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The Discourse Surrounding Nonverbal Communication

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Introduction The discourse surrounding nonverbal communication is centered on its relevance and salience in interpersonal relations. It is especially important when it comes to nonverbal communication in a professional interview setting, as shown by the overwhelming amount of websites and research that has been done on the topic. Thousands of websites boast having the best advice for those going into interviews. They all, however, hold variations of the same advice: they stress positive nonverbal communication. This includes being cognizant of movement, appearance, eye contact, voice control and other aspects of communication devoid of words. This is stressed as being important since job interviews help determine what a candidate is like …show more content…

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Appearance in Interviews Appearance is another form of non-verbal communication that is essential to master before being interviewed. It is made up of controllable attributes such as clothes, cleanliness, and grooming, and uncontrollable ones like physical attributes, height, and attractiveness. Before even speaking a word, a person’s appearance can say a lot about them and could possibly make or break getting a job.
Application of Appearance Although it is fairly subjective and is pretty much unchangeable, attractiveness plays a major role in job interviews. According to Daniel Hamermesh, economist at the University of Texas, above average looking men earn 17% more than below average and above average looking women ear 12% more than below average looking women. Attractive people are generally viewed to be more sociable, confident, and more likely to succeed than unattractive people. (Longo & Ashmore 1992; Ilkka 1995) Along with attractiveness are physical attributes. A strong chin is found to be a factor of appearance that also relates to success. Out of forty-two of the top 50 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies 90% of them showed a strong jaw line and prominent …show more content…

It is not only recommended, but expected that one act in a certain manner at an interview. These expectations are all derived from the way in which candidates speak, act, and look. This is to say, most of the advice given and expectations set are surrounding nonverbal communication. In one regard this seems natural and right. One must present their best selves in order to get the job. In another regard, however, it seems backwards. If acting the way in which is expected means acting like a different person, then you (remove second person) are not truly representing yourself. If a company is looking for a certain type of employee to maintain its ethos or its reputation and the applicant is merely acting in a certain manner that seems as though it fits, it is mutually disadvantageous for both parties. After reflection on the role that nonverbal communication has on interviewer perceptions, it is clear that what seems to be black-and-white, may actually be more ambiguous and tricky to navigate than originally

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