Ace Your Next Interview with Nonverbal Communication

Have you ever left an interview thinking that you aced it, only to discover that you did not get the job? You might have been missing a key skill that was being assessed: nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is the use of visual communication to convey a particular message. Mastering the art of nonverbal communication is key to cultivating successful personal and professional relationships.

David Masumoto, Ph.D., is a renowned expert in facial expression, gesture, nonverbal behavior, emotion and culture.¹ He stresses the importance of detecting nonverbal expressions, particularly for jobs that involve understanding people’s true feelings, thoughts, motivations, personalities, or intentions.² Such jobs might include salespeople, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement.

Types of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace

• Gestures. People use more gestures when they are enthusiastic, excited, and energized.³ We gesture less when demoralized, nervous, or concerned about making a bad impression.⁴
• Facial Expressions. Facial expressions and head movements signal approval, disapproval, or disbelief.⁵
• Eye Contact. Eye contact allows for smooth communication. It signals the beginning and end of a conversation, as well as interest and attention in a conversation. Furthermore, long and frequent eye contact demonstrates a willingness to listen and an acknowledgment of the person’s worth.⁶ Conversely, “pupil contractions or wandering eyes” signals a lack of interest.⁷ Eye contact conveys emotion, too.
• Posture. Posture reveals a person’s attitude. Leaning toward another person suggests a positive reaction to their message while leaning backward suggests the opposite.⁸ Standing up straight, as opposed to slouching, is an indicator of self-confidence.⁹
• Paralanguage. Paralanguage refers to variations in speech, including volume, pitch, and non-fluencies. Such variations signal “confidence, nervousness, anger, enthusiasm, and even intelligence.”¹⁰
• Chronemics. Chronemics refers to relationships between time and status, including being late or early. Being late for a meeting might convey “carelessness, lack of involvement, and lack of ambition.”¹¹

According to a 2010 journal article, the following strategies will signal that you are a confident leader in your next interview:¹²

• Maintain eye contact and smile when speaking.
• Nod your head to show that you are listening.
• Use hand gestures in a relaxed and casual manner.
• Stand and sit up straight. Avoid slouching.
• Be well-groomed, and wear clean, well-tailored clothes.

Endnotes

1. Hamilton, A., & Matsumoto, D. (2016, February). Speaking of Psychology: Nonverbal communication speaks volumes. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/nonverbal-communication
2. Ibid.
3. Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Louder Than Words: The Hidden Power of Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace. International Journal of Scholarly Academic Intellectual Diversity, 12(1). Retrieved from http://nationalforum.com/Electronic%20Journal%20Volumes/Lunenburg,%20Fred%20C%20Louder%20Than%20Words%20IJSAID%20V12%20N1%202010.pdf
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.