You have been called to an interview, your heart is pounding and you are starting to get anxious.

Research shows that non-verbal communication plays an important role in the interview process.

Many hiring managers form a lasting impression within 90 seconds, even though the average interview lasts for 40 minutes!

Your body language can affect the interview without you verbally saying anything!

Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider for non-verbal communication:

Hygiene

• Do have a shave and shower before you attend your interview, make sure you don’t add a lot of perfume/aftershave
• Your hair should be tied back from your face if you are a female and for males make sure your hair is neatly cut and tidy
• Dress in professional attire with a clean shirt

While waiting for the interview

• Make sure you remember the hiring manager’s name and ask for them at the front desk
• Sit up straight and do not play with your phone. Some hiring managers can watch you before your interview starts – smile and talk to other people around you and try to look calm.
• When you walk into the room with the hiring manager smile and keep calm. You could break the ice by asking how their day is going or talking about the weather.

A survey of 2000 employers found some common non-verbal communication mistakes candidates make during interviews:

• 70% of employers don’t want their applicants to be fashionable or trendy
• 38% emphasised the importance of quality of voice grammar and overall confidence
• 33% bad posture
• 21% crossing arms over chests
• 9% using too many hand gestures\
• 33% fidgeting too much
• 67% failure to make eye contact
• 38% lack of smile

Try to avoid these non-verbal cues, keep calm, smile and you’ll find interview success!

Good luck!