Effective Body Language and Its Effects on Job Interviews
Body language—the word speaks for itself; it is a form of communication done by our body. It is
consisted of nonverbal signals that are given off by certain movements, bodily displays or facial
expressions, though all nonverbal signals are not limited only to them. As much as 90% of human
communication is done in a non-verbal manner(Mihram, n.d); our subconscious mind—or the primitive
mind of human beings, is responsible for this.
There goes a famous saying, “It is not about the words you say; it is about how you say it”. The
adage goes effectively until today, as it is connected to nonverbal communication. This usually applies
during interviews. If your words shiveringly came out of your mouth, assuming that the words used were
of high-level vocabulary, they will not have the same effect on the people you are talking to(in this case,
the panelists) compared to which if the words were said in a confident manner. This paper studies about
effective body language—its significance when it comes to job interviews.
How is body language & what is says?
According to Pease(2004), Anthropologist Ray Birdwhistell found that the verbal component of a
face-to-face conversation is less than 35% and that over 65% of communication is done non-verbally.
JOB INTERVIEWS AND EFFECTIVE BODY LANGUAGE
This makes body language so important in interpersonal communications.
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Nonverbal communication
According to the Mihram(2013), nonverbal communication includes eye contact, facial
expressions, posture, gestures and even spacing. Eye contact, stated by Helpguide(n.d), can signify many
things, including interest, affection, hostility or attraction. In ...
... middle of paper ...
...ay highly increase the chances of you (in case you are the
one being interviewed) getting hired.
Works Cited
Body language in a job interview. (2013, February). Retrieved December 5, 2013, from CIMA: Chartered
Institute of Management Accountants: http://www.cimaglobal.com/Thought-
leadership/Newsletters/Insight-e-magazine/Insight-2013/Insight-February-2013/Body-language-
in-a-job-interview/
Levin-Epstein, A. (2013, September 27). Job Interview: Body language mistakes you're likely making.
Retrieved December 5, 2013, from CBN News:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/job-interview-
body-language-mistakes-youre-likely-making/
Mihram, D. Interviewing guidelines, tips and techniques.
Pease, A., & Pease, B. (2004). Body language: The definitive book. Australia: McPherson's printing
group.
Rozemeyer, K. Body Language speaks volumes on a Job Iinterview.
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When we communicate, we can say a lot without speaking, through our body, our posture, tone of voice and the expression on our face all display a message. If our feelings don’t fit with our words, it is often the body language that gets heard and believed. Nonverbal communication is a rapidly flowing interactive process. Being aware and understanding the cues you may be sending along with the cues others send and pick up from your body language, may not be showing what you are really trying to communicate to others at that moment.
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