Why Are Facial Expressions Important In An Interview?

Answer 1

Many shoppers do not realize it, but the way they spend money, from buying a car to tipping their server at a restaurant, has a lot to do with how they feel about the person that was assisting them. Their feelings may have very little to do with the actual service, or the quality of the product they purchased, or even the ’deal’ they were able to get.

Simply put, working with people we feel comfortable around makes it easier to do business, regardless of what type of transaction we are engaging in. This is because we react emotionally to ’cues’ from other people, regardless of the setting, and when the person helping us gives us a good feeling, we feel more at ease, and more trusting with our dollars.

This translates directly to applying for a job and successfully interviewing. As hard as it may seem, the best way to approach an interview is to try and relax, and have a real conversation during the interview. Of course, different companies approach interviews in different ways, sometimes in one-on-one conversations, sometimes with a panel. But the overall purpose is to try and get an assessment of who you are and whether you would be the kind of person that would be good to work with. Nothing communicates that more than your facial expressions, which may communicate far more than you’d like.

If you are stressed or nervous, this can come across in an interview, especially if you have a pained expression or glance around nervously. You should continuously remind yourself to relax, to disconnect from that part of your brain that is sending you the ’fight or flight’ mantra. Remember, you may have to work with the people who are interviewing you.

You also don’t want to act too nonchalantly or demonstratively, as this can be construed in different ways, from either telling your interviewers that you aren’t serious enough or that you may be overly emotional. If someone asks you a question, and your facial expressions show a flash of anger, it will be noticed.

The best bet is to imagine yourself around people you are comfortable with, even if the interview does not seem to be going well. You want to leave them at the very least with an impression that you can take it all in stride, and by managing your facial expressions, you should be on your way to accomplishing that.

Answer 2

Facial expressions can convey emotions and attitudes, helping to establish trust and rapport with interviewers. They also demonstrate engagement and interest in the conversation, which can positively influence the interviewer's perception of the candidate. Additionally, facial expressions can help emphasize key points and enhance communication effectiveness during the interview.