Free Resume Advice For Job Seekers

Who says it’s all about what we say? Wrong! It’s also about what we don’t say, or in other words, how we say what we say without verbalising it. Rissen-Harrisberg, a prominent body language expert states that 93% of a message is delivered through body language, facial expression, vocal tone and inflections. Dr Jurgen Ruesch, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, says that we communicate by means of some 700,000 nonverbal signals! People believe the body language before they believe the words, so it is important to sit forward, use gestures and show enthusiasm during the job interview.

It is vital to accentuate positive body language: maintain an alert but relaxed posture; look attentive and interested; make eye contact when listening and talking. Avoid the negatives: fidgeting and chewing your nails (signs of nervous distraction); crossing your arms (implies defensiveness); touching your face (implies deceptiveness); leaning back in your chair or handling objects on the interviewer’s desk (implies overconfidence). Interviewers are more favourably impressed by candidates who look them in the eye but do not stare them down. Eye contact is one of the most important ways we communicate non verbally. The usual perception is that people who avoid eye contact either have something to hide or lack conviction and self-confidence. Sit up straight and don’t wave your hands around.

In addition, interviewers attach great importance to good grooming, appropriate dress and general demeanour. No matter how qualified you are you may be doing yourself a great disservice if you do not pay adequate attention to your personal appearance or if your clothes fail to show a businesslike demeanor. First impressions are VITAL! The interviewer will be immediately affected by your appearance. According to your grooming, dress and deportment on entering the room, the interviewer may decide whether or not you are acceptable for the position and a good fit for the company. Regardless of who you really are, your clothes and body language always speak first. Studies have continuously shown that poor personal appearance and careless dress at an interview are major factors leading to the rejection of candidates.

Remember, it’s all about marketing you!

Cheers,

Annie