Becky Gosky

Did you know there are numerous social cues you might unintentionally be displaying to hiring managers which are negatively impacting your ability to land the job?

Learning to understand and master these cues can help you create a strong and positive impression during job interviews, meetings, and networking events, ultimately enhancing your chances of securing the job opportunities you're after.

According to Vanessa Van Edwards, bestselling author of Captive and Cues and founder of the research group Science of People, there are 4 categories of unintentional social cues:

1) Verbal cues are our words, what we say in conversation, what we present in a meeting or training, and can be both spoken and written.
2) Nonverbal cues are facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
3) Voice tone cues include volume, pace, cadence, or vocal tonality.
4) Ornaments can be jewelry, fingernail color, hairstyle, glasses, facial hair, and even what’s in your virtual background.

Why do these matter?

- Social cues shape how we express ourselves during interviews and presentations, directly impacting how employers perceive our communication skills.
- They reveal our confidence and professionalism, influencing the overall impression we leave.
- They play a role in conveying enthusiasm and engagement, showcasing our interest in the role.
- And these cues reflect personal style and attention to detail, indicating a polished and put-together image.
- Mastering these cues are be a game-changer in leaving a lasting, positive impression on perspective companies you want to work with.

Armed with these cues, you will ace those job interviews.

Your skills are awesome – now let these cues showcase them.

2 Must-Do's in the First Second of an Interview

According to Vanessa Van Edwards, bestselling author of Captive and Cues and founder of the research group Science of People, there are 2 little-known hacks you can do in the first one second of a Zoom interview that will allow you to make a superb first impression and set the tone for the rest of your interview.

These 2 game-changing tricks that you're probably not using could be the difference between "meh" and "wow" in those crucial first seconds.

1. Wave Hello: Show Your Hands, Ease Their Minds

Remember your caveman ancestors? Well, your brain's still wired to check out hands for safety. As an unfamiliar human entered the camp, we would immediately become alarmed and look at their hands for signs of rocks or spears and assess whether or not they were going to attack us.

When you meet someone new, waving hello not only shows you're friendly but also triggers a positive response. So, right at the start, give a little wave—deflect that ancient fear response and show you're trustworthy and you’ve got this.

2. Mind Your Zoom Space: A Breath of Comfort

We all have our personal space bubbles, right? Keep about 1.5 feet between your nose and the camera. That's the zone reserved for our partners, our children, and our very close friends. By maintaining this distance, you're not only respecting their space but also making it super easy to show those friendly hands of yours.

Why Does This Matter?

Creating ease right away helps your interview go smoothly. When you show your hands and maintain a comfortable distance, you're setting a tone of confidence and approachability. Plus, you're nixing any subconscious worries they might have.

Waving works just as well at the start of a live presentation, when leading a meeting, or even entering a social event.

Quick Recap: Ace Your Zoom Impression

Wave Hello: Say hi with your hands to switch off the fear response.

Space It Out: Maintain about 1.5 feet between your nose and the camera for that cozy yet professional feeling.

Nail these two moves and you're on your way to acing the entire interview. Your first seconds are your chance to set the tone—don't let 'em slip by!

Becky

P.S. Stay tuned for more concise and actionable tips to level up your professional game. And if you know a friend could use this information, please share this newsletter with them.

2 Must-Do's in the First Second of an Interview ...which you are probably not doing...

Let's talk about something that can truly set you apart when interviewing…

…and not many other candidates do this:

Crucial Interview Tip: Do your Company Research.

Here's an important point that many miss:

Showing genuine interest in the company you're interviewing with makes all the difference. It's like tailoring a suit – it fits perfectly.

Here's what you do:
1. Explore: Go through their website and growth plans. Get familiar with their world.
2. Mission Possible: Find their mission statement. Uncover their core values. Understand what drives them.
3. Past Projects: Look into their previous work and collaborations. It shows you've done your homework.
4. Buzzworthy: Check out their press stories and industry news. Stay in the loop.
5. Industry Trends: Keep up with industry trends. It's like staying ahead of the curve.

Now, the magic moment:
✨ Craft Your Responses: Match Their Vibe
Align your skills and experiences with their needs. Show how you're a perfect fit.

🤔 The Power of Curiosity: Ask Thoughtful Questions
When they ask, "Why us?" – you will knock their socks off with questions that demonstrate your in depth and earnest interest.

Instead of simply attending an interview – own it. Dive into their world, and let your confidence shine.