Job-Seeking Skills Resources: Job Interview Skills

Non-verbal Communication in Job Interviews

Put Your Best Self Forward

When you interview for a job, you always carry three people into an employer’s office:

1. Who you think you are.
2. Who you really are.
3. Who others perceive you to be.

It’s up to you to project your best self.
It only takes five seconds for someone to form an impression of you, so make sure it is a good one.

According to Debra Benton, career counsellor and author of Lions Don’t Need to Roar (New York: Warner Books, 1992),

“People form their impression of you by looking at the outside and making assumptions about what’s on the inside. They take you at face value. It’s your responsibility to establish that value – and establish it quickly. It can take a lot of time and effort to undo a bad first impression.“

You have taken the time to dress professionally for the interview. Be sure your body language also projects a professional image. What are the various things you should bear in mind during the interview?

Handshake

Shaking hands with your interviewer is good practice although it is not common in Hong Kong, even in the business field. It helps you create a friendly and professional image. Make sure your handshake is sincere and firm.

Eye Contact

Good eye contact conveys confidence and enthusiasm, and makes you appear more credible.

Facial Expression

Smile! Imagine yourself as an interviewer meeting people all day. Everyone begins to look the same – until you walk in with a refreshingly friendly, energetic smiling face. You will be remembered.

Posture

Maintain good posture through the entire interview, keeping your shoulders square yet relaxed. Sitting up straight and leaning slightly toward the interviewers will create a more favourable impression of an active listener.

Gesture

Hand gestures are great for illustrating concepts and displaying confidence. They can also demonstrate pure emotional energy. So, release your hands for useful gestures to emphasise your points instead of hiding them under the table or putting them at your side. Avoid nervous habits like drumming fingers or fidgeting.

Voice

Your voice quality also demonstrates your confidence. Speak clearly and loudly and at a moderate speed so that you can be heard by everyone in the panel. Don’t mumble to yourself in a monotone. Use stress and pauses appropriately for emphasis. Don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for a topic show.

Humour

You can use humour appropriately in an interview to lighten up a tense atmosphere in the interview room. You can demonstrate your leadership quality by showing that you are a confident person who is relaxed and capable of controlling a tough situation.

Task 1

Let’s take a good look at Kelvin’s and Angela’s body language in the video. Whose body language is better? Jot down your own observation/impressions and compare them with the teachers’ comments.

Kelvin’s Campus Interview – Part 1
Angela’s Campus Interview – Part 1

Teacher’s Comment

Task 2

Watch another excerpt (Kelvin? company interview) and compare his non-verbal behavior with that in his campus interview. What? your general impression? Do you think he has improved?

Kelvin’s Company Interview

Teacher’s Comment

**Virtual Interview **HKUST Career Center Site **CUHK Job Interview Skills Site **HKU English for Professional Communication Site