The lucky shirt is ironed. You’ve spent hours researching the company, rehearsing answers, and repeating your chosen questions in the mirror. The dream job must be in the bag, surely?
However, what you say in an interview setting is just the very start. Truth is, you can talk the talk and have all the required skills and experience for the job, but poor non-verbal language could be what causes you to be unsuccessful.
As the UK’s experts in public practice accounting recruitment, Public Practice Recruitment Ltd know exactly what accountancy firms are looking for. Our clients are keen to employ candidates who can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and client relationship skills.
In fact, interpersonal skills are often placed at a much higher priority than technical skills and abilities. Prospective employers want to see you as someone who’ll be able to build relationships with both clients and colleagues alike.
So, how does one master the art of silent success?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the importance of body language, the research that backs it, and our top tips for acing your next interview.
Science of the Unspoken
Image from European Heart Journal Study
Are you familiar with the term “don’t say it, show it?” It may be a bit of a cliché, but words really can only go so far.
Communication is a multi-faceted process, and non-verbal communication makes up a huge portion of human interaction, whether we’re aware of it or not!
A study published by European Heart Journal in January 2024 explores the significance of body language in science and academia. Overall, researchers found that body language can “significantly impact the outcomes of interview processes.”
The study argues that interviewees who displayed confident body language inspired confidence in others, making it easier for them to “establish professional connections, garner support, and secure collaborations.” The test subjects who conveyed open body language had a much higher chance of securing the job than those who expressed the opposite.
Head researcher Mansi Patil argues that “the more an applicant genuinely smiles and has their eyes’ non-verbal message match their mouth’s non-verbal message, they will be more likely to get hired than those who do not.”
Want to read the full report? Click here.
The Secrets to a Successful Interview
Have you ever had an interview that you thought went well, only to get feedback that the interviewer didn’t see you as a ‘good fit’?
We know it’s disheartening, but don’t let it become something that knocks your confidence.
Instead, view the rejection as redirection towards improving your interview game with the help of our following tips!
Appearance
What shall I wear? It’s the dreaded question that haunts the mind of every interviewee the night before as they rifle through the wardrobe.
Dressing the part will make you feel the part. You want to go into the interview feeling like a million dollars, so show yourself some self-love and give yourself a pamper the night/morning before.
It’s highly likely that your interviewer will be wearing a full suit or equivalent formal attire. By matching their standard and style, they’ll automatically see you as a potential member of the team.
Take time to find out what the dress code is within the company. If in doubt, go slightly more formal rather than more casual. In most practices, the dress code will generally be at least a shirt and tie, if not a full suit – so be sure to pick out your Sunday best!
If your interview is being held on a remote basis via your laptop, make sure you’re still showing up like you would in real life. Your interviewer won’t be impressed if they see you’re wearing PJ bottoms.
Don’t forget to shine your shoes, be well groomed, and ensure any accessories are perfectly matching. The little details mean a lot!
Punctuality
As the old saying goes, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
Most of us form an impression on the people we meet in as little as twelve seconds. Once those opinions have been made, it tends to colour the way we view everything that person says and does.
While assumptions can be changed, it takes time, and that’s something you don’t have in an interview setting. Therefore, it’s essential that you flaunt your favourability within the first few seconds.
We recommend arriving at the interview early. Chances are you’re going to be nervous, so take this extra time to take a few deep breaths, freshen up, and compose yourself. Make sure you’re friendly and polite to everyone you encounter in the building. A good word could make all the difference.
Once you’ve been called into the interview room, you want to radiate confidence. Pay attention to your posture, throw forward a firm handshake, and welcome your interviewer with a warm smile.
And remember, be yourself! Your interviewer wants to get to know your character and see you as a good fit in their team.
Eye Contact
When people think about body language, eye contact is often at the top of the list and for good reason.
Making eye contact with your interviewer is crucial. It demonstrates confidence, shows that you’re listening and fully engaged, and will help build a relationship between you.
Glancing away whilst thinking is only natural but try to direct your gaze at a point on their shoulder or hands. Looking past the interviewer or at the door may make you appear disinterested, which is precisely what you don’t want.
Nodding your head whilst your interviewer explains something, and flashing an occasional smile are great ways to support eye contact.
Posture
We’re all guilty of bad posture, especially when lounging in the comfort of our homes. But slouching over a desk during an interview is a big no-no. It’s unprofessional and shows a disregard for the interviewer and the job itself.
Don’t worry – you don’t need to be a well-practiced yogi to perfect your posture. When positioning yourself in the chair, sit up straight with your shoulders back. Tilt your chin upwards and place your hands in front of you with one palm on top of the other.
If you’re really looking to impress, you may want to open up your body language completely. This means uncrossing your legs and arms and lifting your chest slightly. This will show the interviewer your professionalism and that you’re fully invested in the conversation.
Tone of Voice
The unfortunate reality is that people will make judgements based on your voice, inflection and accent. While interviewers should be fully aware of cultural and linguistic diversity and make efforts to not let unconscious biases affect their decision-making, it’s important that you adapt your voice to suit the setting of an interview.
Remember that an interview is a formal occasion. The verbal crutches or colloquialisms you may use when speaking with close friends aren’t appropriate.
Not sure how your voice comes across? Consider the following when you’re next rehearsing your answers.
- Don’t be monotone. Vary your tonality to show interest
- Pause and think before you respond to each question
- Avoid ‘ums’ and ‘errs’
- Don’t try and use words you don’t understand to sound more intelligent
- If you’re nervous, remind yourself to slow down
We also recommend recording yourself or rehearsing in front of a relative or friend to get their honest opinion. Practice makes perfect!
Mirroring
Mirroring is one of the best non-verbal tools to use in an interview. It will put both yourself and the interviewer at ease.
By reflecting someone else’s body language back at them, you’ll make that other person feel understood. It will enhance your likeability and help your interviewer relate to you more on both a professional and personal level.
This may include returning a smile, using the same hand gestures, and taking cues on how to sit. You could even subtly borrow some of the language they use and mirror their pace and tone of voice.
Hands
Using your hands to support what you’re saying will help you emphasise certain points and convey passion about your subject, which is exactly what your interviewer wants to see!
A good ploy is to sit with your hands in your lap or by your side, and consciously use gestures as a non-verbal cue to draw attention to important points only.
To highlight a positive statement and convey confidence you may choose to employ the ‘subtle steeple gesture’ – favoured by politicians and lawyers to show confidence in a specific statement.
Try not to overuse the steeple gesture, as it could be viewed as a little combative. Instead, use it occasionally when you’re making a point you’d like to emphasise.
Wrapping Up
And there we have it – our tried-and-tested tips for finessing your next interview!
From all of us here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we’d like to wish you all the very best in your next interview. And remember – even if you’re unsuccessful, an interview is great practice. It will help you become a more confident and capable candidate.
Whether you’re ready to hit the job market, or you’re looking for advice to take the next steps in your practice career, we’re ready to help. As the UK’s experts in public practice accounting recruitment, we’ve helped thousands of candidates land their next role, and we’d love to make you our next success story!
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help.
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