7 ways of decoding non verbal behaviors of interviewees

C H A R A C T E R C O M M I T M E N T C O M P E T E N C Ew w w . c f i r s t c o r p . c o mw w w . t a l e n t n o w . c o m R E C R U I T S M A R T E R . F A S T E R .
7 Ways of Decoding Non-Verbal
Behaviors of Interviewees

According to a study conducted by College Journal,
interviews constitute 55% of body language, 7% verbal
communication and 38% paralanguage. These statistics
prove that non-verbal communication is not just
essential, but exceptionally vital to ace the process.
They say that answering all the questions while
effectively selling yourself in the interview can fetch
you the job. But little do people know that merely
answering the questions is never enough to get you
hired. While it is imperative to articulate properly, an
interview comprises of several other aspects as well
which can make a world of a difference between pass
and fail. And this is where non-verbal cues come into
the picture.

With the advancement in technology, the life of recruiters has become somewhat easier with the introduction
of video interviews. The great thing about this form of interview is that it provides a convenience to the
recruiters as well as the candidates to stay at remote locations and still complete the interview process. It is a
very user-friendly way of conducting interviews and is not at all costly. You only need a good internet
connection, a working PC and a webcam.
Recruiters often look for different non-verbal cues to determine whether a candidate is an ideal match for the
vacant position in the organization irrespective of the type of interview conducted. This is no different in a
video interview. If you have been a part of the recruitment world since the last decade chances are you might
have gained mastery in observing the non-verbal cues during the interview process. But, if you are new in this
field and want to decode the different non-verbal cues pertaining to candidates during the interview process
then this blog has been written just for you. Without wasting any more time, let us now look at the different
non-verbal cues to decode during a video interview:

By observing the body posture of the candidate you can have a fair idea about how the candidate feels about
the conversation taking place. If you observe slouching it can be an indicator that the candidate lacks
confidence and respect for you. If the candidate is leaning forward while speaking with you, it indicates that
he/she is interested in the conversation. In case, if he/she leans back in the chair it would indicate that he/she
is totally disengaged during the conversation.
If the candidate is sitting on the chair’s edge and leaning forward it shows that he/she is totally eager and
interested in whatever is being said. If he/she leans backward on the chair it usually means negative while if
he/she suddenly leans back it may show that they are getting defensive while listening to your question.
Even shoulder movements can help you to know whether the candidate is positive or negative during the
video interview. If a candidate answers your question with the help of flamboyant words but remains stiff or
moves only a single shoulder, it can indicate that he/she is either lying or uncertain about his/her answer.
Body Posture

This non-verbal cue is obviously useful when you are having a one-on-one video interview live with the
candidate. If the candidate looks into your eyes directly while answering the question it can indicate honesty
and high confidence. In case the candidate is looking somewhere else while answering your question it can
indicate either lack of concentration or trust. If the candidate is looking into your eyes constantly it can be
considered to be a rude behavior. While in case they look away for a moment when trying to think or
remember something it is a natural thing.
The next time you plan to conduct video interview on candidates do remember to practically decode the non-
verbal cues described in this blog. Who knows you will thank us for giving you such a valuable piece of
information to make the right hiring decision.
Poor Eye Contact

Much like how playing with your hair, nails, or
jewelry is distracting, moving around in your
seat detracts from the power of your words. If
you notice a candidate delivers a response while
twirling in their chair, take this nonverbal
behavior into consideration. Think about the
impression they’d give off should you bring
them on client meetings or ask them to
interface with high-powered executives within
your company.
Fidgeting In Seat

Many people talk with their hands without fully
realizing it, but going overboard with hand
gestures makes it hard to focus on the message
the person is delivering. A few hand motions for
emphasis every now and then is acceptable, but
it shouldn’t become distracting.
Using Too Many Hand Gestures

A job interview should be taken seriously, of
course, but that doesn’t mean that smiling is
forbidden. You want a candidate who seems
genuinely excited and enthusiastic about the
opportunity in front of them. One way to
determine this is by looking for someone who
answers their video interview questions with a
warm, natural smile.
Failure To Smile

As common nervous habits, you might see applicants tucking hair behind ears, twisting rings around their
fingers, playing with necklaces, or picking at their nails. They may be unaware of these tics, which can signal a
lack of self-confidence. These issues may go away should this person land the job and become more
comfortable with you. However, they could be damaging if the individual is in a client-facing role and will
continue to find themselves in high-pressure situations where they need to make a positive impact right
away.
Fiddling With Hair, Nails, or Jewelry

It is natural human psychology to subconsciously mirror movements and mannerisms of their opposite person
while having a conversation. This makes them feel that they can be easily trustable. For example; if you are
smiling while asking a particular question or crossing your arms while asking the question and the candidate
repeats that gesture it means that they are trying to create a good impression on you. But, there is a catch in
this situation. If they are doing it on purpose it can indicate that they are trying to manipulate you. So, watch
out for this non-verbal cue properly while conducting a video interview.
Learning how to decode body language makes the video interview process more informative for those looking
to add to their team. Watch out for these interview red flags and you’ll be able to make a thoughtful hiring
decision that ensures this new team member is part of your staff for the long-haul.
Mirroring

7 ways of decoding non verbal behaviors of interviewees

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7 ways of decoding non verbal behaviors of interviewees