So you survived your most recent job interview. Do you know what the hiring manager thought about you? Often people are so nervous and consumed with their own thoughts and feelings that they forget to pay attention to the non-verbal cues the hiring manager is putting off.
Non-Verbal Cues
While your non-verbal communication is important, so is the communication from the person doing the interview. In the post, Examples of Non-Verbal Communication, it states we send and receive nonverbal communication cues whether we realize it or not. Here are a few non-verbal cues to look for during an interview:
Posture
When the interviewer is interested in what you have to say their posture is relaxed and leaning forward to show engagement in the conversation. If the interviewer’s posture is stiff or is leaning back with crossed arms or legs, beware. These cues can signify anxiety or discomfort and could indicate that the interviewer has already made up their mind about you.
Eye Contact
If the interviewer is engaged in conversation with you and truly listening they will be making eye contact. If the interviewer starts to look around the room or glance at their phone that may be a sign that you are rambling and the interviewer is ready to move on to the next question or they already have their mind made up about you.
Gestures
Positive gestures include taking notes, nodding “yes” and genuinely laughing at your funny stories. Cues to watch out for are a cocked head to one side with a raised eyebrow and a shaking head “no” while verbally responding “yes.”
Being aware of non-verbal cues will allow you to modify your behavior during the interview. This will increase your chances of success. If you would like to learn more or perfect your interview skills, give us a call. We’d love to help you get to the next level of your career.
Other Posts Regarding Interviews
9 Interview Mistakes To Avoid
Getting Past the Gatekeepers to Get a Job Interview
Interview Skills to Land Your Dream Job
