Be Aware of Non-verbal Pitfalls

It begins even when you utter your first word in anwith interviewer. He or she holds out his or her hand
interview. By the time interviewer walks towardsand receives a limp, damp hand in return-not a very
you, an opinion is already being formed. Her you sitgood beginning. Your handshake should be very firm
waiting to spew out your answers to the questions–not bone crushing-and your hand should be dry
you have prepared for,While you are already beingand warm.try running cold water in your hand as
judged by your appearance posture, smile or nervouswhen you first arrive at the interview site.
look.Ø   Your posture: stand and sit erect. We are not
A study at ULCA a few years ago revealed that oftalking ramrod posture, but  show some energy and
a performance was based on the word used, voiceenthusiasim.
quality (38%) and non-verbal communication 
(55%).think about that!Ø   Eye contact:  look the interviewer on the
 eye. You don’t want to stare , as this shows
 Look back at speaker or the teachers you haveaggression. Occasionally, and nonchalantly, glance at
listened to, which ones stand out as memorable? Thethe interviewer hand as he or she is speaking on the
ones who are more animated and entertaining or thecontrary, by constantly looking around the room
ones that just gave out of information? is not to saywhile you are talking, you convey a lack of
that you have to entertain the interviewer(no jokesdiscomfort with what is being discussed.
please!), but it does mean that the conversationØ   Your hands: gesturing or talking with your
should be more interactive. If you say you arehand is very natural. Getting carried away with hand
excited about the prospect of working for thisgestures can be distracting . Avoid touching with your
company, but don’t show any enthusiasm, yourmouth while talking. watch yourself in a mirror while
message will fall flat. So ,smile, gesture once in atalking on the phone.
while, show some energy and make the experience 
more pleasure for both sides. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Mrs Sumitra Biswal
Following are some non- verbal pitfalls to watch for Â Â Â Â Â  Lec.
Ø   The handshake:  it’s your first encounter