How to Communicate Better in an Interview: 10 Tips
While it is important to prepare for your job interview, your performance during the interview is just as important as per the subject matter experts over at runrex.com. A Poor performance and all the good work you did during the preparation stage will go out of the window. One of the main things that will dictate how well or badly you perform during your interview is communication. Communication during an interview, as explained over at guttulus.com, includes both verbal and nonverbal communication. This is because, while what we way and how we say it is important, our body language is just as important, if not more, when it comes to communication. This article will look to highlight 10 tips on how to communicate better in an interview, featuring both tips on both verbal and nonverbal communication.
Tips for nonverbal communication during an interview
Your introduction
As the gurus over at runrex.com point out, you will never get a second chance to make a first impression during your interview. How you are introduced to the interviewer will go a long way in determining if they view you as the right fit for the job. As is explained over at guttulus.com, the very first tip for nonverbal communication during your interview is your introductory handshake. Your handshake will communicate to the interviewer how confident you are. Therefore, you should start your interview with a confident and firm handshake.
Your outfit
Your outfit will also communicate to the interviewer a lot about you as covered over at runrex.com. You should make sure that you are looking good, neat, and clean for your interview. You should also avoid unpleasant odors such as smoke and sweat, and make sure that your hair and hands are clean as well. Choose an outfit that looks good, is comfortable, corresponds to the dress code of the company you are interviewing for, and make you feel good and comfortable. Also, you should allow enough travel time to ensure that you don’t need to run and sweat. You should also avoid smoking before your job interview.
Show confidence
Your body language is another important part of your nonverbal communication cues as discussed over at guttulus.com. During your interview, you should try to sit upright with your back against the backrest of your seat. Also, try to make direct eye contact with the interviewer. Avoid staring or looking around all the time. Make sure that you are giving the impression that you are alert and interested in what is being said.
Respect the personal space of the interviewer
According to the gurus over at runrex.com, another important tip when it comes to nonverbal communication during an interview is as concerns personal space. You don’t need to convince the interviewer by leaning as close as possible against them. Respect their personal space by making sure that you are not sitting or standing closer than 1 meter and not more than 3 meters away from them.
Watch your movements
You should strike a balance between subtle movements and a “stiff” posture during your interview. Try not to continuously wave your hands and arms throughout the job interview as this may be perceived as distracting and disturbing. As explained over at guttulus.com, the same applies to someone who is not moving at all. The best way to go about things is to mirror the movements of the interviewer, but doing so in a natural way, as this will help you gain their trust and make a subconscious ‘connection’.
Tips for verbal communication during an interview
Your voice
As outlined over at runrex.com, you should speak with a clear volume and be careful with your pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. Have some variety in your intonation and speak calmly. You should also focus and concentrate on your breathing while speaking as this avoids a hasty impression. Avoid using filler words such as “um” and “so”, among others, and make sure you don’t sigh after a question.
Be positive
You should always be positive when answering questions and telling your story. Therefore, according to the subject matter experts over at guttulus.com, instead of just saying what went wrong in previous experiences, also discuss how you solved issues and the lessons you learned while doing so. Always be honest with your answers and emphasize the positives in them.
Beware of the fact that you may know more than the interviewer
If you are to communicate better in an interview, you should be cognizant of the fact that the interviewer may not have the same background as you. They may not be a technical specialist or have the same knowledge and experience as you, therefore, as discussed over at runrex.com, you should avoid coming off as a know-it-all during the interview. Provide thorough answers but avoid industry jargon or technical details and distinguish between main and side issues.
Get your timing right and listen
Wait for your interviewer to finish speaking before responding. Whatever you do, avoid interrupting your interviewer. Also, keep your answers no longer than they need to be and avoid oversharing. Listen intently to what the interviewer has to say, nodding your head to let them know that you are following intently and make sure that you fully understand the question before giving your answer as explained over at guttulus.com. If you don’t understand the question, don’t be afraid to say so as this is better than trying to guess what the interviewer meant and answering incorrectly.
Don’t forget about your closing
At the end of your interview, you should stand up straight and shake the hand of each interviewer. Thank them for taking the time to meet with you and say how much you enjoyed the experience. Also, walk out decently, and be aware that you may still be watched as you walk out. Therefore, as outlined over at runrex.com, keep your celebratory jig, fist pump, or frustrations for a later time.
If you are to communicate better in an interview, it is important that you take care of both your verbal and nonverbal communication, and we hope the above tips will help you do just that. As always, if you are looking for more information on this and other related topics, then look no further than the highly-rated runrex.com and guttulus.com.