NonVerbal Communication

Today, with competition at an all time high among job seekers, reading and understanding body language is critical to your success in a job interview. Nonverbal communication equips you to understand what interviewers are thinking, helping you tweak your body language to get them to connect with you ... and offer you the job!

1. The All Important Handshake

The handshake reveals a story about each of us. Do you shake hands softly? Do you come in from the top and deliver a "bone crusher"? Body language experts tell us that aggressive people have firm handshakes; those with low self-esteem have limp, "wet fish" handshakes.

A great handshake is an easy three-step process:

· Make sure your hands are clean and adequately manicured.

· Ensure hands are warm but free of perspiration.

· Execute your handshake professionally and politely, with a firm grip and a warm smile.

Ask a friend or family member to critique your handshake.

2. Seeing Eye to Eye

What's considered an appropriate amount of eye contact may vary in different countries. In North America, 60 percent eye contact is a safe and appropriate amount. Too much or too little eye contact can make hiring managers uncomfortable. Too much eye contact and you may seem too intense; not enough and you risk appearing uninterested.

Eye-contact tips:

· When you meet the interviewer, look her right in the eyes, then think to yourself, "Wow, so great to finally meet you!" This will make you smile, and she'll pick up on your positive mood. When we look at someone we find interesting, our pupils dilate, a phenomenon the other person instinctively picks up on.

· During a job interview, keep your eye contact in the upside-down triangle area of your interviewer's face: from the left eyebrow, to the nose, back up to the right eyebrow.

Warning: Staring at a person's lips is considered sexual, while looking at their forehead is considered condescending.

3. Get it Straight

Posture is a critical thing to master on an interview: Get your posture straight and your confidence will rise with it. Next time you notice you are feeling a bit down, pay attention to how you are sitting or standing. Chances are you'll be slouched over with your shoulders drooping down and inward. This collapses the chest and inhibits breathing, which can make you feel nervous or uncomfortable. Keep your shoulders back and your chest forward. Practice this and notice the difference in how you feel.

Don't stand with your hands in your pockets.

4. Get a "Head" of the Game

When you want to feel confident and self-assured during an interview, keep your head level, both horizontally and vertically. Also assume this position when your goal is to be taken seriously. Conversely, when you want to be friendly and in the listening, receptive mode, tilt your head just a little to one side or the other, nod slightly to reinforce this.

5. Arms Lend a Hand, Too

Arms offer clues as to how open and receptive we are, so keep your arms to the side of your body. This shows you are not scared to take on whatever challenges come your way.

Quieter people tend to move their arms away from their body less often than outgoing people, who use their arms with big movements. Keep gestures within the frame of your body, or you'll risk being seen as out of control. Avoid the negative/defensive action of crossing your arms during the interview.

Here are two common perceptions of hand gestures:

· Palms slightly up and outward: open and friendly

· Palm-down gestures: dominant and possibly aggressive

6. Get a Leg up on the Competition

Our legs tend to move around a lot more than normal when we are nervous, stressed or being deceptive. As a result, try to keep them as still as possible during the interview. You should not cross your legs during a job interview, as it creates a barrier between you and the interviewer and may lead to fidgeting. When you cross your ankle at the knee, this is known as the "figure four," and is generally perceived as the most defensive leg cross.

7. Navel Intelligence

Keep your belly-button in-line with the belly-button of the person you are speaking with (in other words, make sure you are facing them at all times). Doing otherwise suggests you are not fully engaged and perhaps looking for a way out of the conversation.

Increase your awareness of the body language of those around you and your own. It will pay dividends.

What You Didn't Say

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t say that speaks most clearly. Body language and non-verbal communication can tell those around you volumes about how you are feeling and what makes you uncomfortable or nervous. This blog explores how you can make sure to send the right message, whether on an interview, receiving an employee review, on a sales call, or any other time you are hoping to make the best of impressions.

Your Entrance
You’ll have points subtracted instantaneously if you’re seen making some of these blunders:
* Often times the receptionist or other gatekeeper has been recruited to make initial observations. Be polite, courteous and make sure to know the name of the individual you are about to meet with without having to reference your notes.
* Don’t chew gum – even if your intent is to spit it out before you enter the appointment.
* Don’t be seen smoking – stopping for a last minute smoke (even in a designated area) is not okay.
* Don’t speak on your cell phone or type on your blackberry while you wait – this appointment should be perceived as the most important thing on your calendar.
* Carry a portfolio or other professional looking notebook so that you can take notes if required. If on an interview, always bring a clean copy of your resume, even if you have already sent one.
* Always have a pen available (make sure it works!).
* Handshake: firm and solid without being overbearing. Look them in the eye while you shake. Smile and be excited for this opportunity.
* Do not ever cross your arms! This allows the interviewer to believe you are closed off and uninterested.

During the Meeting
* Keep tabs on your posture – sit up, and lean slightly forward to signal interest. Don’t slouch.
* Keep your feet on the floor – don’t cross your legs and don’t ever put your feet up.
* Be alert – keep focused on the interviewer without staring. Make eye contact for several seconds at a time and then glance away momentarily.
* Smile when appropriate. Watch the interviewer to gain clues into their personality – if they are serious, you should be as well. If the interviewer is lighthearted and laughs or makes lighthearted comments, do the same, but make sure to be subtle with all your emotions.
* Be sure to nod “yes” where appropriate.
* Don’t overdo with your tone of voice – make sure your volume matches that of the interviewer – not too loud or too quiet.
* Listen and don’t ever interrupt – let the interviewer ask a complete question before beginning to answer.
* Stay calm – no matter what is asked.
* Keep your arms occupied by holding a pen or resting your arms on the chair or on your lap. Don’t use your hands or arms too much as you communicate.

Important Points to Remember
* Confidence is Key: eye contact is a great way to communicate that you are confident. If you look away for long periods while speaking, it can indicate that you are lying. If you need to explain something difficult about your resume (a period of unemployment, a termination), look directly at the interviewer, speak in an even tone and be direct and to the point. Practice your explanations with a friend and make sure you are able to respond without hesitation.
* Don’t be dramatic or gossipy: even if you didn’t have a positive past experience or there were issues with fellow employees – the person interviewing you is not your friend, they are a professional who you are trying to impress. Keep to the facts, not your opinions.
* Watch your facial expressions…literally. Tape yourself or answer questions to yourself in front of a mirror. You’ll be amazed at what you give away. Modify your expressions to eliminate negative characteristics and remember to smile.
* Be proud: Walk tall. Shake firmly. Stand your ground. Speak clearly. Be proud of you are.