Hi All,
Did you know that your body language can say a lot more about you than your words during a job interview? Learn to speak through your appearance and body language and create a positive impression so that you land the job.And that visual ‘first impressions’ make the biggest contribution to an interviewer making their mind up either positively or negatively about you, usually within the first five minutes.
This is what makes your attention to detail about your ‘image management’ vital to your success. Everything from your entry into reception to how you engage in conversation with recruiters and potential employers is being subconsciously and consciously evaluated. This is why it is important to project yourself confidently, with a positive tone. Not brashly, not arrogantly, but by being prepared (researched), appearing interested and upbeat about the role and meeting the interviewer. The interview should not be viewed as a trial, but as a chance for a pleasant mutual information transfer.
Initial interviewer impressions include: your entrance, handshake, eye contact and physical appearance. All of these facets comprise the impression you will make, and can often convey a stronger message than what you actually say. Because once a bad impression is made the interviewer is likely to tune out or look to closing down the interview early. Your job here is to make a strong early connection with the interviewer so they want to listen to you and put you forward.
Job Interview Communication:
According to some studies, body language comprises 55% of the force of any response, whereas the verbal content only provides 7%, and paralanguage, or the intonation -- pauses and sighs given when answering -- represents 38% of the emphasis. To maximize the perceptions you communicate, you want to use these non-verbal impressions to your advantage.
Job Interview Attire:
First, consider your interview attire. Surveys show that dressing unprofessionally or untidily is the leading reason that candidates are excluded from consideration. This candidate already has more strikes against her than she can afford: inappropriate clothing, chewing gum, drinking coffee, and overall unprofessionalism. Dressing appropriately in a clean and professional interview outfit can increase your chances of getting a job offer.
Nonverbal Communication in Interviews:
Nonverbal communication is as important, or even more important, than verbal communication. The evaluation of your nonverbal communication will start as soon as you walk into the company's lobby and continue until the interview is finished. Turn off your cell phone before you enter the building. Talking on the phone during an interview is not only disruptive, it's rude.
Job Interview Body Language:
It's important to make eye contact with your interviewer and to focus on the question. Stay relaxed, but do not laugh or crack jokes at inappropriate times. You should show personality, but don't overdo it because you're nervous or over-eager. Relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged. Don't lean back or slump in your chair. You will look too casual and relaxed. Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested. A polished and professional image is what is going to get you to the next stage of the hiring process, a second interview or even a job offer.
Your "attitude or attention to time" will also send out non-verbal messages. An interview for a job is seen as a very important appointment, and showing up too late for your appointment is therefore absolutely unacceptable. Missing the bus or getting stuck in a traffic jam are pretty lame excuses. After all, for an important appointment like this you should have taken that into account. It's much better to arrive way too early than even a little too late.
Dont worry if you are nervous,its very natural to be nervous during an interview.Also realise that the job interview is more than just a means for the employer to determine which of the candidates is most suitable for the job. The job interview especially is a moment of mutual acquaintance. It's a first meeting with people that you might soon work together with. Therefore the boss should actually be just as nervous as you.
Good Luck.......
Kavita Iyer
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