Monday, October 11, 2010

Body Language During Job Interview

By excellent-job-interview-tips com


Careers , Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy



Why is body language so important? As you might be aware, research has shown that only a small percentage of communication involves actual words – 7%. The majority of it - 55% is visual that is body language such as eye contact, facial expressions, eye movements, hand gestures and posture, while the remaining 38% is vocal such as pitch, speed, volume, tone of voice.

Hence, it is very important for you to have a clear idea what body language is and how to use it to your advantage during the interview. People who met you for the first time formed an impression of you based on a combination of verbal and non-verbal communications. That is they are able to gauge your mood, inner feeling and attitude at that point in time.

Let us zoom into eyes first as “our eyes are the windows to our souls”.

Types of Gazes

The business gaze – imagine a triangle on the forehead of the person you are interacting with. The peak is above the centre of the eyebrows and the base line joins the pupils of the eyes. Do not let your gaze fall below the eye level of the person to maintain control.

The social gaze – image a triangle in the centre of the face of the person you are talking to. This triangle includes the eyes, nose and mouth.

The intimate gaze – this gaze covers the face and body of the person who might return the gaze if he/she is similarly interested in you.

You may want to use business gaze mixed with social gaze during a formal interview. And stick to social gaze when you are at a social interview.

Avoid Sending Confusing Signals

Have you wonder why you struggle between how you feel and what is actually said and done? You are not being true to yourself and were modifying your body language to gain the acceptance of others at your own expense. Be clear of how you really feel and decide on the stand you wish to take.

You must beware of your own body language and avoid sending out confusing signals to people you are interacting with in social events like interview.

Examples of Confusing Signals

1) nodding your head when you actually disagreed

2) smiling when you are angry

3) saying ‘yes’ when you really wanting to say ‘no’

4) sounding enthusiasm when you have little or no interest

5) saying ‘sorry’ though you are not at fault

An interview session is the best time for the hiring party and the candidate to exchange information and check information given prior to the interview to assess if there is a fit. Hence, you should avoid sending out confusing signals which cloud the information exchange.

What are the keys to confident communication?

Facial Expression - carry a natural smile when appropriate.

Hand Shake – shake hands firmly, but do not overdo it. Weak handshake suggests that you are either not confident or not aware of body language.

Handshake
Eye contact – maintain good eye contact with all the interviewers. Do not stare at them or glance at them.
 
Bookmark 
              and   Share

No comments:

Post a Comment