Resume Non-verbals

By Author: Kellie Whitehead
Total Articles: 26
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So you have rehearsed your interview questions and done all the due diligence you can on the company you are hoping to work for. S, this makes you totally prepared, right?

Wrong. Apparently, less than 10 PERCENT of your communication in that all important interview will be verbal. So what will you be ‘NOT saying' for the other 90% of the time? You know that body language is a vital component to making the right impression on a potential employer, but did you know how important?

Communication is all about expressing ourselves, but as statistics show, it's not necessarily verbal - How can you leverage the non verbal communication techniques to your advantage?

The evaluation of you and your nonverbal communication will start well before you open your mouth to speak, as soon as you walk into sight. This evaluation will continue until the interview is finished. If your nonverbal communication skills aren't up to par, it won't matter how well you answer the questions.

So let's go over the basics. I'm sure you'll do then anyway, but when you actually think about these, it re-inforces their importance ...
... in making a genuine impression.

Clothes maketh the man - It would go without saying that you dressed appropriately for the interview. You are smart and crease free, your shoes are clean, your hair and face is kempt, and you feel a million dollars. Great.
What about those non obvious accoutrements that follow you into the room also? Things that might even be sub conscious to you, like chewing gum or a whiff of cigarette smoke about you, will be totally obvious the minute you are in sniffing distance of the interviewer - so think on. Permanent attachment to mobile ‘phones or ipods and such don't look good either, even in the waiting room.

Whilst you were waiting - Remember to make an impression on everyone you meet, as soon as you enter the building. Being rude or offhand to the receptionist or housekeeping staff and turning on the charm for the interview won't cut it - you will get ‘found out. These people could soon be your colleagues, and it wouldn't vbe a good way to start your new job. See it as simple as this. The Interview begins the minute you walk into the building.

In the Interview

Saying yes - Don't just say it, prove it. Nod your head. You probably do it anyway, but make sure you do, it re-inforces your sincerity..

Tilting the head - when you are listening to someone else speak, tilting the head to one side shows that you are interested, again, nodding your head when you agree with something they are saying helps too, but don't interrupt!

Mirror , mirror - Mirroring is another very effective form of non-verbal communication that shows interest in the other person. Mirroring is simply reflecting the other person's gestures back to them. You are not recreating their gestures exactly (like some child's game!) but mirroring their posture, their mood and their general body movement. It shows you are accepting and receptive to them and comfortable within the interview.

And a basic list of non verbal ‘do's.
Make eye contact with the interviewer briefly, and regularly.
Don't overdo the smiling and laughing if faking it, you could look like a crazed loon!
Be polite and keep an even tone to your speech. Don't be too loud or too quiet.
Don't slouch.
Do relax and lean forward a little towards the interviewer so you appear interested and engaged.
Don't lean back. You will look too casual and relaxed.
Keep your feet on the floor and your back against the lower back of the chair.
Pay attention, be attentive and interested.
Listen.
Don't interrupt.
Stay calm. Not sure what to do with your hands? Find something suitable to hold, like a pen or notebook, or somewhere for your arm to comfortably rest.

About the Author
Kellie Whitehead writes career related content for e-Resume.Us Resume Builder. E-Resume provides quality, professional resume creation and distribution services.