Have you ever been around someone whose presence demanded attention? Take a closer look at their stance and body movements and you will understand why.
“There’s a lot of research that shows that while we certainly pay attention to words, we pay a lot more to nonverbal communication,” said clinical psychologist and Georgia State faculty member Dr. Suzann Lawry.
When used correctly, body language can be a clear projection of power, confidence and personal charm.
“A candidate can be technically skilled on paper but a lot of the times their nonverbal communication is not in sync with what they’re saying,” said Makesha Hillery, coordinator of cooperative education and internships at Georgia State’s Career Services office.
Georgia State equips students with the degree that will get them in the door, but the reality is that there is an increasing amount of candidates with the same qualifications.
With the overall unemployment rate for recent college graduates at 7.9 percent, and nearly half of all employed recent graduates in jobs that don’t require a college degree, it is important for students to consider all the factors that equate to success after college.
“Over 75 percent of candidates that actually land an opportunity, whether its a job or an internship, do so through networking,” Hillery said.
Hillery stressed that networking is based on your ability to convey confidence and warmness through communicating both nonverbally and verbally.
“That first impression when the employer sees your dress, body language, posture, eye contact — all of that can determine if an employer will warm up to you,” Hillery explained.
It’s clear that body language is an important component of success after college. So what can you do now to improve your body language and chances of post collegiate success?
Dr. Lawry says students can apply the technique of mimicry proven to be successful in therapeutic rapport.
“Therapeutic rapport is basically the relationship between the therapist and the client,” Lawry said. “When the client and therapist’s relationship is really good then [the] client’s symptoms get better. Looking at body language and the end rapport they are often in sync.”
According to Dr. Lawry students can apply this concept of mimicry when interacting in a professional setting.
“Be attentive in a job interview and try to model your body language to the person that you are speaking with because it will increase your rapport and connection,” Lawry said. “If they are sitting back with their legs crossed, you could do that and feel more connected. If you mirror it sometimes it will give you a better rapport.”
With the art of body language, like anything else, one can only benefit from practice.
“Practicing is important,” Hillery said. “I’m naturally an introverted person, so it takes a lot for me to present myself in an extroverted manner. Practice not just with staff. Try it with friends and people that you trust.”
Through Career Services Panther Career Net students can work on their body language through the Virtual Interview Process System. Using VIPS students can record their practice interviews, see their body language and be reviewed later by a career counselor or staff member for additional tips.
“Get your friends and ask them how you come across in an interview,” Lawry said. “Practice in front of a mirror, videotape yourself and then watch the video back. You might think you were being friendly but we are not always aware of our nonverbals.”
Students also need to assess their skills and talents and understand that all careers don’t involve the same level of expertise in nonverbal communications.
“Know what you’re good at individually,” Lawry said. “There’s actually more weight on nonverbal, but if the job is in a cube crunching numbers, then as an employer I might not put as much weight on your interpersonal skills than if they’re a bank teller.”
“People often will categorize based on stereotypes rather than having conversations and nonverbal can be this kind of shorthand way to categorize people and make judgments.”
The strength of a person’s body language skills directly relates to how they are feeling inside. If those feelings are negative, it is time for self-reflection.
“A lot of body language expresses how you’re feeling internally,” Hillery said. “Find ways to encourage yourself before the interview process. It could be listening to your favorite song or reading inspirational quotes.”
It also helps to take some time to consider nonverbal communications on an individual basis. Being considerate of individuals is a crucial part of the communication process.
“Know the culture of the other person so that you can be respectful and not collide,” Lawry said. “To think there [is] one set of rules that [applies] to everyone is absurd. Be sensitive to the larger culture and also adapt it individually.”
DO: Have a firm handshake. It tells your employer that you’re capable.
DON’T: Do not rub the back of your neck during an interview. Distress can make you look disinterested.
DO: Be friendly. Have good eye contact, but don’t stare creepily.
DON’T: Do not fold your arms. This always makes you look unfriendly and can make you look closed off.
DO: Keep both feet on the floor when sitting. This keeps you from fidgeting and distracting your interviewer.
DON’T: Do not rub you nose. You’re going to have to shake their hand when they leave after you’ve been running your nose. That’s gross.
DO: Sit up straight and look confident. You’ve got this!
DON’T: Do not slouch. Slouching makes you look bored and awkward.
