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What's Your NVIQ?
Identify Critical Nonverbal Interview Competencies for Success

Communication studies indicate that only seven percent of a message is communicated verbally - that means over 90 percent is communicated nonverbally! Consequently, your nonverbal behaviors may be more important to the outcome of a job interview than your verbal communication.

Do you know how to manage your nonverbal behaviors so that the messages you communicate are those you wish others to consciously and subconsciously perceive? The following questions will give you a chance to test your Nonverbal Interview Quotient (NVIQ). As you respond to each question, take time to consider not only whether you are answering in the affirmative or negative. If your response is that you agree, consider what you believe your appropriate behavior would be in the situation. Respond to each of the following statements by circling the number at right which best represents your situation.
Scale:  1 = strongly disagree			
           2 = disagree
           3 = maybe, not certain
           4 = agree 				
           5 = strongly agree
I understand that nonverbal cues can influence the outcome of an interview to a greater extent than the words exchanged.
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to make my selection of clothing and grooming choices work for me and my goal in the interview.
  			
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to project positive nonverbal statements as I greet the receptionist.
		
1	2	3	4	5
I know what to do as I sit in the reception area waiting for the interviewer.
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to meet and greet the interviewer.
    	   		
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to "read" the physical environment where the interview takes place and utilize these elements to my advantage.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to enter the interview space and what to do there.
 	
1	2	3	4	5
I know where to sit during the interview.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to best sit during the interview.
1	2	3	4	5
I know what facial expressions are appropriate during the interview.
		
1	2	3	4	5
I know what to do with my hands during the interview.
		
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to position my arms during the interview.
			
1	2	3	4	5
I know what to do with my head during the interview.
			
1	2	3	4	5
I know what to do with my facial expression during the interview.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know where to look - focus my gaze - during the interview.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know what to do with my feet during the interview.
			
1	2	3	4	5
I know what my vocal inflections should be as I talk.
			
1	2	3	4	5
I know what degree of projection - loudness - I should use as I talk.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know what pace of speaking I should use during the interview.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to minimize vocalized pauses.
1	2	3	4	5
I know what to do during silent spaces.
	
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to behave so as to communicate consistent messages between my verbal and nonverbal cues.
			
1	2	3	4	5
I know how much to say.
			
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to project dynamism during the interview.
		
1	2	3	4	5
I know how to be perceived - through nonverbal behaviors - as being knowledgeable and competent.
				
1	2	3	4	5
                                             TOTAL:_____ 
Add the values of the numbers you circled. The highest possible score is 125 - this would be your score if every number you circled was a 5. If your score is over 100, and if the behaviors you would engage in are indeed good choices, congratulations; you are well on your way to positive nonverbal communication. If your composite score is 75 or less, you may want to consult the source given below, with a careful eye to discerning the variety of nonverbal behaviors and how they are likely to be interpreted by the interviewer.

SOURCE: Adapted from Caryl and Ron Krannich, Savvy Interviewing: The Nonverbal Advantage (Manassas Park, VA: Impact Publications, 2000), pp. 5-10. Tel. 1-800-361-1055. Website: www.impactpublications.com