Faye's Advice Archives < JF Recruitment

Our wonderful resourcer, Faye Smith, sharing her insights in the power of eye contact during an interview.

Building a personal connection in an interview is super important, and first impressions can make or break your chance at getting a job offer, here’s our advice on how to use eye contact to your advantage during an interview.

Beyond the traditional handshake and CV, maintaining strong eye contact with your interviewers can speak volumes about your confidence, engagement, and communication skills. If you have more than one interviewer, or a panel of interviewers it’s important to make eye contact with each individual and not just to focus your attention on the boss or the person asking the questions.

If possible, ask a couple of questions at the end of the interview, and direct your questions to multiple people, not just the manager or person leading the interview. This demonstrates your ability to build rapport and your enthusiasm for the team as well as the role.

*Non-Verbal Communication*: Eye contact is one of the first methods of non-verbal communication. It conveys interest, respect, and attentiveness. When you maintain eye contact with your interviewer, you show that you’re fully present and actively participating in the conversation.
*Confidence and Self-Assuredness*: Making direct eye contact reflects confidence and self-assuredness. It shows that you believe in your abilities and are comfortable in your own skin. A confident demeanour can influence the interviewer’s perception of your suitability for the role.
*Building Rapport*: Establishing eye contact with your interviewers makes the interaction feel more authentic and genuine, and makes the conversation more personal.
*Active Listening*: Effective communication is a two-way street, and listening is as important as speaking. Engaging in consistent eye contact showcases your active listening skills. It demonstrates that you value the information being shared and are attentive to the details.
*Visual Memory*: By maintaining eye contact, you increase the likelihood that the interviewers will remember you more vividly after the interview. This can be helpful when it comes to the decision-making process, as a memorable candidate is more likely to remain in the forefront of the interviewer’s mind.

Maintaining eye contact can have a big influence on the outcome of your interview. It’s a powerful tool that communicates confidence, engagement, and respect, while also building rapport and demonstrating your active listening skills. By making eye contact a deliberate part of your interview strategy, you can leave a lasting and positive impression on your potential employer.

Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it—with your eyes as a key player in the conversation!

Our fabulous recruitment supervisor Faye Smith is discussing the importance of communication: Navigating Ghosting in the recruitment process.

Have you ever found yourself excited about a job opportunity, only to be left in the dark with no updates or responses from the employer?

If so, you’ve experienced the frustrating phenomenon known as ghosting. This also can be reversed where candidates abruptly disappear without any communication. In this blog we will look at the impact on you the candidate and us the recruiter, and how you can navigate this issue with grace and professionalism.

Ghosting can happen at any stage, from initial interviews to post-offer negotiations.

The Impact on Candidates includes emotional Stress as candidates are left in limbo without any updates It’s natural to feel anxious and uncertain about your candidacy, especially if you were genuinely interested in the opportunity. You may feel like you have wasted time and effort preparing for interviews, researching the company, and going through the application process. Ghosting disregards the effort you put into the process, leaving you feeling undervalued. Ghosting also leaves a negative impression of the employer or recruitment agency.

When a candidate ghosts a recruiter, it can have a similar impact such as wasted time and resources Recruiters dedicate considerable time and resources to identify, screen, and interview candidates. When candidates ghost, all the effort invested in evaluating their qualifications and fit for the role goes to waste. Recruiters must then restart the process, resulting in delays and increased workload. Candidate ghosting can harm an organization’s employer brand. Word spreads quickly, and negative experiences can discourage other candidates from applying.

Ghosting is a two-way street and there are things both sides can do to navigate the process.

Candidates can be patient and persistent remember that the hiring process can take time. Give employers a reasonable window to respond before assuming ghosting has occurred. Follow up politely and professionally after a reasonable period to inquire about the status of your application. Regardless of the situation, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism throughout the process. Avoid burning bridges by sending angry or confrontational messages. Instead, express your continued interest and inquire politely about the status of your application. Candidates can also seek feedback If you do receive a response, whether positive or negative, take the opportunity to request feedback on your application or interview performance. Constructive feedback can help you improve your skills and enhance future job search efforts. While waiting for a response, use the time to explore other job opportunities and continue enhancing your skills and qualifications.

Recruiters can maintain transparent communication from the beginning of the recruitment process. Clearly communicate expectations, timelines, and next steps to candidates. Providing regular updates and prompt responses can foster trust and reduce the likelihood of ghosting. Recruiters can also consistently follow up with candidates throughout the process, even if there are no updates. Regularly check in to see if they have any questions or concerns. Candidates should feel comfortable providing feedback on their experience, even if they choose to withdraw. Understanding their perspective can help identify areas for improvement in the recruitment process and enhance future interactions with candidates.

Ghosting poses significant challenges for candidates and recruiters, affecting their time, resources, and overall job satisfaction. However, we can mitigate the impact of ghosting. Ultimately, building stronger connections and maintaining professionalism throughout the process will contribute to a more successful recruitment journey for both recruiters and candidates alike.

Ghosting is an unfortunate reality in the job search process. However, it’s essential to approach these situations with professionalism, patience, and self-care. Remember, the right employer will value your time, effort, and skills.

Stay positive, maintain open communication, and continue your path towards finding your dream job!

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Category: Faye’s Advice

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The Power of Eye Contact During an Interview