IT takes less than 30 seconds (sometimes even five), for an interviewer to form an impression about you.

Moral: first impressions count!

Fifty-five per cent of the our communication consists of body language. Thirty-eight per cent is expressed through tone of voice. Only seven per cent is communicated through words.

So if you have the job, it is not because of what you said during the interview, but how you said it. Let us share some subtle signals which interviewers pick up during the course of the interview.

Non-verbal messages say a lot
When we send mixed messages or say things that do not vibe with our body language, our credibility could crumble. This is because most smart interviewers believe the non-verbal more than the verbal.

The reason: Non-verbal communication is well-expressed, honest and accurate. They reveal your inner confidence.

While words can deceive -- many people don't mean what they say or say what they don't mean -- body language is subconscious. Since it is more spontaneous and less controlled, it shows our true feelings and attitudes.

Time is money
It might sound clichéd to talk about arriving on time for a job interview, but I think it is important to bring it to your notice.

An interview is considered a very important appointment. After all, you are the one looking for a job and wanting to make a career in that organisation. Being on time shows your interest in the job.

The wait
While you are waiting at the reception, remember you are sending out non-verbal messages -- on whether you are confident, comfortable, shifty, irritated, relaxed -- without you even realising it. Opinions are made about you even before the interview has begun. So relax, take deep breaths!
Illustration: Abhijit Kini

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e-mail: Aruna Sampat

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