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You can improve your
interviews and your chances of landing the job - as well as save a lot of
time - when you learn what they're saying with their bodies. Here's a
quick reference guide to what they're really
saying and how to respond.
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Eyes
to the left while talking -
Indicates the speaker is lying. Proceed with caution.
Crossed arms, leaning back - Defensive position. Hiring manager is
likely intimidated by you. Ask a few non-threatening questions to
change her mental state.
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Crossed
arms and legs - Classic
defensive un-accepting position. Consider regrouping and redirecting
the conversation so she's more accepting of what you're saying.
Tapping
on the keyboard while talking - She's
only talking to you because they legally need to interview outside
candidates. In truth, an internal candidate will get the
position. Continue the interview for practice only.
Unwavering
stare - She's trying to
intimidate you. Most are unnerved when being stared at, and she's
looking to see what your reaction is. She's also trying to read
you. Redirect her by using hand gestures that break into the line of
the stare. They eyes, after all, are drawn toward motion.
Resting
head on one palm - She's
bored. Bring out the big guns by working your best credentials into
the conversation and increasing your vocal variety.
Elbows
on desk with chin resting on folded hands - Worse than bored, she's condescending.
She's regarding you lightly, as if she was speaking to a child. You
need to earn respect and build credibility fast.
Arms on
arm rest, feet on floor - She
doesn't want you to be able to read her so she's presenting a blank
page. But as any poker aficionado will tell you, every player has a
"tell." Look at her neck muscles and face for signs of life
and to detect a pattern.
Leaning
in, hands folded in front -
She's interested in what you're saying. Mirror her position and
continue the line of conversation.
Neck
muscles twitch or ears wiggle -
This is a classic sign of stress. She either doesn't want to reveal
information - or to lie. Decide if you want to push it or not, then
proceed with caution.
Expression/verbiage
mismatch - If, for instance, her
face is blank but her voice is overly jovial, she is being incongruent. And
it's by design. This technique is often used by those who have a
superiority complex as a way of toying with their prey. While this
may momentarily confuse you, don't let it show. Maintain your composure
because she's trying to read your reaction.
Excessive
blinking - She probably gets
nervous in interviews - or the interview might be monitored
electronically. This is the time to bring out your interpersonal
skills to put her at ease. She'll appreciate it and regard you
favorably.
Inappropriate
facial expressions - If she
looks shocked when you're discussing mundane data, she's likely not
reacting to you, but to an internal dialogue. Bring her back into the
moment with a mild joke followed by a slight chuckle. She will
probably realize she missed something in the conversation and refocus her
attention.
Head
tilted to one side - This
typically signals submission. She's buying into what you're
saying. Either that, or she she's trying to act like she's buying into
it (often a placating move). To be certain which is intended, look
for other gestures.
Head
tilted back slightly while looking at you - This could been one of two things (or
both): she doesn't believe you; or she thinks very, very little of
you. In either case, it's important to build credibility. Work
a few of your most outstanding credentials into the conversation. If
that doesn't seem to work, you'll need to decide if you really want to work
for someone like that.
IN THE CARAVAN: Increase the quality of your interviews and save time by learning
to read body language.
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bSafari.c
The Lion’s Pride: Interviewing
