Interviewing - Beyond the Resume

Posted on July 7th, 2023

When it comes to interviewing prospective applicants, it's crucial to look beyond their resume and qualifications. While skills and experience are important, personality traits and body language can provide valuable insights into a candidate's suitability for a role. Here are some key traits and non-verbal cues that I always observe when conducting interviews:

1. Confidence: Confident individuals tend to make a positive impression right from the start. They maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and exude self-assurance in their speech. A confident candidate is likely to handle challenges with resilience and adaptability.

2. Communication skills: Effective communication is essential in any workplace. During an interview, I observe how well candidates articulate their thoughts, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to questions. Clear communication skills demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and convey ideas convincingly.

3. Emotional intelligence: Emotional intelligence refers to one's ability to understand and manage emotions, both in oneself and others. Candidates who display empathy, self-awareness, and social skills tend to foster positive relationships within a team setting. They can navigate conflicts diplomatically while maintaining open lines of communication.

4. Problem-solving aptitude: Assessing a candidate's problem-solving abilities is crucial for identifying their potential contributions within the organization. I often ask scenario-based questions or present hypothetical challenges during interviews to gauge how applicants approach complex situations creatively.

5. Adaptability: In today's dynamic work environment, adaptability is becoming increasingly important. Look for candidates who demonstrate flexibility in their responses during the interview process—those who are open-minded about change or possess previous experience in diverse roles or industries tend to be more adaptable.

6. Body language cues: Non-verbal cues can reveal a lot about an individual's personality traits during an interview:

- Posture: An upright posture reflects confidence and interest in the conversation.

- Eye contact: Maintaining appropriate eye contact indicates attentiveness.

- Hand gestures: Controlled and purposeful hand movements can convey enthusiasm and engagement.

- Facial expressions: Smiling, nodding, and appropriate facial expressions indicate active listening and positive engagement.

While it's important to remember that body language is subjective and cultural differences may exist, observing these cues can provide additional insights into a candidate's overall demeanor.

Remember, no single trait or body language cue should be the sole basis for hiring decisions. A holistic approach is crucial to ensure a comprehensive assessment of an applicant's potential fit within the organization. Combining their qualifications with personality traits, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and adaptability will help you make a more informed decision when selecting the best candidate for the role.