4 Ways to Improve Your Non-Verbal Communication

Originally posted on Recruiter.com July 18, 2013.

4 Ways to Let your Body do the Talking

You’ve hunted, posted, sent resumes and now you’ve gotten the call for an interview. Being prepared means more than a new suit and shoe shine. Body language is one of the most overlooked tools in our arsenal. You can say a lot with your actions, eyes and body. Fifty-five percent of messages processed by the brain are based on a person’s body language.

We are definitely on the upswing of this recession, but we’ve been lingering around the 7.6 percent mark for a while now. Unemployment is still an issue, one that no one wants to be a part of. Here are a few body language tips to consider for that next big interview:

1. Eye Contact

Eye contact is the easiest and most effective way to show confidence. You can tell immediately if someone is engaged in an interaction if he/she maintains eye contact. You are able to gauge interest, honesty and attitude. When you start talking about something you’re passionate about (i.e. your work), your eyes should light up. Being aware of your facial expressions is key to conveying your true feelings.

But eye contact can take a pretty quick turn into creepy land. Eye contact should feel natural and engaging. Don’t turn this into a staring contest. If you haven’t blinked in the last 5 minutes, you’re doing it wrong. Staring, as opposed to eye contact, can be considered an intimidation tactic—or just plain weird.

2. Good Posture

Again, this is a great way to display your confidence. A slumped over slouch does not get a second interview. Just like Mom said, “Head up, shoulders back, back straight.” Maintaining a good posture also helps to project your voice, which is another sign of confidence. Clear and audible delivery of your message is vital. Additionally, bad posture makes us think of laziness and that is never a seed you want to plant in an interviewers mind. Read more…

photo credit: Thomas Geiregger via photopin cc

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.