First impressions formed during the initial rapport-building phase—which typically occurs before the formal interview begins—can significantly impact the interview's outcome. Initial judgments made by interviewers during this period are correlated with subsequent job offers. Furthermore, these early judgments are often based on the candidate's perceived competence, rather than just their likability.

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Research indicates that an applicant's nonverbal cues and impression management strategies significantly affect interview outcomes. Key nonverbal behaviors like eye contact and smiling can lead to higher ratings, though the effects of some cues can differ based on the applicant's gender. Furthermore, impression management techniques, such as self-promotion, generally have a positive impact, particularly when aligned with the job requirements. Even first impressions, formed during initial rapport-building and based on perceived competence, are correlated with job offers. Interviewers' judgments are also positively swayed by visual and vocal cues that suggest personality traits like conscientiousness, openness, and extroversion.

The Role of Nonverbal Cues and Impression Management in Interviews

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Analyze the following interview scenarios for two candidates applying for a client-facing project manager role, a position that requires strong interpersonal skills. Based on factors that influence interviewer judgments, which candidate is more likely to receive a favorable evaluation, and what specific behaviors contribute to this assessment?

Interview Performance Analysis

Read the following scenario and analyze the likely reasons for the hiring outcome, focusing on the candidates' communication and self-presentation strategies.

Different personality types tend to use different forms of impression management during interviews. For instance, extroverts frequently use verbal self-promotion, whereas applicants high in agreeableness tend to rely on non-verbal methods such as smiling and maintaining eye contact.

Personality and Impression Management in Interviews

Self-promotion behaviors generally have a positive impact on interviewers and are consistently related to positive interview outcomes, particularly when the self-promotion highlights the candidate's person-job fit. However, it is possible for candidates to overdo self-promotion, which can be detrimental when evaluated by experienced interviewers.

Effectiveness of Self-Promotion in Interviews

Research indicates that certain nonverbal behaviors can affect likability differently depending on an applicant's gender. In a study of mock interviews involving same-gender pairings, men who displayed higher eye contact were perceived as less likable, whereas women were perceived as more likable when they made greater eye contact. Generally, greater smiling behavior positively affected likability for all candidates.

Gender Differences in Nonverbal Interview Behaviors

First Impressions and Rapport Building in Interviews

Interviewers' assessments of candidates are positively influenced by specific visual and vocal (nonverbal) cues. Interviewer judgments are positively affected by visual and vocal cues associated with conscientiousness and openness to experience, as well as vocal cues indicating extroversion. While candidates can often modify visual cues, vocal cues are generally more difficult to alter.

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