Top interviewing tips from Lisa
Jobson, director of talent at Harvey
Nash.
- Non-verbal behaviours make up a large percentage of our daily
interpersonal communication, so learning how to read the non-verbal
signals of other people will enhance your own ability to
communicate effectively and respond accordingly.
- Before you can improve your non-verbal communication skills,
you need to figure out what you're doing right and where there is
room for improvement. The best way to do this is to observe
yourself in action by videoing a conversation between you and a
partner. When you watch the recording, focus on any discrepancies
between your verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Non-verbal signals to pay attention to are things such as eye
contact, gestures, posture, body movements and facial expressions
and tone of voice.
- Concentrate on your tone of voice when speaking as it conveys a
wealth of information, ranging from enthusiasm to disinterest to
anger. Start noticing how your tone of voice affects how others
respond to you and try using tone of voice to emphasise ideas that
you want to communicate.
- Use good eye contact - when people fail to look others in the
eye, it can seem as if they are evading or trying to hide
something. On the other hand, too much eye contact can seem
confrontational or intimidating. Some communication experts
recommend intervals of eye contact lasting four to five seconds in
order to communication and convey interest, concern, warmth and
credibility.
- Facial expressions: Keep your facial expressions positive or
thoughtful, as often people are too demonstrative with their facial
expressions. If you smile frequently you will be perceived as more
likable, friendly, warm and approachable.
- Gestures: Notice your hand movement and placement. Keep your
hands in a set position while you're listening and then feel free
to gesture with your hands while you're talking. This can help you
make a point, but just don't get overzealous. Also head nods,
communicate positive reinforcement to interviewers and indicate
that you are listening.
- Look for incongruent behaviours where someone's words do not
match their non-verbal behaviours. For example, someone might tell
you they are happy while frowning and staring at the ground.
- Look at signals as a group, as a single gesture can mean any
number of things or maybe even nothing at all. The key to
accurately reading non-verbal behaviour is to look for groups of
signals that reinforce a common point.
- Always consider the context of the situation in which the
communication occurs. Some situations require more formal
behaviours that might be interpreted very differently in any other
setting.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and clarify a point if you are
confused about non-verbal signals and mixed messages the
interviewer is demonstrating.
More top interviewing tips from Lisa Jobson >>.
