Remember the power of body language. Your communication message comes through in three elements:
1. Verbal – what you say (the words you choose).
2. Vocal – how you say what you say (inflection, volume, intonation).
3. Visual – what you look like (body language).
Okay, here is what is really important. Your message comes through each of these elements in different percentages (which means some of the elements of communication are more important than others). Only 7% of your message comes through in your verbal (words), 38% comes through in your vocal (intonation) and 55% comes through in your visual (body language). That means what you look like, your facial expressions, how you sit, how you shake hands all convey more of your real message than what you say and how you say it. This is because what you really feel is conveyed to your 53 facial muscles without any “editing.”
When it comes to the words we choose and the way we say things, we can edit and control our delivery. So watch your body language. If the interviewer describes a the hours of the job and you hate working second shift, you may say “fine” but your face will convey that hours are not fine. You may actually roll your eyes or shake your head as you say fine. The interviewer believes your body language more than your spoken language.
The same works in the reverse. When your body language is excited, interested and engaged, it creates a greater impression than just if your language and tone is upbeat and positive. So get excited about your interview – it will show.
Be confident, not arrogant.
There is a fine line between being confident and sure of your abilities, and starting every sentence with “I.” Confidence is what they want to see in an interview and if you are applying for a job that uses what you are good at, and you are passionate about doing, you will be confident. If you interview for jobs that don’t match your interests, talents and passions, you will find that you have to make yourself sound greater and more “extraordinary.” This is what makes you soundarrogant. So, be casual and confident. Go into the interviewjob and will be able to make a big difference. Don’t be humble. Don’t be arrogant. Be confident. knowing you are a good fit for the
Make sure you know all the facts.
Be sure you know the expectations, pay rate, working conditions, benefits, and any specific details of the job; confirm your understanding of the details of the position during your interview. This not only ensures you are well informed so you can make a good decision about accepting or not accepting the job, but it also shows the interviewer that you have done your homework to understand the company and are ensuring your understanding is accurate and complete. This shows focus, conscientiousness and commitment – all attributes needed in any position.
Look for common ground.
There are studies out that support that we connect best to people who share similar interests or attributes with us. As you approach your interview, notice pictures, objects, awards and other things that first give you information about the interviewer, but also help you see areas about which you both can connect. If you both have coached soccer, lived in a section of a city, drive a certain car, etc…you have some commonality. This makes the interview more personal and more comfortable for both.
Focus on your value.
Interviews are the time for you to give more details about what you are great at and how you add value. Don’t be shy about your ability to make a difference. Be sure you can quantify your impact; give details about how you improved things, invented things, saved the company money, brought a team more together, etc. The more you can focus the interview around your value, the more the hiring company will see that they need you.
Be positive, upbeat, optimistic and congenial.
Notice details around you to ask about to start a casual conversation; this helps both parties relax. Be human and work first to connect to the interviewer as a person.
Impressions matter.
Be on time. Be professional and conservative in your appearance. Watch the length of the skirt and the cut of the blouse. Shirts should be pressed, neat and should fit you. Your care about yourself is a statement about the care of your work.
1. Verbal – what you say (the words you choose).
2. Vocal – how you say what you say (inflection, volume, intonation).
3. Visual – what you look like (body language).
Okay, here is what is really important. Your message comes through each of these elements in different percentages (which means some of the elements of communication are more important than others). Only 7% of your message comes through in your verbal (words), 38% comes through in your vocal (intonation) and 55% comes through in your visual (body language). That means what you look like, your facial expressions, how you sit, how you shake hands all convey more of your real message than what you say and how you say it. This is because what you really feel is conveyed to your 53 facial muscles without any “editing.”
When it comes to the words we choose and the way we say things, we can edit and control our delivery. So watch your body language. If the interviewer describes a the hours of the job and you hate working second shift, you may say “fine” but your face will convey that hours are not fine. You may actually roll your eyes or shake your head as you say fine. The interviewer believes your body language more than your spoken language.
The same works in the reverse. When your body language is excited, interested and engaged, it creates a greater impression than just if your language and tone is upbeat and positive. So get excited about your interview – it will show.
Be confident, not arrogant.
There is a fine line between being confident and sure of your abilities, and starting every sentence with “I.” Confidence is what they want to see in an interview and if you are applying for a job that uses what you are good at, and you are passionate about doing, you will be confident. If you interview for jobs that don’t match your interests, talents and passions, you will find that you have to make yourself sound greater and more “extraordinary.” This is what makes you soundarrogant. So, be casual and confident. Go into the interviewjob and will be able to make a big difference. Don’t be humble. Don’t be arrogant. Be confident. knowing you are a good fit for the
Make sure you know all the facts.
Be sure you know the expectations, pay rate, working conditions, benefits, and any specific details of the job; confirm your understanding of the details of the position during your interview. This not only ensures you are well informed so you can make a good decision about accepting or not accepting the job, but it also shows the interviewer that you have done your homework to understand the company and are ensuring your understanding is accurate and complete. This shows focus, conscientiousness and commitment – all attributes needed in any position.
Look for common ground.
There are studies out that support that we connect best to people who share similar interests or attributes with us. As you approach your interview, notice pictures, objects, awards and other things that first give you information about the interviewer, but also help you see areas about which you both can connect. If you both have coached soccer, lived in a section of a city, drive a certain car, etc…you have some commonality. This makes the interview more personal and more comfortable for both.
Focus on your value.
Interviews are the time for you to give more details about what you are great at and how you add value. Don’t be shy about your ability to make a difference. Be sure you can quantify your impact; give details about how you improved things, invented things, saved the company money, brought a team more together, etc. The more you can focus the interview around your value, the more the hiring company will see that they need you.
Be positive, upbeat, optimistic and congenial.
Notice details around you to ask about to start a casual conversation; this helps both parties relax. Be human and work first to connect to the interviewer as a person.
Impressions matter.
Be on time. Be professional and conservative in your appearance. Watch the length of the skirt and the cut of the blouse. Shirts should be pressed, neat and should fit you. Your care about yourself is a statement about the care of your work.
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