It takes an interviewer only a few seconds to form an opinion about a candidate

……………….

According to a study, people evaluate one another using the three Vs: visual (appearance), vocal (voice) and verbal (what you say). About 93 per cent of a person’s communication effectiveness is determined by non-verbal communication.

Another study, conducted by a psychology professor, concluded that the first 30 seconds make or break the connection between two people when they meet for the first time. So the next time you’re going for an interview, keep in mind that the interviewer may be drawing conclusions about you before you’ve even got to the questions.

Take a look at these worst and best-case scenarios:-

Nervous wreck :-
Jack is nervous about his interview. As he sits in the lobby, anyone watching can see the signs: his foot is tapping rapidly and he’s muttering to himself, obviously rehearsing his lines. He’s slouched in his chair, and when he spots the interviewer coming down the hall, he begins to wipe a sweaty hand on his pants. He stands, and as he does, the magazine on his lap falls to the floor. When he bends to pick it up, he knocks over his portfolio and papers fall out. The interviewer is thinking, “This guy is a basket case. He doesn’t look like the kind of person we want to represent our product line.” When Jack finally pulls himself together, he holds out his hand, but his handshake is weak. Jack’s fate may be sealed even before he answers the first question.

Play it cool :-
Joann feels prepared and confident as she waits in the lobby for her interviewer. She knows she looks good, and she feels good. She has practised and prepared, and knows she can do this job. She’ll concentrate on selling herself as the solution to the employer’s problems. As her interviewer approaches, she stands and smiles looking directly at him. She looks him in the eye as she extends her hand. She gives a firm shake and smiles. “This is a very confident woman — someone who shows real promise,” thinks the interviewer. The first impression has been made, and it is a positive one.

Six steps:-

Follow these tips to ace an interview. :-

Appearance counts. When you look good, you feel good. Make sure you look groomed and neat. If you were a book, would someone want to read more?

Your clothes and accessories should be conservative and neutral, rather than wild and loud. Your clothes are your packaging and should not take attention away from the product.

Non-verbal communication sometimes conveys a stronger message than verbal communication. When you slouch, whether sitting or standing, you’re saying volumes about you and your confidence level. Sit up straight — like your mother always told you to. When you stand, make yourself as tall as possible: shoulders back and head held high.

Eye contact and smiles can indicate a confident and an upbeat attitude. You will notice that many job postings ask for enthusiasm and energy. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your social and interpersonal skills as well as your excitement about the opportunity for which you’re being interviewed.

The handshake sends a strong tactile message. Whether your hands are hot and sweaty or cold and clammy, you can try some tricks to control the temperature. To cool your hands, try running cold water on the insides of your wrists. Use hot water if your hands are cool. If you have particularly sweaty hands, try using a deodorant gel (antiperspirant) as a lotion.

Your voice and the volume of your speech convey a strong impression. Whether the interview’s over the phone or face-to-face, you should speak with enthusiasm. Use a firm voice to demonstrate your confidence. Your vocabulary reveals your communication skills and ability to interact with people.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

Related articles by Zemanta

• Passing the Resident Assistant Group Interview (studenthousing.suite101.com)
• 4 P’s of a Successful Job Interview (ismckenzie.com)
• Emotional Intelligence in Relationships (couples-counselling.suite101.com)
• Interview With Jonathan Fields, Career Renegade (freelanceswitch.com)
• Firm Handshake Key to Good Job (jobsearchingblog.com)
• Body language tips for job interviews (timetorethink.com)
• How To Provide Custom Welcome Messages to your Blog’s Visitors (lucafiligheddu.com)
• More UK commentators join the business media revolution (businessmedia.co.uk)