InterviewingNON-VERBAL MessagesMuch of how and what we communicate is donethrough non-verbal communication.VERBAL MessagesIt’s not just what you say but how you say it. The tone,speed, and length of your responses play a very important part in the effectiveness of your answers.HandshakeYou should be comfortable offering a firm, dry, confidenthandshake. Avoid overly powerful grips as well as limphandshakes.Take Your TimeEmployers are interested in how well you can answertheir questions, not how fast you can answer them.If you are asked a difficult question, take a moment ortwo to collect your thoughts, rather than blurting out thefirst answer that comes to your mind.PostureSit up straight with legs crossed or feet firmly on thefloor; your back should be straight, head up and lookingforward. Don’t slouch!You can buy a little extra time by repeating the questionaloud while you think.Facial GesturesSmile! There is no overstating the positive impact asimple smile can have during the interview. Don’t beafraid to show your interpersonal skills and naturalwarmth during the interview.Answer the Question (and then be quiet)While it’s important that you answer each questionthoroughly, it is equally important that your answers donot go on too long.Pay attention to the interviewer’s non-verbal cues tomake sure you are not losing your audience.Eye ContactMaintain a good balance of eye contact with theemployer, as this conveys honesty, confidence, andinterest. Engage in eye contact when the employer isasking you a question or when you are responding. Whenyou are thinking of your answer, it is okay to break eyecontact.Remain Professional and PositiveRegardless of how friendly or laid back the interviewermay appear, your language and vernacular should becompletely professional and appropriate.Avoid using any slang, profanities, or stereotypes.At no time in an interview should you voice any negativecomments or opinions about former supervisors, professors, or classmates. This can only hurt your candidacy.NervesWork on controlling any nervous behavior before youmeet with the employer in person. Avoid twirling andplaying with your hair, tapping your feet, and wringingyour hands. Also keep in mind that chewing gum is neverappropriate in a professional setting.Avoid Filler Words“Like, Um, Uh, You Know”, though these filler-type wordsmay be overlooked in casual conversation, you definitelywant to avoid using them during the interview. Be awareof these habits and practice to eliminate them.Scent SensitivitiesBefore your interview, avoid smoking – the smell canlinger. Eating strong foods such as garlic and onions alsocan be off-putting if recently consumed. Avoid wearingstrong fragrances which can affect allergies. Avoidalcohol! Save the celebration for AFTER you get the job.34
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