How to Use Nonverbal Communication in a Job Interview

You spend a lot of time preparing to answer interview questions and making sure your portfolio is up to date. However, what you don't say during a job interview can make the difference between a yes and a no. Use your awareness of nonverbal communication to give yourself an edge.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Prepare to Interview by Working on Nonverbal Communication

1. Dress to impress. Wearing professional attire is still expected at interviews in the modern workplace. Be sure that your clothes are wrinkle-free and that shoes are polished or brushed. Pay attention to the little details like lint on a suit or an inappropriate purse that can take away from a professional appearance.

2. Groom yourself. A recent haircut, a close shave for men, and a light touch with scent and makeup can do wonders for your overall appearance as well as your confidence.

3. Practice in front of the mirror or videotape yourself. Pay attention to facial expressions, tics, gestures and posture while answering mock interview questions. Spend at least 15 to 30 minutes to really get comfortable enough to realize what you do when you are being yourself.

Use Nonverbal Communication to Your Advantage

4. Make eye contact. Looking in the eyes of your interviewer communicates confidence and sincerity. Frequently looking away suggests that you are not interested or that you are easily distracted.

5. Focus on the interview. Sit up straight to demonstrate your interest, listen to the interviewer and show that you are listening by nodding your head and responding at appropriate times.

6. Be polite throughout the job interview. Be friendly to receptionists and assistants when you arrive and act genuinely gracious with your interviewers.

7. Let your body language portray your professionalism. Stay calm and do not fidget or gesture too much. Avoid leaning back or appearing too relaxed.

Use Other Forms of Nonverbal Communication to Leave a Lasting Impression

8. Shake hands with everyone. Greet and leave everyone in the job interview with a firm handshake accompanied by eye contact and a smile.

9. Ask questions at the end of the interview but pay attention to your voice intonation and facial expressions. Reacting negatively when speaking of a former employer can speak volumes about your personality.

10. Present resumes and portfolios in a professional manner. Your paperwork stays with the interviewers after you leave. Spend the time so that they speak for you in a positive way.

Tips & Warnings

• Many employment agency Web sites include interview checklists and techniques to improve nonverbal communication.
• Maintain appropriate degrees of personal space to avoid awkward situations in the workplace, especially with members of the opposite gender.
• During the interview process, you are not required to divulge your age. This could lead to inadvertent discrimination, so don't answer such a question if it arises.