Dans un récent sondage mené auprès de plus de 5 000 professionnels des talents de plus de 35 pays, LinkedIn a découvert des résultats fascinants liés aux tendances qui transforment le milieu de travail. Bien que les compétences spécialisées soient toujours importantes, les compétences générales semblent occuper le devant de la scène dans les efforts d’embauche. Plus de 90% des entreprises canadiennes et américaines ont indiqué que les compétences générales étaient très importantes pour l’avenir du recrutement et des RH. Bien qu’elles puissent s’entendre sur l’importance des compétences générales, ces entreprises ne savent pas très bien comment les évaluer. Plus de la moitié des entreprises interrogées ont déclaré qu’elles avaient de la difficulté à évaluer les compétences générales avec précision.
L’entrevue comportementale était la méthode de prédilection pour les entreprises qui cherchaient à évaluer les compétences générales, mais la deuxième méthode la plus populaire a été un véritable choc. Soixante-dix pour cent des entreprises ont déclaré qu’elles se fiaient à la lecture du langage corporel d’un candidat pour évaluer les compétences générales.
While it may not be an accurate or appropriate assessment technique, candidates need to know that their body language in some cases could make or break their interview. Here are three non-verbal cues that could send the wrong message.
The Half-hearted Handshake
A firm, confident and friendly handshake may go even farther than we think. In a study that involved having participants shake hands with a series of people before a mock interview, researchers at the University of Iowa found that applicants with firm handshakes had stronger “hire recommendations” from the local HR representatives who participated in the study. Even if your interviewer doesn’t offer their hand first, don’t let your interview begin or end without a handshake. Take the time and make the effort to extend your hand for a solid shake with a good grip, direct eye contact and a smile.
Poor Posture
Your interviewers may also interpret the way you sit as a not-so-subtle message about your interest in the position. Slouching over in your chair could be seen as a lack of enthusiasm. Sitting too far on the edge of your seat could be viewed as a desire to be somewhere else. Sitting in the chair with your legs stretched out in front of you and your torso slumped could send a message that you lack respect for the interviewer or the job. Instead, sit up nice and straight, leaning forward occasionally to emphasize points in your conversation if that feels natural to you.
Awkward Eye Contact
Failing to make direct eye contact with your interviewers could have direct implications on their initial impressions about your trustworthiness. In one study that was conducted to assess this theory, researchers found participants were more likely to believe statements by a speaker who looked at them directly, compared to a speaker who averted their gaze.
If you’re unsure of how long to look your interviewer in the eye, research suggests that just over three seconds at a time seems to be the sweet spot. Eye contact under one second can appear shifty, while gazes that go on for longer than nine seconds can feel awkward. If multiple people are interviewing you, be sure to make eye contact with everyone on the panel regularly. Having a pad of paper and pen to take notes can serve as a helpful prop that will allow you to naturally break your gaze as you glance down to make notes.
Combine the trifecta of a solid handshake, confident posture, and natural eye contact with these interview tips for stronger soft skill storytelling, and you’ll be well on your way to knocking your next interview out of the park!
