Undervaluing non-verbal communication

  Universia has reached the conclusions below after having carried out a survey on 2000 HR employees:

“90 seconds are the key for 33% of interviewers to reach an answer about whether the interviewee is suitable for the vacant”.

Stand triumphant or beaten? The main factor lies in the image we convey to the interviewee with our non-verbal communication, suchlike:

·         The movements we make with our hands,

·         The first contact between interviewee and interviewer,

·         The attitude we show when facing the person interviewing us.

If we want to reach a meaningful interview, the following requisites must be fulfilled:

1.        “Shake your hands”. The first step is a proper greeting. This shall be the beginning of a proper basis and the development of our interview, since the first impression is vital. It is important to achieve visual contact between interviewee and interviewer, always keeping good manners ahead.

2.       “Smile” is a key factor in the public eye and its appraisal shall be important since it brings the flair of being a close person, determined and strong.

3.       “Keep good manners”. The know-how in every single place is essential. It may be one of the key factors. This is recommended for interviews:

ü  Keeping a firm stand sitting away from the backseat conveys clear interest,

ü  Keeping a certain distance between legs shows your self-assurance.

4.       “Gesturing” is really important when it comes to conveying an image of ourselves to the interviewer. It is essential for the interviewer not to suffer from "infoxication". Our hands can mirror the most important of the message we are aiming to convey and our self-assurance.

5.       “Be yourself”. Self-confidence is a key point if you wish to generate a bond of trust between the interviewer and yourself. It is important to create a place of calm.

6.       “Face to face”: Face the interviewer during the conversation. Consider your context. It may bring you some clues and help the interviewer not to feel a challenging behaviour.

7.       Many times “the interviewer” shall convey by means of non-verbal communication the way the interview is going because it will mirror the attitude towards you.

8.       “Do not tell personal experiences, unless asked to do so”. During the interview you must one contribute with one response to what you are asked. Be brief, otherwise you may become tedious to the interviewer. First of all, do not interfere the personal sphere. This is an interview, not a conversation with a friend. Do not explain personal experiences unless you are asked.