Body language can be a strength of some and a weakness for others. For example, when a person is sitting in a job interview, he can exhibit body language that either helps or hurts their chance of landing a job. Nonverbal communication can be detrimental to a candidate if he or she does not realize the body language they are exhibiting. On the flip side, correct body language can help a candidate ace an interview.
First Impressions
Many companies will make decisions on job candidates based on how they sat in the lobby of the company while waiting to be interviewed. Even though this seems superficial, it is a part of body language that tells a lot about the candidate. The next step would be the interviewer evaluating the handshake of the job candidate. As an interviewee, you want to make sure that you walk confidently towards the interviewer, make eye contact, and end with a strong handshake. These first impressions will say a lot about you to the interviewer, so make sure you are ready to stand tall the minute you walk through the company’s doors.
Body Language
When the interview begins, the interviewer will be monitoring the spoken word as well as the body language of the interviewee. This helps the company determine what type of person they are. At an interview, if you sit back in your chair with your legs crossed at your knee, then you are too relaxed. This could tell the interviewer that you are overly confident about your chances of landing the job or are not taking the interview seriously. Some candidates who take up too much space at the table could come across as being too aggressive for an interview situation. This shows a company they will probably be just as aggressive if hired for the job.
If you answer an interview question or make a statement and then cannot look the interviewer in the eye, it gives the impression that you are hiding something. This comes across to the interviewer as lying or not telling the truth, which can lead to being eliminated from consideration for the job. On the other hand, if you stare into the eyes of the interviewer without blinking or looking elsewhere while speaking, this could be a sign of fabrication.
While in an interview, if you constantly play with your watch, tap your pen repeatedly, or play with your hair, it could send a sign to the interviewer that you are uncomfortable with the interview. The reasons for being uncomfortable could be numerous, including the setting of the interview, your skills, your experience or the interviewer.
Contact the experienced recruiters at Halpin Personnel to discuss your interview strategies and how to handle nonverbal communication during these interviews.