Using effective non-verbal communication techniques, including appropriate body language during an interview can dramatically enhance your chances of getting the Job.
Research which has been conducted into Human Interaction & Communication (HIC) has shown that people recognise and respond to three main factors including: Non-verbal Communication (Body Language), Tone of Voice and Verbal Communication. Research has also shown that 55% of your message is delivered through Body Language, 28% through Tone of Voice and only 22% through what is actually being said! Therefore using appropriate body language in your job interview is essential to your success - Here are our Top 5 Tips.
1. Give a good Firm handshake
A firm handshake is key to starting an introduction well. A good handshake involves a firm, complete grip, eye contact and vigorous up-and-down movement. This may not work as well for women because their grips tend to be not as strong, but other research finds women tend to be stronger in other nonverbal communication skills that seemed to offset this. 2. Smile
A strong, sincere smile has the power to say, “I'm confident, friendly and would love to work here”. A good smile will put people at ease and It's just as much your responsibility to ensure that there is a relaxed atmosphere during the interview. Try
practicing in the mirror!
3. Regular eye contact If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are actively listening, you need to instigate direct eye contact and maintain it. When you are doing the talking it is advised that you should hold eye contact for periods of about 10 seconds before looking away briefly and then re-establishing eye contact. Avoid appearing as if you are staring aggressively by blinking at regular intervals and moving your head every now and then, such as giving a small nod. 4. Good posture, sit upright
At the start of the Interview sit upright but not too stiffly in your chair. This indicates that you are comfortable and feeling confident. Hunching down in your chair gives the impression of nervousness and low self-esteem. A sloppy posture indicates a careless attitude and a lack of energy. Sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being nervous and tense.
5. Open Body Language
It is important throughout the interview to maintain open body language no matter how tough the questioning gets! Examples of closed body language would be crossed arms, crossed legs, hand over mouth, head down and limited eye contact.
This can make you come across as defensive, cold or nervous. Sub concisely the interviewer will pick up on this and perhaps will start to think you're not the person for the Job.
Examples of good open body language would be open arms, relaxed posture, opened palm of hand, regular eye contact and smiling. Be sure to do this as It will affect how easy the conversation flows. Further Body Language Advice & Coaching
Would you like some further Body Language advice or coaching? Why not ask the experts? TheEngineersCV.co.uk is a team of professional consultants with a combined 18 years experience within Engineering Recruitment. We provide One-to-One Career Guidenace and Interview Coaching Services to Engineering professionals across the UK and Europe.
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