Nonverbal Interview Follies
So you finally landed that coveted interview. You have practiced your elevator pitch and your “tell me about yourself” over and over so many times that you have it memorized. You are ready… or so you thought. Although being articulate and confident in your communication skills are vital traits, those are not the only thing that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for during an interview. Nonverbal mistakes have proven time and time again to be an interviewee’s downfall when it comes down to acing an interview. Per reported by professional recruiters and hiring managers, these are some of the most common nonverbal mistakes a candidate can make when interviewing.
70% indicated applicants were too fashionable or trendy
- Dress for the job you are trying to get. Don’t try and pretend to be something you are not. You want to portray the best version of yourself; not a fake version of yourself
67% indicated failure to make eye contact
- When it comes to feedback, this is biggest problem that we have found when it comes to helping interviewees. Eye contact, eye contact, eye contact.
47% of clients had little or no knowledge of the company
- If you’re going to apply for a job, some place that you could potentially be working at for the rest of your life, wouldn’t it be beneficial to do a little bit of research on the place first?
38% indicated poor quality of voice and overall confidence; and a lack of a smile
- Be personable. Not only is a hiring manager looking for someone with the right skill set, they are also looking for someone who will work together well and get along with their coworkers
26% responded the handshake was too weak
- Exude confidence. Be proud of yourself and your abilities.
21% said clients would cross their arms over their chest during the interview
- Hand gestures can be equally as beneficial as they can be detrimental. They can accentuate a point you are trying to make, but also can show disinterest. Crossing your arms across your chest makes you seem closed off and less personal. Be engaged in the conversation
(The figures stated above are courtesy of JobVite.com, TheUndercoverRecruiter.com and Work4labs.com.)
