Due to pandemic, the job market in 2020 plummeted in many industries as businesses were trying to figure out what to do with both essential and non-essential workers. Many amazingly qualified, good workers were laid off and are currently re-entering the job market now. This has offered a larger group of candidates applying for positions and expanded the scale of talent. While the experience and qualifications are there, many times there are other qualities in a candidate that are overlooked in the interview that might reveal that they are not a good fit for your team. Below we discuss both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication to spot in an interview.

Verbal Admissions

One of the main things that tends to connect people is personality. Is this person funny? smart? personable? likeable? Often in an interview candidates will try to show their personality by telling a joke, while others are very straight forward and serious. As a hiring manager, it is important to take personality into consideration when filling a position but it is also important to look for the truth in what is said and take it as is.

One thing to spot is verbal admissions. Rule of thumb is if a candidate tells you something negative about themselves in an interview, believe them. TRUST ME, nothing is too unbelievable. If it is told as a joke, consider that there might be some form of truth to it. Candidates will subtly tell you how they will conduct themselves in a professional setting if you just pay attention. For example, if a candidate jokes about considering shopping a sales call, there’s a good chance that has happened before and likely will again.

Body Language

Another great indicator when determining a candidate for a position is body language. We tend to notice the obvious body language like closing off by crossing arms or being more inviting with a smile and open posture. Other subtle body language could help you read the person you are interviewing in a more detailed manner.

Looking away, breaking eye contact, wringing hands or nervously tapping their foot when answering a question could indicate that the candidate is not telling the truth. If you spot this type of body language, try digging in further on that topic. Ask more detailed questions or request further explanation so you are able to see if the candidate is in fact lying or simply nervous.

Everyone wants to put their best foot forward in an interview; as a hiring manager it is your job to find out the good, bad, ugly and pretty about each potential candidate so you are able to choose the right person for the position. Being able to appropriately read verbal and nonverbal communication will help you determine the fake-it-til-you-make-it candidates from the rock stars.