This article is part of the “Interview tips” series.
When there’s a job opening in any organization, the HR managers are asked to fill it as soon as they can with the best person available in the field. The question arises what is their criteria of hiring you? From what you wear to how you walk– they observe your every single gesture. Hiring authorities are apparently equipped to pick up on nonverbal cues and gestures.
Interviews are terrifying and its preparation is half a battle. People often think that in job interviews they will be asked several questions and if they provide the best answers they will get the job. That’s not true! Your non-verbal cues and gestures matters more than your correct answers. Here are few nonverbal cues and gestures that will focus on the significance of non-verbal communication:
What to wear?
Your attire is the best first opportunity to make a first impression on the interviewer. Avoid wearing very casual dresses, opt for something relaxed but presentable. Taking the conservative approach make sure you are dressed well from top to bottom, save the fun stuff after you have got the job.
The 6 Worst Things to Wear to a Job Interview
What to carry?
Never go empty handed if you want to get the job. It is essential to carry a hard copy of your CV or resume. Following are things that you should be carrying to mark a good impression:
- A folder carrying printed documents
- A notepad
- Pen
- And obviously a smile!
The waiting in the lobby period
You never know who is watching you because in some organizations, the interviewers are monitoring the waiting area. Sit down and wait patiently. Avoid using your phone excessively. Demonstrate you have good manners in every interaction, if someone helps you with the direction or open doors for you, say thank you.
Handy hints
The way you greet the interviewer says a lot about you. No matter how long the interview lasts, the interviewer has made up his mind in the first two or three minutes and the first impression begins with a handshake. Here are few tips to nail your handshake and land the job:
- It shows confidence when you are the first one to reach out for the handshake.
- Give the person’s hand a firm grip to show that you are owning it.
- It is important to not rush it. Give up to at least two up and down motion in one handshake.
People don’t consciously remember handshakes, but it is one of the non-verbal cues interviewers get about the person’s overall personality. And keep one thing in mind – shake it, don’t break it.
Actions speak louder than words
It is important to use the right words when interacting but it is equally significant to maintain a good body language.
- Avoid slouching and keep your back straight. Leaning slightly forward indicates interest.
- Don’t cross your arms or place your CV, resume, phone, etc. in your lap. It indicates defensiveness and a need for self-protection.
- Avoid using a lot of hand gestures. Talk more with your mouth and less with your hands, making sure that your gestures don’t distract your words.
- Eye contact is one of the most important things during an interview. Avoid eye contact entirely, it makes you look like you are dishonest about your answers. Constant eye contact makes you look like an aggressive person. Keep a balanced eye contact.
- Suppress your restless habits. If you are a nail biter or a knuckle cracker, do not allow these habits to make an appearance during the interview.
Do you have any questions? Well, yes!
At the end of the interview if the interviewer ask that if you have any question, don’t hesitate, go ahead and ask! An interview is a two-way street. Your employer asks you questions to learn about you and your skills, in return, you need to prepare questions to ask the employer about the position, career path, and the company in order to be sure that this is the right job for you. Not asking question signal that you are ignorant and unconcerned.
The exit strategy
In the final moments, be certain to express thanks to the interviewer for the time spent with you. Say it by making an eye contact, smile and a gentle handshake: “It looks like a great opportunity — I look forward to hearing from you.” This is not exactly a strategy, but a way of showing good manners.
 | Author Bio: Julia Morison is a head hunter and a research specialist at Researchomatic. She is a traveller, a blogger, a techie and social activist. When she not in her office, she spends her time writing and educating the masses.
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