the interview begins, the candidates must start off on a positive note and display a high degree of confidence - without saying a word. It's important for candidates to connect with the interviewer with the use of nonverbal cues such as a firm handshake, a direct and confident eye contact or a good sitting posture.
Handshakes
The first and foremost body communication tool that will convey a meaning to the interviewer is the way the candidate shakes his/her hand. Handshakes send a message that could either make or break the candidate's chances in landing the job.
A firm, warm handshake will make the interviewer feel at ease and comfortable with the candidate while a wet and shaky handshake gives out the perception that the candidate lacks confidence and that will inevitably ruin the candidate's chances.
Eye Contact
A person's eye is one of the most effective channels of nonverbal communication. There's an old adage that says thieves can't look straight to one's eyes while it isn't always true, eye contact remains to be a great way to connect with people.
Maintaining eye contact gives the connotation of being confident. It also gives valuable signals about how a person thinks and how he/she value his/her opinion.
Posture
A candidate's posture conveys greater message. Interviewers are trained human resource professionals. Thus, they know how to read a person's posture. Putting hands in one's pocket suggests lack of confidence, slouching gives the idea that the candidate is unprepared while a candidate who continuously rubs and touches his/her nose gives the notion of dishonesty.
While it may not be all true, such postures clearly manifest one being unprofessional and they're just downright unpleasant to the interviewer's eyes.
