Stafffinders Paisley reveal the importance of body language

Employment experts Stafffinders Paisley lift the lid on how positive body language can lead to you getting the job you’re after

Positive body language is crucial for job interview success because it plays a significant role in shaping the impression you make on the interviewer and influencing their perception of your suitability for the position. It operates as a silent yet influential signal that complements and sometimes even outweighs verbal expression. 

Studies have revealed that non-verbal cues have a significantly greater influence compared to verbal communication. This means that gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal signals hold substantial sway in interpersonal interactions, often overshadowing the impact of spoken words alone. So, how can you ensure that you’re sending the right non-verbal signals to ensure interview success? Here’s the Stafffinders guide:

Your Entrance

Your initial approach to the interview sets the tone for how you wish to be perceived. Enter the interview room with purpose and confidence, avoiding any hesitations or lingering at the doorway. A steady and assertive stride conveys readiness and self-assurance. Individuals lacking confidence often display hesitancy, such as slowing down or performing a small shuffle upon entering. By maintaining a consistent pace, you signal your preparedness and eagerness to engage. 

Palms

One of the most covert, but powerful, body signals can be found in the palms. The positioning of one’s palms can serve as a silent language, conveying messages often overlooked in verbal conversation. It is considered that when a person’s palms are visible, open and facing up, they are non-threatening and are showing signs of comfort and transparency. This can create an atmosphere of trust and credibility. Palms facing downward or clasped shut can create an aura of authority and reservation, potentially hindering the establishment of rapport, particularly in settings like interviews. This closed posture may inadvertently project an unwelcoming attitude, undermining the foundation for effective communication. 

Laughter

Smiling and laughing appropriately is a great way of bonding with your interviewer and can showcase strong interpersonal skills, including emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to engage with others positively. These qualities are highly valued in most workplaces and can indicate a candidate’s potential for successful collaboration and teamwork. People are naturally drawn to individuals who smile and laugh, however, it’s essential to strike the right balance and ensure that the expressions are genuine and appropriate for the context of the interview, and still show that you can be serious and get the job done. 

Open Body

It’s widely understood that adopting defensive body language like crossing your arms or slouching during an interview can convey disinterest or unprofessionalism. So, how should you position yourself instead? Opting for an open posture by sitting upright and leaning slightly forward from the waist can signal genuine interest and engagement to the interviewer. This posture not only communicates attentiveness but also projects confidence and approachability. By consciously opening up your body language, you invite positive rapport and convey a proactive attitude, enhancing your overall presence during the interview. 

Hands

Steepling, which is where a person brings their hands together and raises them in front of their body, with the fingertips touching and forming a steeple-like shape, is commonly interpreted as a gesture of confidence and self-assuredness. Conversely, grasping one’s hands and intertwining the fingers can indicate feelings of stress or anxiety. This nonverbal behaviour, often subconscious, reflects an individual’s emotional state and can be insightful in understanding their mindset during interpersonal interactions or presentations. 

Research suggests that a substantial portion of communication is nonverbal. Your body language can reveal subtle cues about your attitude, personality, and emotional state that might not come across in your spoken responses. Remember that while positive body language is essential for interview success, it should also be natural and authentic. Overly rehearsed or contrived gestures can come across as insincere. Practising beforehand and focusing on being present in the moment can help you strike the right balance between projecting positivity and remaining genuine. 

By mastering the art of positive non-verbal communication, you position yourself as a candidate who is not only competent but also confident, trustworthy, and adaptable, leaving a lasting impression on your interviewer and leading to increased interview success. 

If you would like to learn more about increasing your interview success, or if you are looking for a new role, get in touch with Stafffinders on 0141 887 1155, or pa*****@st**********.uk">email pa*****@st**********.uk">them. Visit the Stafffinders website here.