Job Interview Success: How to Master Your Mannerisms

How to Master Your Mannerisms Your body language can have more of a positive impact on your success than what you have to say. Because of this, it is important to be careful about what signals you may be giving off, as they can imply what kind of employee you would be in the future.

Did you know that body language accounts for a full 55% of any response, while what you say only accounts for 7%? The remaining percentage goes to paralanguage, or your intonation, pauses, and sighs within a conversation. No matter how intelligent your answers sound, the way you convey them may state the opposite.

According to hiring managers, candidates must put more emphasis on their job interview language, as many people are already trained in how to answer questions. Applicants should be aware of their nonverbal signals and learn to trust their gut instincts.

Below are some tips to help:

Display Confidence from the Start

Keep in mind that recruiters start judging applicants as soon as they enter the room, even before any discussion gets underway. To project confidence, act as if you belong when entering the interviewer’s office. Avoid knocking on any doors gingerly as it implies a lack of confidence. Greet the interviewer with direct eye contact and a firm handshake when you enter the room.

Don’t start talking immediately. Wait for the recruiter to invite you to sit before choosing a chair. Make sure to sit close to the desk or just across from the recruiter.

Be Careful of the Proximity

Just how close is too close? No matter how intimidating recruiters can seem, they likely still feel uncomfortable once their personal space is invaded, and that can send the wrong signals. Sitting too far away can make you appear afraid.

You can display sincerity and confidence by making eye contact during the conversation and using simple yet expressive gestures. (These gestures shouldn’t be too distracting.)Avoid looking down during the interview.

Get to the Point

Projecting positive body language is vital during the interview. Speak naturally and monitor your speaking voice to make sure you’re delivering the right message. Don’t deviate from your regular speaking style to avoid being misunderstood.

Get your point across by speaking with a relaxed voice. Once you start feeling insecure, expect your voice to change. When you’re nervous, you’re more likely to clear your throat and utter filler words.

Once you know how to get a hold of your nerves, expect your mannerisms and paralanguage to come across the way you want them to—before, during and after the interview.

Read 5245 times Last modified on Tuesday, 09 February 2016 19:16
Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.