Psychology Tutor: Mentor (PSI) Psycho-Social Incarnation

Many of you as students will be seeking a job this semester. Guest blogger Donald Farber shares his top 6 body signals to help you shine at that next interview.

We all know that first impressions matter. So when you’re trying to make a good one (like for a job interview) make sure you put the right foot forward. But, a shower, shave and clean clothes can only go so far because first impressions are over in the blink of an eye, and unfortunately making a good one may be more difficult than you think.

Malcolm Gladwell, in his 2005 book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking sheds some light on why it is we rely so heavily on rapid cognition.

We thin-slice whenever we meet a new person or have to make sense of something quickly or encounter a novel situation. We thin-slice because we have to, and we come to rely on that ability because there are lots of hidden fists out there, lots of situations where careful attention to the details of a very thin slice, even for no more than a second or two, can tell us an awful lot.

So of what practical use can this be to the average job interviewee when it comes to making a good impression? It is useful because in making those blink decisions; it is certain universal cues we look for. Knowing and manipulating those cues may be the key to making a good impression, throughout the entire interview.

Here now are 6 things to consider the next time you find yourself sitting in the waiting room with your resume. They are all designed to give off the impression of an attentive, conscientious, self-confident worker – in short: the ideal employee.

1. Eye Contact – Eye contact in a job interview is extremely important. Making naturally attentive eye contact is the equivalent of saying that you have nothing to hide and more important that you are listening. This applies to certain haircuts. Don’t send the wrong message when it comes to making an impression for the sake of fashion. Cut the bangs back and “listen with your eyes.”

2. Smiling (genuinely) – In a recent study, a group of people were shown photographs of people smiling. Half of those smiles were genuine and half of the people were faking the smile. The participants in the study were able to tell the difference 84% of the time between the two, yet not able to explain why exactly – they just had a gut feeling. The giveaway is in the eyes. A genuine smile is the result of additional muscles compared to a fake one. So a real smile is seen in the scrunching up in the corner of the eyes. Try to think of a slight “cheek scrunched” smile as being your neutral facial expression. Smiling is contagious and people in good moods will equate you with them.  Smiling, mouth agape with unblinking eye contact will probably come off as creepy.

3. Nodding – When agreeing with someone you tend to nod subtly if you agree and shake slightly when you disagree (check with local customs first… as this can be opposite in some cultures). Try to continually nod when the interviewer is talking. Eye contact means you are listening, while smiling and nodding says, “I understand what you are asking, or saying, and I am ready to respond.”

4. Posture & Body Position – This one should be familiar to most. Beyond the chiropractic considerations, a posture can be a very telling sign of your internal state and level of self-confidence. Your posture should be relaxed enough so that both feet remain flat on the ground. Always make sure your shoulders are turned to the speaker, and if there are two interviewers you turn your shoulders to show the speaker they have your full attention. Never just turn your head to address someone you are trying to make a good impression on. Facing someone means they are square with your shoulders and you are looking straight ahead. Mindful posture and body position is just as important as eye contact when it comes to showing someone you are attentive.

5. Arms & Legs – Don’t cross your arms or legs. Crossing any part of your body gives a very distinct impression that you are closing yourself off. Humans engage in arm crossing as a way of protecting themselves, and this applies to their ideas & beliefs as well. When we hear something that is being said that is disagreeable to our beliefs we naturally cross our arms across our chest, almost as a symbolic act of defiance. From a body language standpoint it is like saying you are stubborn and or close-minded to the situation. Even if you are just a habitual arm crosser from habit, it is important to remember that cues like this can be easily misinterpreted. Instead, try keeping your arms relaxed with your palms up. This is the body’s language for being open and agreeable.

6. Mirroring – The final is the most complex but perhaps the most influential of all. When you like someone, or you are a subordinate you mirror his or her body language. Observe two people talking in a coffee shop and you will be amazed at how common this is. Anything from crossed legs, to a facial expressions and posture. This effect has been studied extensively and is most noticeable in those who are in love. Using this to your advantage consciously may be difficult. But it’s the knowledge that all the aforementioned steps can be mirrored in your interviewer. This means, smiling will be met with smiling, nodding with nodding and on it goes. The more agreeable the interviewer, the more likely you are to be hired.

Just remember these for your next interview because it all helps. Despite being equally qualified for a position, it can be these 6 components of body language that make you more memorable than the rest and help you land the job.

Donald Farber works as a freelance writer and is interested in body language and finance topics, such as whole life insurance in Canada.