Believe What You See: Use Nonverbal Communication

Have you ever made up your mind about a candidate based on the body language he exhibited in your lobby? How about that clammy, wet, limp handshake? Or, how do you react to the candidate with dirt under her fingernails when she folds her hands on your desk. I gave too little credence to these nonverbal clues in the past. As an example, I hired the Mom with the dirty fingernails; she told me she had just had a baby a week earlier and I forgave what was an obvious heads up for me.

The end of the story? She was later fired for her inability to give attention to details that were critically important to the customer. She also could not keep numbers straight in a business development job. Despite her marvelous references, I should have paid more attention to the details. I noticed the fingernails and the somewhat unprofessional dress, but her presence, her references, and the fact that she had just given birth, clouded my judgment. No more.

Nonverbal details play the most significant role in hiring for me. I have been sorry just about every time I have failed to believe what I see. How about you? Please respond in "comments" below.

More About Nonverbal Communication

• Listen With Your Eyes: Tips for Nonverbal Communication.
• Why "Blink" Matters: The Power of First Impressions.
• Inspirational Quotes for Work: Nonverbal Communication.

_{Image © Jacob Wackerhausen}