Non-Verbal Communication

Research shows that a first impression can take anywhere from three to thirty seconds, with an average of just six seconds. Body language plays a key role in this. Nonverbal communication is a huge part of how humans interact – it can sometimes be even more important than the words you do speak.

According to a 1967 study by body language researcher Albert Mehrabian, 55% of communication is nonverbal. Let’s think about that for a minute – more than half of what you communicate to someone else is done without even speaking a word. This is called “congruency” – making sure that what you’re saying matches how you’re saying it. When these two elements are out of alignment, the message is lost.

Whether you’re interviewing face-to-face or via an online videoconference, so much of what is being said isn’t actually being said at all. How you present yourself throughout your interview will make or break your residency opportunity – this includes your posture, where you look, and the tone of your voice. It also includes things like what you’re wearing.

Everything, down to the smallest detail, can make a big difference. Here’s how to do the best you can when the time comes to interview.