Psychologist Albert Mehrabian estimated that 93% of all communication is non-verbal. So while many people worry about saying the right thing in interviews, what wins interviewers over is more often not what someone said but their overall presentation. Personal style and non-verbal communication are especially important for people who might be perceived as being at a disadvantage in interviewing situations, such as older people who have been in the workforce for a while. It's especially important for older job candidates to come across as energized, bright and excited in order to counter the misconception that only younger candidates are motivated and eager to learn.

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Examples of People with Great Personal Style

Staying with this theme of older workers, it might help to get a visual in your mind about a particular style that you'd do well to imitate. The following celebrities are all older Americans but they would come across great in interviews because of their attitudes and personal style: Donald Sutherland; Lauren Hutton; Martin Sheen; Colin Powell and Jimmy Carter. We sort of came up with these names from a random brainstorming session so it's by no means a complete list. But hopefully you'll find at least one of these examples inspiring and educational.

All these men are dapper, stylish dressers. In an interview situation, it's important to come in looking well put-together. Dressing well demonstrates personal discipline and attention to details. It can also demonstrate that you're knowledgeable about current fashion, aware of tradition and social ritual, etc. How you look is the first impression you make in an interview. These people all have deep moral convictions, keep themselves healthy and in good shape, and have a positive outlook on life. They are also tactful, have a good sense of humor, are very bright, and demonstrate enthusiasm and energy but in an understated way. They are also very smart and knowledgeable about current issues. When they talk about something, they usually know it inside and out, and come across as very professional and astute.

Contrast these people with some other examples: the men in the classic movie from 1993, "Grumpy Old Men," especially the lead character Max played by Walter Matthau. These characters came across as tired, disconnected from the current times, and lacking style. Or even worse, Jerry Stiller's character as George Castanza's dad on Seinfeld, who was always grumpy and seemed worn out by life. These characters would do terribly in interviews because they'd confirm interviewers' fears about older candidates.

Researcher Warren Lamb has studied non-verbal communication and believes someone who tends to straighten their posture during a handshake to be a "presenter," and someone who is good at selling themselves or the company they represent. He also found people who tend to lean forward during an interview to be an "operator," or someone with lots of energy who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. This doesn't need to be dramatic; but leaning back in your chair during an interview could give the interviewer a sense that you're not interested, or that you don't have a lot of energy.

So while there is research to back up that certain elements of personal style do communicate positive messages, it seems that it's more a matter of someone's overall philosophy that make up their style. If you're excited about your own personal development, coming across well, being really good at what you do, but also being humble about it, you'll make a great impression on anyone you talk to, including interviewers.

I hope your job search is going well. For information on other helpful job searching resources, please feel free to visit our web site:
http://www.JobSearchInfo.com

Michael Green
Editor
Special Reports
JobSearchInfo

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