1. Nonverbal Communication and Interviewing Presented by: Carolyn Stevenson Faculty Member, Communication Department

2. Have you ever heard anyone say, "His actions spoke so loudly I couldn't hear what he said?" Have you ever wondered whether anyone has said this about you? What we do is a means of communication, subject to interpretation by others. Did you ever stop to think that even failure to act is a way of communicating?

3. What is nonverbal communication? Beyond the actual words we use Not "body language"--much more Replaces verbal, reinforces verbal, contradicts verbal Proxemics--spatial cues Chronemics--time Kinesics--body movement Objectics--objects and appearance Olfactics--smell Vocalics--voice

4. Interviewees usually have less than 30 seconds to create an impression in their interviews. First impressions are created before they even open their mouths. Nonverbal communication or body language is a very crucial part of any interview. It can determine whether you'll succeed in the interview or otherwise. The subtle messages that we send out to other people without even speaking is what nonverbal communication is all about.

5. First Impressions Count! First impressions make a lasting impression and what created this lasting impression is the non-verbal communication. A good start of an interview is when you get a good first impression. If it starts with a positive impression, the chances of your next actions will be viewed as positive by the interviewer is more very high.

6. Dress to Impress Wearing professional attire is still expected at interviews in the modern workplace. Be sure that your clothes are wrinkle-free and that shoes are polished or brushed. Pay attention to the little details like lint on a suit or an inappropriate purse that can take away from a professional appearance.

7. Dressing For Interviews Clothing communicates our level of professionalism in a nonverbal manner. Remember that stylish is typically not conservative. Conservative is “in” for interviewing. Why? Because you should be doing the talking, not your clothes.

8. Guidelines for Success Interviews Dress Men and Women Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best) Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best) Clean, polished conservative shoes Well-groomed hairstyle Clean, trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins No gum, candy, or cigarettes Light briefcase or portfolio case No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) or tattoo

9. Men Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best) Dark socks (black is best) Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews Fresh shave; mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!) No rings other than wedding ring or college ring No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

10. Women Wear a suit with a jacket and skirt or slacks; no dresses Shoes with conservative heels Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!) No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead If you wear nail polish, use clear or a conservative color Keep your makeup simple and natural (it should not be too noticeable) No more than one ring on each hand One set of earrings only

11. Additional Resources If you are still unsure about the specifics after reading the above guidelines, check out a copy of John Molloy’s New Dress for Success or New Women’s Dress for Success. While these books may seem to have a rather conservative slant, it is still the norm for interviewing. It is almost always better to be higher than the standard than lower.New Dress for SuccessNew Women’s Dress for Success

12. A Special Note on Shoes Many have said that you can judge a person by their shoes. You will find that many ex– military officers (many of whom have found their way into management positions in corporate America) are especially aware of a person’s shoes. It is not enough to be clean and pressed. Make sure your shoes are conservative, clean, and polished.

13. Groom yourself A recent haircut, a close shave for men, and a light touch with scent and makeup can do wonders for your overall appearance as well as your confidence.

14. Practice Interviewing Pay attention to facial expressions, tics, gestures and posture while answering mock interview questions. Spend at least 15 to 30 minutes to really get comfortable enough to realize what you do when you are being yourself.

15. Make eye contact Looking in the eyes of your interviewer communicates confidence and sincerity. Frequently looking away suggests that you are not interested or that you are easily distracted. communicates

16. Focus on the interview Sit up straight to demonstrate your interest, listen to the interviewer and show that you are listening by nodding your head and responding at appropriate times.

17. Be polite Be friendly to receptionists and assistants when you arrive and act genuinely gracious with your interviewers.

18. Use body language effectively Stay calm and do not fidget or gesture too much. Avoid leaning back or appearing too relaxed.

19. Shake hands with everyone Greet and leave everyone in the job interview with a firm handshake accompanied by eye contact and a smile.

20. Voice and facial expressions Ask questions at the end of the interview but pay attention to your voice intonation and facial expressions. Reacting negatively when speaking of a former employer can speak volumes about your personality.

21. Be professional Present resumes and portfolios in a professional manner. Your paperwork stays with the interviewers after you leave. Spend the time so that they speak for you in a positive way.

22. Conclusion Regardless of your position in the organization it is important for you to develop some sensitivity to nonverbal messages. Cooperation improves as we recognize and respond appropriately to non-verbal cues. Of course you have been aware of non-verbal communications all of your life, but how much thought have you given them?

23. Questions or Comments???? Feel free to email Carolyn Stevenson at CStevenson@kaplan.edu with additional comments or questions. CStevenson@kaplan.edu