Crazy Good Interviewing: How Acting A Little Crazy Can Get You The Job

Chapter 12

Use Body Language to Make a Crazy Good Impression

You have heard the expression, “It's not what you say—it's how you say it.” Well, that is not entirely accurate. Your nonverbal cues are just as important as your verbal ones. In fact, your likeability factor is based on approximately 10 percent of your verbal communication. Your tone of voice accounts for 30 percent, and the remaining 60 percent of your likeability is derived from your nonverbal communication—your body language—which includes eye contact, posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

You can learn how to use your body language to enhance your verbal communication and send a positive message to your interviewer, but in order to change your body language, you must be aware of it. Do you make eye contact? Do you stand up straight and sit tall? Do you use your hands and facial expressions to emphasize important points? By using body language to your advantage, you will be remembered as a job candidate who made a great first impression by appearing comfortable and at ease.

Make Crazy Good Eye Contact

Eye contact is very important when you are interviewing for a job. Individuals who maintain eye contact create a favorable impression because they exude confidence and social aptitude. When you look someone straight in the eye while you are conversing, you are perceived as honest and trustworthy. It is also a sign of respect because your interviewer knows he has your undivided attention when your eyes are focused ...