A previous posting was an activity in which you were to assemble different pairs of eyes with mouths to create emotions. The point of this activity was to come to the realization that we don't always have to verbalize our feelings or emotions for others to know (or think they know) what we're feeling.
Last semester I took a required course - the capstone of my major - in which the focus of was about searching for jobs, getting a job, interviewing, etc. I learned about how there are several nonverbal cues that can affect whether you get the job or not. In addition, in Social Psych the other day, Dr. Tan showed us a TV clip of random people being shown recordings of 4 individuals interviewing for the same job - and were asked to predict who got the job, according to the body language each interviewee displayed.
Because this is an upper-level course, and many of us are graduating soon, I thought it'd be pertinent to not only this specific class, but to the time of our lives, to share some of this information.
I found an article on Career Builder that explains what to do and what not to do during interviews, according to how the behaviors would come off as to employers.
It can be found at: http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-746-Getting-Hired-The-Interview-Body-Language-Dos-and-Donts/.
First, the article reveals that many hiring managers feel that they know who a good candidate is within the first 30 seconds. Scary, huh?! Therefore, it is crucial to make a good first impression - give a firm, strong handshake and make eye contact. It will make you seem confident and prepared.
Interviews are intimidating... and you have a lot invested... which naturally makes you feel nervous. When people get nervous, we fidget - tap your foot, scratch, look down, etc. However, in actuality, this makes you look like you're not focused and will become bored easily. Rubbing or touching your nose is a sign that you're being dishonest. Not exactly a good trait in an employee. There are more bodily gestures that are more well-known and uncommon that people do involuntarily and unconsciously - crossing your arms, slouching, leaning/looking toward the door - that are "don'ts."
As for "do's," these are pretty typical - sit up straight, show enthusiasm, make eye contact with all the interviewers, smile. But, another suggestion that I found interesting is that you should stand - even when on the phone - as it increases your attention level.
At the end of the interview, continue confidence - firm handshake, head up, etc. - until you leave the building and are in your car.
Does anyone have any other examples of body languages to exert (or not) while interviewing? Or advice for acing an interview?
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