Decoding non-verbal signals in an interview

People sit on a chair in front of a desk during the day and hold a pen.

They say that if you answer all the questions and sell yourself effectively in the interview, you will get the job. But few people know that simply answering questions is never enough to get you hired. And that applies to Zoom interviews as well as in-person interviews.

While phrasing is important, there are several other aspects of an interview that can make the difference between passing and failing. And this is where non-verbal cues come into play.

According to a College Journal study, 55% of interviews were body language, 7% were oral communication, and 38% were paralanguage. These statistics show that non-verbal communication is not only necessary but extremely important for the process to occur.

Actions speak louder than words. This anthem also plays well in an interview scenario. You tend to make a non-verbal impression from the moment you walk into your interview office. The interviewer will make their first decision before you even say a word. Therefore, it is beneficial for the candidate to understand the basics of non-verbal signals for ultimate success.

Nonverbal cues:

Give insight into the candidate’s emotional state.
Adjust the flow of communication.
Strengthen verbal communication.
Define the relationship between the candidate and the interviewer.
Sometimes even the most qualified candidates do not manage to do this, not because of their behaviour or body language. Such mistakes can ruin your chances of getting a job. That is why it is necessary to understand the various components of non-verbal communication.

Body language

Body language is an important part of non-verbal communication because it strengthens the articulation of an individual and, at the same time, gives a glimpse of his attitude and emotions. It shapes posture, gestures, head and hand movements, and the general presence of your body.

It is no exaggeration to say that your body language conveys more to someone than what you say or your voice. Therefore, your body language has a big impact on how a recruiter perceives you and, thus, your likelihood of being hired.

Let’s look at some hacks to help you get through this stage like a pro:

Arrival: Walk confidently into the interview booth, greet your hiring manager, make eye contact, smile, and rock with confidence. This is where you make your first impression.
Posture: When sitting, make sure you are sitting straight but in a relaxed manner where your shoulders fall naturally. Don’t lean back or sway, as this can make you look sleepy or immature. The goal is to look confident and enthusiastic.

Angles: Shoulders should face the employer to show openness.

Leaning in: Don’t lean in or lean too aggressively; you could end up invading the interviewer’s personal space. Lean back naturally if necessary, but remember to return to the original sitting position.
Hands and feet: Keep your feet on the floor and your hands in a neutral position unless you are talking. Before the interview, practice some comfortable poses that will make you feel relaxed and engaged. Keep your hands in a neutral position unless you are talking. Never cross your arms in an interview. This will seriously weaken your credibility.
Keep your gestures natural and moderate.

Eye movements

Eyes never lie. Eye movements act as a peek into the soul and often tend to reveal information unintentionally. The right eye contact can make or break your efforts to land a job. Eye contact rate, blink rate, and pupil dilation are all parts of eye movement that can be very helpful in an interview.

Maintaining eye contact shows interest and is also an important source of feedback. You can always tell the interviewer’s interest in you by the frequency of his eye contact.
Making eye contact is important. But it’s even more important to avoid overdoing it. Too much eye contact is not only bad; it’s worse than too little eye contact.
A well-known trick here is to look long enough to detect the colour of the interviewer’s eyes before looking away.

If you have a hard time looking the hiring manager straight in the eye, here’s a hack: draw an imaginary triangle around the other person’s eyes and mouth. Every five seconds, move your gaze to different points of this triangle. This way, you seem interested and excited about the conversation.
Keep a consistent blink. While blinking too much can mean you’re stressed or lying, blinking too little makes it look creepy and forced.

Constant eye contact with constant blinking builds rapport and bridges the gap between listening and speaking.

Voice modulation

 

Much of the impression you make in an interview comes not from speaking, not from what you say, but from how you say it. The way you convey your voice can have a big impact on perceived confidence and competence. Voice modulation helps assess your situation and is a great way to convey your passion for work.

Make sure your speech is smooth and warm. The interviewer should find you friendly and approachable.
Try to match the pace and volume of your interviewer. Imitating your speaking partner is the most effective way to promote healthy communication.
Pay attention to your intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation.
Always be aware of the number and speed of your message delivery. Express your thoughts in short, simple sentences, pausing for a moment to let the message sink in.
Never use words like um, uh, uh-hhuh, like, you know, etc.
Finish all your thoughts. Expressing complete thoughts shows confidence in ideas and the ability to see them through.

Tips to impress

 

Admit it! As much as we discuss non-verbal cues, it is difficult to put them into practice in real time.

But here are some tips to get rid of nervousness and give a great interview performance:

 

Before the interview

 

Dress appropriately for the interview—wear clothes that are both formal and modern. There are no bright colors. Plan it a few days in advance. Make sure it is well fitted, cleaned, and pressed.
Don’t forget the little things: shine your shoes, check loose hems, and make sure your nails are trimmed and clean.

Minimize jewellery, makeup, and especially fragrances.

Keep your messy hair under control. It is a huge turn-off to have hair follicles hiding an applicant’s face.
Make sure tattoos and piercings are well hidden.
Bring multiple copies of your resume to the interview. If necessary, you can also bring your work samples and portfolio. But make sure they are all professionally organized.
Learn more about the organization. Research the company on their website and understand their goals for starting the company.

During the interview

 

Make sure the handshake is firm but not bone-crushing.
Never chew gum in front of a recruiting panel. It’s just rude and disrespectful.
Please do not bring your cell phone, iPod, or other devices.
Listen. Be observant and pay attention to details.
Avoid negative comments. Be positive when sharing your experiences.
Do not move your hands frantically while reciting.
Do not move, tap your feet, drum your fingers, or continuously touch your hands and face.

Never interrupt a recruiter.

Never badmouth or speak ill of your previous employer. This is very important.
Prepare interesting questions to ask the employer.

Always thank the interviewer for their time and patience before ending the interview.
Remember that an interview is also a conversation. If you prepare properly and exude professionalism through your body language, you’ve aced the interview!