When you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer screen, dealing with lines of code, it’s not always easy to keep your personal communications skills on point in an interview. It's not just coders who potentially can struggle with the interview framework, either.
Many IT professionals forget that it's not just what they say, but how they present themselves to a hiring manager, that makes the difference between a job offer, and a missed opportunity.
Since psychologists suggest that 55% of our communication is non-verbal, it's important to remember that your body language can have a huge impact on how you're perceived by other people. Everything from a limp handshake, to a fidgeting habit, may be enough to make your interviewer and prospective new line manager feel less confident about your potential.
So, how can you make sure that you're communicating the right messages during your next interview? Especially with video interviews being the normal for now. Here, we'll look at just some of the ways you can use non-verbal communication to your advantage.
Demonstrate Engagement
If you're interviewing for your next career move or contract assignment, the hiring manager will be able to sense your passion and excitement. While sitting in front of your potential future boss can be a nerve-wracking experience, make sure that your nervous habits don't make you seem bored or distracted.
Fidgeting can make you look as though you are not really invested in your new career opportunity. If you're worried that you won't be able to avoid fidgeting, transform the habit into something more productive. Take notes on important points that you cover in your interview, such as which key tasks you may need to perform. This will show your interviewer that you're committed to doing well in your new role. Just remember to maintain plenty of eye contact too!
Remember Your Eye Contact
Eye contact is a powerful tool when you're meeting your hiring manager, as it helps to establish connections, and shows confidence. Failing to offer enough eye contact will make you look nervous and distracted. If you're interviewing with more than one person, make sure that you distribute your attention evenly around the room. While you can direct about 60% of your focus towards the person asking questions, it's important to address the other people present, too.
Although eye contact is important, remember that you don't need to stare constantly throughout the course of your interview. Glancing down at your notes from time to time can help you to appear more diligent, and less intimidating.
Manage Your Posture
Technology professionals can frequently suffer from bad posture because of the amount of time sitting in front of screens. Unfortunately, posture can speak volumes in an interview scenario, so you'll need to be cautious about the way you're holding yourself. Slumping or shrinking in your chair may indicate nerves or even boredom, while a stiff posture can suggest anxiety.
A Firm Handshake (When Allowed!)
Its always been advised that the best way to start an interview is with a firm, strong handshake. When we can! Individuals are more likely to remember people who they've had physical contact with, so establishing that connection early on is crucial. A firm handshake demonstrates confidence and shows your professional nature.
But as video interviews can for the time being replaced face to face interviews, maintaining direct eye contact and building rapport is key. See our resources pages for some tips.
Become a Mirror
While your default pattern of behaviour will include sitting up straight, and showing genuine interest, it's worth watching what the other people in the room do for signs of how to behave. Watching the body language of others during the interview can help you to adjust your own actions to make yourself appear more natural and confident.
Additionally, watching the body language of others can also help you to determine when you're taking too long to answer a question, or when your interviewer might want to bring the meeting to a close.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you're nervous about your interview abilities, it might be helpful to practice some of the suggestions above in advance. First impressions count, so making sure that you present yourself as assertive, and professional might be key to getting that all-important second interview.
Remember, when in doubt:
- Show engagement
- Maintain eye contact
- Watch your posture
- Remember the handshake
- Respond to body language cues
- If you are in any doubt you can always talk to a specialist recruiter who will be happy to give you advice.
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