Communication Break-Down

In my book, Beyond a Firm Handshake: 21 Ways to Communicate You’re the Right Person for the Job, I discuss the 21 ways job seekers can position themselves as the top candidate in an interview. I’ve titled each chapter with various adverbs: Persuasively, Calmly, Confidently, Carefully, and so on. But there’s one way you must communicate above all others.

Authentically.

The most important thing you can communicate in an interview is who you are. You can’t trick people into believing you’re something you’re not, no matter what degree of “nonverbal intelligence” you possess.

Because we are often unaware of what we communicate nonverbally, we inadvertently get in our own way. We mean to say one thing and end up expressing something entirely different. How many times have you said, or heard someone else say, “But that’s not what I meant!” Nonverbal communication transmits the majority of the message. Increasing our nonverbal intelligence helps us communicate clearly; when we understand and are aware of nonverbal communication, we ensure that our intended message gets across.

By tuning into your nonverbal communication you’ll be able to convey your qualifications and your enthusiasm in the interview. You’ll be able to speak calmly and confidently, but also show that you’re listening. You’ll be able to remain composed and patient, and yet purposefully avoid behaviors, apparel and objects that detract from your presentation. In other words, you’ll be able to be you, without all the other stuff getting in the way.

The theme of “authenticity” has come up a lot lately in my work. Whether clients want to increase their public speaking, social or workplace skills, once we begin working together I sense hesitation or conversely feel like I’m watching a “show.” Over and over again I explain that the most powerful communication is authentic–you must “own” who you are and what you hope to get across–nonverbal skills assist you in communicating that authenticity more clearly.

So for those of you looking for work: Take a breath, believe in yourself and work at increasing your nonverbal intelligence to allow the real you to shine in the interview. The most powerful way to communicate in an interview, and in life, is authentically.

Learn more at our May 18th workshop when I team up with Stacey Lane, Career Coach for Beyond a Firm Handshake-Acing the Interview Before You Speak.

I did it. It’s done. Finally. And it only took three times longer than I expected it to!

You’d never think someone who speaks for a living would have such a hard time getting those same words down on the page, but hoo boy, writing is a completely different animal than getting up and speaking in front of people.

But it’s done.

I can’t speak for all writers, but what I feel after finishing the book falls somewhere between sheer elation and massive panic. I mean, it’s done, but no one except nearest and dearest have read it.

I suppose I should tell you what it’s about. It’s called, Beyond a Firm Handshake: 21 Ways to Communicate You’re the Right Person for the Job and focuses on how to get and nail the interview. I wrote it for several reasons: 1) so many people are looking for work right now, it just made sense to focus on how nonverbal communication can assist the job seeker, 2) my business manager told me to, and I usually do what he says and 3) most of the “body language” advice in current interview prep books is just plain stupid. And insulting.

For example, flip open any interview book and you’ll find advice like, “Use a firm handshake,” “Maintain eye contact” and “Sit with good posture.” And unless you’re 16 years old and looking for your first job, most people respond with, “Well, duh.”

MY eBook is different, of course. Beyond a Firm Handshake: 21 Ways to Communicate You’re the Right Person for the Job goes beyond a firm handshake and other obvious “body language” advice—although I’ve included some for fun—and gives you practical tools you can use to increase your nonverbal intelligence. This will ensure you communicate clearly, leading to increased interviewing capacity, and eventually, the job of your dreams.

At least that’s what the intro says.

More seriously, you’ll learn:

• Why no one is reading your resume
• How to turn the phone screen into a face-to-face interview
• Why “friendly” hiring managers can be dangerous
• What to bring, and more importantly, avoid bringing to the interview
• Why your interview begins and ends in the parking lot
• What it really means to be “likeable”
• How to handle illegal, trick or just plain weird questions
• Why you should never, ever call to follow up
• And more!

You can download a PDF copy at our website for $8.99 or stay tuned for the announcement of when it’s available for Kindle, iPad, Sony Reader, Nook and other eReader devices.

You get a free copy if you register for our upcoming workshop: Beyond a Firm Handshake-Acing the Interview Before You Speak on May 18th when I team up with Stacey Lane, a local career coach. And finally, if you want to hear me talk about the types of things I write about in the book, you can listen to my recent interview with Career Studios.

Happy reading!