Psychology is a study that investigates the human mind, especially how it works and affects behavior. Some experts refer to it as a subject that involves analyzing the mental attributes of an individual or a group of people. But whether you choose to major in forensic, health, neuropsychology, cognitive, evolutionary or clinical psychology is a topic for another day. For a student, crafting a top paper on this subject can be difficult without seeking help from experts. Take, for example, custom papers online, a custom academic help site that helps learners get the best grades in writing assignments.
In this post, we explore how you can use psychology in real-life situations. When you thought pursuing a degree on the subject should help you land a job in counseling centers, learning institutions, hospitals or government as a career psychologist, it turns out there is more. Thus, here is the big question. Did you know psychology can help you find work? Well, not many are aware but as soon as you finish reading this post, you will have the right answers.
We know job hunting can be a daunting and discouraging phase in the life of a fresh graduate. Thus, we wanted to help you use psychology to circumvent challenges that come with finding a job in an economy that soaks in unemployment. Take a look further to learn more.
Mention the name of your interviewer
Psychology is more of a scientific study than an art-based subject. Take, for example, calling an interviewer by name during an interview. While you should not overdo it lest you sound rude and disrespectful, it is a powerful approach to landing a job. You will not only emerge as a confident job seeker but also make your interviewer feel special and positive.
Listen reflectively
Reflective listening is another psychological approach to landing a job, especially during an interview. It denotes using your own words to repeat statements by an interviewer. It also applies to questions interviewers ask. The catch with reflective listening is that just like mentioning the name of an interviewer; it makes them feel positive about your suitability for a position. Most importantly, reflective listening demonstrates a profound understanding of an interviewer’s questions and statements. Moreover, it helps establish a communication rapport between an interviewer and an interviewee.
Keep your body language in check
Body language can improve your prospects of landing a job or destroy your reputation. And since it has everything to do with psychology, you should not risk sending wrong non-verbal cues to an interviewing panel. Studies show that non-verbal communication has a strong link with psychology, especially behavioral attributes of a person. Given that employers often look for well-trained employees during interviews, it is, therefore, important that you maintain a positive facial expression. You should also do the following to keep body language in check:
- Keep hand gestures subtle because overusing them may be interpreted as rudeness and unethical by an interviewer.
- Establish eye contact with the interviewer. It shows that you can be trusted, and most of all, that you are dependable and confident.
- Avoid monotone, hence the need to vary your tone during a job interview. There are far-reaching psychological effects of tonal variation than you may have imagined.
- Nod your head appropriately, preferably in the affirmative to show that you understand interview questions.
- Keep personal space respectful even if you lean towards the interviewer.
- Your overall body language should show the utmost enthusiasm. When you are zealous and energetic, the chances of getting hired are always high.
Do not interrupt interviewers
Psychology helps explains feelings that human behavior trigger. When you interrupt an interviewer, for example, you do not only provoke negative feelings but also change their perceptions about you. Interrupting interviewers also make them view you are a rude prospect, not worthy of a chance in their company.
Mirror an interviewer’s body language
Mirroring is a psychological concept that defines mimicry, especially the body language of a person. In the context of an interview, an interviewee should mimic the body language of an interviewer. Watch closely how they position themselves. Smile when necessary and laugh when they do. You should not, however, do it in a way that makes them feel offended. Mirroring, according to psychologists, should be effortless. You may not even realize it! Most importantly, you should remain positive through an interview session.
Employ construal level theory (CLT)
CLT is a theory that emphasizes the discloser of special attributes concerning how far or close you are to a person or object. In the context of an interview, studies show that interviewees who sit closer to the panel are more likely to win a job interview than those who sit far. If you choose to sit far, you must disclose your strengths for a position in a very concrete way. However, interviewees who sit close to an interviewer will employ little effort in disclosing abstract traits.
Take care of anxiety cues
It is normal to be anxious about a job interview, especially if it is your first time. However, letting your anxiety show will negatively affect your chances of employability. Companies need people who can take on challenging tasks without fear, which is why; anxiety is a psychological cue that a prospective employer looks for in interviewees. Thus, you should not panic. Rather, stay calm while making sure to remain positive through an interview session. You should wipe your hands dry and warm. You don’t want to give an icy or sweaty handshake because that would be a clear sign of anxiety.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, finding a job can be challenging without mastering the art of communication psychology. You should work on the mind and heart of your prospective employer using non-verbal and verbal cues. You may want to consider registering for the best psychology lessons online before your next job interview and that’s okay. The bottom line is that when you are psychologically apt, your chances of finding a job increase.