The Impact of Non-Verbal Communication and Feedback Timing on Hiring Top Talent

Reasons Candidates Choose a Company

During an interview, candidates evaluate the first impression of the company. It’s not just about answering questions; the attitude and non-verbal cues of the interviewer play a crucial role. According to psychologist Albert Mehrabian, verbal elements account for only 7% of communication, while the remaining 93% consists of tone (38%) and non-verbal cues (55%). This is known as the “Mehrabian’s Rule.” Therefore, an interviewer’s posture, facial expressions, eye contact, and gestures convey important aspects of the company’s culture to the candidate.

The Importance of Non-Verbal Cues

For a candidate to have a positive impression of the company, the interviewer’s non-verbal cues are critical. If the interviewer acts uninterested, the candidate may think, “This company doesn’t respect me.” This can result in the company missing out on talented individuals. One candidate experienced a seven-minute interview with rude questions at the interview location. Despite the candidate’s impressive qualifications, the company left a negative impression and ultimately lost out on hiring a top talent.

The Importance of Feedback Timing

The timing of feedback during the hiring process is another key element. Many companies extend the hiring process to make careful decisions. However, candidates may perceive excessively long waits negatively, which can lead to the impression that the company is slow in decision-making or does not value the candidate. This can result in top talent being snatched up by other companies.

Successful Hiring Strategies

To secure top talent, companies should consider several strategies. First, pay attention to non-verbal cues. It’s important for interviewers to show genuine interest in the candidates. Second, set clear time limits for each stage of the hiring process and provide prompt feedback. Finally, enhancing communication with candidates and optimizing the hiring process are essential.

Conclusion

In the hiring process, while companies evaluate candidates, candidates are also evaluating the company. Just as a company selects a candidate, the candidate’s choice of the company is equally important. Non-verbal cues and prompt feedback are critical indicators of the company’s culture. By focusing on these aspects, companies can attract and secure more top talent.

For those responsible for interviews, this is an opportunity to reflect on how crucial non-verbal communication and prompt feedback are in securing top talent.