Over the past few weeks I’ve seen an abundance of advice being published with regard to video interviews. Despite the tremendous volume of suggestions, the topics covered tend to be similar. Most articles focus on mundane preparations and ignore the more nuanced aspects of a successful video interview. Most notably, I’ve seen a serious lack of information with regard to nonverbal communication.
Being able to accurately read your counterpart’s nonverbals is essential to a successful interview, especially in instances where video-conferencing technology is being used and visual queues are less plentiful and obvious, and therefore more critical. Why are these nonverbals so critical? It’s because the majority of the information we communicate is transmitted nonverbally via body language, facial expressions, proximity, gestures, eye contact, touch, clothing choices, and so on. Therefore, if an interviewee neglects to pick up on nonverbal communication, they risk missing a huge chunk of the information being conveyed.
While I am certainly not an expert on the subject of nonverbals, I have had the great privilage of attending one of Joe Navarro’s training courses and I’ve read up on the subject over several years. I’ve also established myself in a profession that rewards those who read other people well. While I’m not qualified to speak in depth on this subject, it’s my hope that I can provide enough basic information to enable the average job seeker to more successfully engage via videoconferencing technology.
Before we talk about specific behaviors, let’s clarify a few things up front. Since we are specifically focusing on video interviews, we’ll only be talking about the parts of the body that can typically be seen via web cam. We will not be talking about the whole body. Also, we’ll be focusing on the nonverbals of others. Do not attempt to artificially alter your own nonverbals. Just let your body and face do what they naturally do. Try to relax. Be your wonderful, authentic self, even if that means being authentically awkward. Some of the world’s most amazing people are authentically awkward! Just take a deep breath and let yourself shine.
Also, in attempting to spot the cues below, do not make the mistake of focusing all of your attention on tracking the nonverbal signals of your interviewers. You should be focusing on the conversation itself. Perhaps every 5-10 minutes scan the room and see if you recognize any of the the following behaviors. If you see signs of comfort and engagement, you know you’re on the right track. Keep doing what you’re doing. If you begin to see signs that your audience is not comfortable, try to figure out what is causing them disengage. Maybe one of your answers missed the mark. If you think that might be the case, continue to monitor nonverbal cues as you try to get the interview back on track.
Of course, it’s important to note that if you spot discomfort, it may not be the result of anything you did or said. Any number of things could cause a person to be uncomfortable. So, if you start to spot some of the more negative behaviors below but the interview seems to be progressing in a positive way, try not to let the negative cues rattle you. The explanation could be as simple as an interviewer who needs more coffee. Don’t take it too personally.
SIGNS THAT YOUR AUDIENCE IS COMFORTABLE AND ENGAGED
Head is Tilted to the Side, Exposing the Neck
Head Nods Up and Down
Eyebrows and Corners of the Mouth Rise Up
Nostrils Are Slightly Flared
Leaning Forward
SIGNS THAT YOUR AUDIENCE IS NOT COMFORTABLE AND NOT ENGAGING
Lips Are Pursed or Begin to Disappear and Corners of the Mouth Point Down
Crinkled Nose
The Triangle Between the Eyebrows and Nose Appears Scrunched
The Jaw Shifts
The Face Distorts in an Unnatural Fashion
Moving Hair Away From One’s Neck or Adjusting One’s Collar
Lack of Appropriate Eye Contact
If you spot someone crossing their arms, playing with jewelry, twirling their hair, or stroking their face or neck, don’t read too much into it. Why? Well, it’s probably best to let the experts explain. Should you decide that you want to learn more about nonverbal communication, I’d recommend seeking out resources created by the following people.
I hope you’ve found this week’s post helpful and, as always, should you have any comments or questions on the information above, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Keep going friends. You’ve got this.