Nonverbal Communication Tips for Job Interviews

Nonverbal Communication Tips for Job InterviewsNonverbal Communication Tips for Job InterviewsJob interviews are the employers chance to meet candidates face-to-face. Not only will the employer have a list of specific questions to ask you about your resume and your ability to do the job, they also want to see what youre like. Both verbal and nonverbal communication skills are the key to success.Employers will listen to your answers but they will also be reading your body language. Actions speak louder than words and often our gestures, movements, and facial expressions, say more about how were feeling than what we say.The ability to use nonverbal communication skills is a powerful tool that can help you give a positive impression during a job interview. They are nerve-wracking, but its important notlage to let the occasion get the better of you.Focusing on your body language can help to give the impression that youre calm and relaxed, even if youre not. It can make the difference bet ween getting the job and not. Youve taken the time to write a resume, now its your chance to shine in the interview.There are ways of including communication skills on a resume. However, trying to demonstrate that you have strong nonverbal communication in the skills section of your resume is not so simple. The interview is your opportunity to showcase these abilities.What is nonverbal communication?What is the meaning of non-verbal communication?When we communicate we continuously give and receive wordless signals. Thefacial expressionswe make,eye contact, how we sit, and how loudly and quickly we speak, allsend strong messages.Nonverbal communication tells the other person what youre feeling, even if its subconscious. Even during periods of silence, you still interact through your body language.Often in job interviews, what people say and what their body language communicates are two different things. This sends mixed messages to the interviewer and can create tension, mistrust, a nd confusion.What are examples of nonverbal communication?There are various types of nonverbal communication but they are often broken down into groups including kinesics (body language), haptics (touch), paralinguistics (the way you speak), and proxemics (use of space).Most other skills are easy to include on your resume using a resume builderbut nonverbal communication skills are unique. They are only demonstrated and observed in the job interview not on your resume.Nonverbal communication tips for job interviewsIt is important to be aware of your ownbody languageand to take some steps before and during an interview. Thankfully, it is possible to control your own body and to make sure yougive the right impressionin a job interview.Prepare before the interviewMake sure you have a printed copy of your professional resume. If youre prone to nerves, read this guide on how not to be nervous in a job interview and take the follow the appropriate steps.Waiting for the InterviewThis can b e the most nerve-wracking part but its also your chance to get your body language under control from the start. Be aware that the receptionist and other people may be observing you.Focus on your posture when youre sitting and standing. Keep your back and neck straight and stand or sit still as much as you can. Keep your belongings to your left so its easy to shake peoples hands when the time comes.The HandshakeA handshake is an important part of a first impression and it will probably be the only physical contact between you and the employer.Aim for a firm handshake which isnt painful for the other person. It isnt a contest. Make eye contact and smile as you shake the interviewers hand.Body positionKeep your back straight and lean forwards towards the interviewer slightly to show interest. Avoid crossing your arms or placing them on your lap as this indicates defensiveness whereas you want to display confidence.Dont fidgetWhen youre nervous it can feel impulsive to want to do someth ing with your hands. If you have the urge to touch your hair, bite your nails, resist it. The same goes for leg-shaking. unterstellung movements give the impression that youre nervous. You want to appear calm.You dont have to sit perfectly still. If you naturally talk with your hands this is not a problem. Its nervous habits you need to avoid.Eye contactTheres a balance to be struck between not making eye contact and seeming detached and distant, and staring intensely at the interviewer and coming across as aggressive.Make eye contact when youre listening to questions to show youre paying attention and respond, but allow it to regularly break to let your eyes wander.Leave a positive impressionThe last impression you give is as important as the first. Calmly stand up, gather your things, smile, and shake the hands of the interviewer. Give the impression youre pleased with how the interview went.Preparation is the key to a successful job interview. Follow these top tips for a job inte rviewto give yourself an edge over the other candidates.