It’s not what you might think…
Well actually, it’s two things. Your eyes!
Eye contact is one of the main forms of nonverbal communication that our brains quickly pick up on and it can make or break a job interview.
Are my skills and knowledge enough not to worry about my eye contact?
Unfortunately, not. Many other applicants will look fantastic on paper too, but it comes down to how you make the employer feel during the interview. Whether it is a face-to-face interview or a Skype session, not making good eye contact will leave recruiters feeling unsure about you and is one of the most common job interview blunders.
For instance, if you keep looking down or blinking more than usual at hard questions, the recruiter may get a sense that you are unconfident or not being honest about your answers, even if you are!
You make your first impression within the first 5 minutes, so if you are one of those people that tends to warm up after time, you need to make extra effort to show your best side quicker. Start with eye contact.
Three ways to feel more confident about looking recruiters in the eye while answering questions:
- Ensure you sleep well the night before and have no hangover, so your eyes are fresh and you feel good.
- Practice and test your eye contact skills beforehand, so you handle the interview without any awkward stares or too many blinks.
- Don’t panic: remember that the recruiters may have their own fears and thoughts too. They want to see your talent and devotion, so help them see that in you. Recruiters are also interested in hiring the right candidate as soon as possible to get a higher KPI for their work, so they are doing their best to help you show who you are.
Maintaining the appropriate amount of eye contact during an interview, regardless of the questions, will create a good connection to the employer and if you pair it with a smile, it’s a great base recipe for interview success.
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