If you’re wondering what you can to do improve interviews, think about how you handle your social skills and body language. Are you likable — that’s extremely important.  A firm handshake of course, but are you aware if your body language is confident?

Body language reveals so much about you –it’s actually 55% of your communication. It has an impact that is more important than your words. And they will notice “the way” you say things. So if you are not smiling or your eyes do not look enthusiastic and happy, it won’t matter what you say. Show passion in the tone of your voice and with excitement when describing your accomplishments.  Nervous habits such as pen clicking or constant foot tapping will also reduce your ability to appear confident.

Do not underestimate the impact of good social skills on your career. Seriously. In fact, across the board, in all types of fields and companies, people would rather work with someone who is likeable and incompetent than with someone who is skilled and obnoxious.

To be likeable you must come across as sincere and authentic by always presenting “the real you.” Also, don’t use jargony words, like, “multi-tasker.”  Be specific. Instead of saying, “I’m a self-starter” and just leave it at that. You could say, “I was given a project without a lot of instruction and in the first 3 days I came up with a list of 10 people to seek advise from. I  met with them all in the first week and received a number of great ideas – I am a self-starter.”

Another suggestion to show confidence is to offer your help on a trial basis. You might say, “I know I have the best skills for the job and I’m so confident I would take on a  project for free.”

Depending on whether we like someone or not influences hiring decisions. So build rapport and make a strong connection through your body language.  People who lack social competence end up looking like they lack other competencies, too.  Don’t forget to keep smiling as you describe who you are.

- Sunny Lurie, PhD., Fast Focus Careers