By CW Headley – Ladders
Though rare, nothing compares with the sharp relief of knowing beyond a reasonable doubt that you’ve nailed a job interview.
An ‘expect to hear from us soon’, a teary slow clap from your soon-to-be-coworkers as you exit the premises, or even just a firm pat on the shoulder.
Sadly, if they’re at all competent, recruiters have to keep an open mind during the hiring process, which means the strongest and weakest candidates are left in the dark to some degree or another.
But you’re in luck because for the time being, the majority of hiring managers are human. And humans are wired against keeping their intentions wholly unintelligible.
In this exploration of human kinetic techniques, we examine the subtle body bellwethers that signal positive social interactions.
“Does the interviewer mimic your physical gestures (arm movements and the like) as you make them? If so, he or she may “feel you’re a kindred spirit,” explained management consultant and communications coach, Carol Kinsey Goman. “In this case, “you’re likely to get the person’s stamp of approval.”
The body language cues to watch for
Even in the instances where a hiring manager sets out to hide their general impression from applicants, their body language will intimate a spectrum of approval.
If a candidate is worth pursuing, a certain seriousness has to be advertised on the recruiter’s behalf.
If an interview is going well, you might notice them asking for further clarification of points made on your resume. You might notice your responses are frequently greeted with wide eyes and a tilted head. These are instructive of listener engagement.
“Is the interviewer leaning slightly forward and toward you? Good sign again,” Goman continued. “Does the interviewer show the palms of their hands as they speak to you? At the very least, you can be confident they’re being candid with you as they speak.”
If the interviewer is pleased with your responses, they will be quick to confirm with verbal ques. Conversely, if your responses are met with beats of silence (however brief) this might be because they are not satisfied with what you are saying.
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Our posture, gestures, movements, or facial expressions can shape our reputations. Body language matters, especially in interviews.
Be mindful of the posture of your interviewer. Folded arms are a good indicator of a listener who is either defensive or withholding. The same is basically true of intermittent eye contact.
If you notice the interviewer tapping their foot frantically, or fidgeting with their pen, this may mean you’re speaking for too long. Be sure not to monopolize the conversation.
Conversely, if the recruiter returns your gaze while you’re are speaking, they are interested in what you have to say. You want to look for a general vulnerability that signals comfort and assent.
Your resume has about six seconds to capture a recruiter so much of the leg work has to be done in person.
If an interview composed of smiles, open animations, positive physical effects (nodding, frequent shoulder movement, open palms) precedes the slightest parting affirmation of a job well done, you’re more than likely in the running.
“Is the interviewer’s entire body “oriented” toward you — his “legs, shoulders, hips and torso?” said Goman. “If the answer is yes — you have a shot.”
Trust a move
There are also things we can do on our end to facilitate a successful correspondence with hiring managers.
As proven in study after study, what you say and how you say it matters very little if your animations that suggest insecurity. There’s some wiggle room here, given a nervous candidate is a candidate that cares, but most firms want a candidate who cares enough to be prepared to meet pressure head-on.
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