How Important is Appearance in a Job Interview/

Many people know that most hiring decisions are made in the first 10 seconds of the interview and then the interviewer gather information to confirm their first impression. So appearance does matter. 

Research shows the validity of the “What is beautiful is good stereotype and that people judge attractive individuals more positively. In my book SNAP Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma I share that the four first impression factors are Credibly, Likeability, Attractiveness and Power and it’s interesting that attractive people are often perceived as having the other three factors. In terms of “Appearance” If someone is well dressed and well groomed, it gives them credibility. If there dress is high end (expensive) and high status, and or they give power cues, like taking up space verbally and visually, and giving extended eye contact we typically perceive them as powerful. And if they smile sincerely and give off other warm cues we perceive them as likable. And by the way all of those assessments can be done in the limbic system in as little as 1/300^th of a second.

Here is some of the scientific data.

Substantial empirical evidence and three meta-analyses have firmly established the existence and validity of a "what-is- beautiful-is-good stereotype" (e.g., Dion, Berscheid, & Walster, 1972; Eagly et al, 1991; Feingold, 1992; Jackson et al., 1995). For example, meta-analyses by Eagly et al. (1991) and Feingold (1992) showed that attractiveness has (a) a strong effect on perceptions of social competence, social skills, and sexual warmth, (b) a moderate effect on perceptions of intellectual competence, potency, adjustment, dominance, and general mental health, and (c) a weak effect on perceptions of integrity and concern for others. In addition, sex-of-target differences were observed for the perceptions of sexual warmth and intellectual competence. More specifically, the effects of attractiveness on perceptions of sexual warmth were stronger for women than for men (Feingold, 1992). However, the effects of attractiveness on perceptions of intellectual competence were stronger for men than for women (Jackson et al., 1995).

Furthermore, more recent meta-analyses (Langlois et al., 2000) have shown that (a) following actual interaction with others, perceivers judge attractive individuals more positively (e.g., in terms of interpersonal competence, occupational competence, social appeal, adjustment) and treat them more favorably (e.g., visual/ social attention, positive interaction, reward, help/cooperation, acceptance) than less attractive individuals, and (b) attractive individuals experience more positive outcomes in life (e.g., occupational success, popularity, dating experience, sexual experience, physical health) than less attractive individuals."

I am an expert in body language and first impressions with degrees in nonverbal communication, and the author of 8 books including my book SNAP Making the Most of First Impressions Body Language and Charisma.



Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
     

Body Language Read of J Lo and Drake by Patti Wood Body Language Expert

Jennifer Lopez and Drake have everyone talking about their new romance after they both posted an intimate photo of themselves snuggling up to the camera. Is their relationship all for show or is it the real deal? HollywoodLife.com reached out to top body language expert Patti Wood who gave us the EXCLUSIVE 411 on this sexy pair.

There’s no mistaking that Jennifer Lopez, 47, and Drake, 30, look like one happy couple in the adorable photo they both shared on Instagram on Dec. 28. And body language expert Patti Wood agrees! “It’s significant that JLo’s eyes are closed because she’s typically looking at the camera. In this photo, she’s in the moment with Drake,” Patti explains. “The eyes closed is a very vulnerable way of presenting herself non-verbally. In the moment means she’s actually experiencing the connection with him.” Awe!

What about Drake? Is he just playing games with the megastar or does he have real feelings for the beauty? “I like how Drake’s arm is wrapped around JLo and how his hand is wrapped lightly around her wrist with his relaxed fingers. This shows that Drake is confident and relaxed,” Patti tells us. “It makes the moment more tender as well. I think she feels cherished by him, that he’s a sweetie-pie. Her body is relaxed. She’s cuddled in.” We love it!
As we told you earlier, J.Lo seems to be quite taken with the Canadian singer. In fact, the mother of two is “smitten” with Drake, a source revealed to PEOPLE.  “Jen is looking forward with excitement to the new year. She keeps hanging out with Drake, and he has visited her house,” a friend of J.Lo’s told the outlet. Sounds serious!

Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
     

Let’s Celebrate Christmas till July

Let’s Celebrate Christmas till July

Rough Draft by Patti Wood

 Spent two hours untangling the Christmas lights

 Strung them up, then they didn’t work right

 Went to three stores to find more in white

 Decorating the tree will take all night

I’m keeping up all the Christmas lights

Santa can see them next time he flies by

I’m not taking down our tree all bright

Let’s celebrate Christmas till July

Not packing up the boughs down the banister

I’m not retying all those big red bows

Not baking more cookies for the canister

No more cooking for me. You heat up all I froze

I’m keeping up the Christmas lights

Santa can see them next time he flies by

I’m not taking down our tree all bright

Let’s celebrate Christmas till July

I’ve picked up and vacuumed this house enough

I’ve filled ten garbage bags with all our trash

I’ve battled crowds and traffic to buy you stuff

Let’s enjoy it and next year give me cash

I’m keeping up the Christmas lights

Santa can see them next time he flies by

I’m not taking down our tree all bright

Let’s celebrate Christmas till July

I want to sit with my feet up by the fireplace

And listen to each Christmas carol

I want us together not rushed let’s feel God’s grace

And drink a little mulled wine, make that a barrel

I’m keeping up the Christmas lights

Santa can see them next year when he flies by

I’m not taking down our tree all bright
Let’s celebrate Christmas

Let’s celebrate Christmas

Let’s celebrate Christmas tilllll July

Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
     

14 Signs You Have Great Charisma

Patti shared her insights on Charisma with Marissa of Reader's Digest....Read her insights below:

14 Signs You Have Great Charisma

Do you have a magnetic personality? Find out here.

BY:  Marissa Laliberte

You’re a fantastic listener

You might think people get charisma from their way with words, but a lot actually has to do with what they do when they’re not in the spotlight, says Patti Wood, body language expert and author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma. “When you really look at charismatic people, it’s often how they make the other person feel that identifies them as charismatic, which I think is one of the magical secrets about it,” she says. If you act interested in others, they’ll have a better impression of you, which is why charismatic people also happen to be great listeners. Holding eye contact, leaning in, ignoring your phone, and using these other habits of great listeners make the talker feel like the only person in the room,.

 You ask follow-up questions

Active listeners aren’t just waiting to pass the time until they can talk again—they really care about understanding what the other person has to say, says Ron Riggio, PhD, professor of leadership and organizational psychology at Claremont McKenna College and author of The Charisma Quotient: What It Is, How to Get It, How to Use It. “Listening is not just ‘did I hear the sounds going through my ears?’ but ‘can I decode it?’” says Dr. Riggio. “Your talking should be to draw out more information from the other person or for clarity.” Asking questions to make sure you’re understanding correctly will help you understand the other person better and build your own charisma. Avoid making these mistakes of bad listeners.

  You make your voice heard

“Charismatic people are good listeners but also interrupt more to get heard,” says Wood. “But you have to be likable when you do it.” Only interrupt if you have a particularly powerful idea to contribute, and keep it positive—people won’t resent the interruption if you’re complimenting them or boosting spirits. Also, make sure you speak loudly enough to make an impact. Reserved people might have to raise their voices to what feels like yelling to reach a level that seems normal to others. Avoid falling into these annoying speaking habits.

You're willing to show emotion

People with magnetic personalities won’t keep on a poker face when they’re expressing themselves. “Whatever the emotion is, it’s right there on their face and matches the word messaging,” says Wood. They use a big grin when they’re happy, and use angry gestures when they’re frustrated. People like knowing your true colors, so revealing how you feel will help you connect better. Don't miss these other habits of naturally charming people.

You can keep your reactions contained

On the other hand, knowing how to filter your emotions to fit the situation shows charisma. “It’s being authentic as opposed to being transparent, which is everything I believe or feel comes out immediately,” says Dr. Riggio. “Authenticity is regulating that to a certain extent.” No matter how much you’re fuming, for instance, you can contain your anger without making a big scene. Read this to improve your emotional intelligence.

You show empathy without saying a word

Not only do charismatic people show emotion when they’re talking, but they also wear their hearts on their sleeves when they’re listening. Specifically, those emotions are in line with the feelings the other person is expressing. “A charismatic person will not have a big, dumb smile on their face when someone is telling something horrible,” says Dr. Riggio. “Your face shows sadness and sympathy and you may not have to say anything.” The other person will walk away feeling like the two of you really connected. Find out if you have exceptional empathy.

You look cheerful, even when you aren’t smiling

Everyone has a resting face—you know, the one when you’re staring blankly without showing much emotion—but some look happier than others. If yours looks friendly and welcoming, you’ll seem warmer and more approachable. But if you look like you have a grimace, even when you’re perfectly happy, people could be put off, says Wood. Take a look in the mirror. If your resting face looks unhappy, making a conscious effort to change it could give you big results. “When you make small changes to your facial expressions, the way you sit, or the way you stand, it creates a whole cascade of chemicals within your system so you change how you feel,” says Wood. You might find your friendly face creates a cheerful attitude. Try these other little tricks to feel happier all year.

You use big, upward hand gestures

“Up” body language, like holding your head high, turning up the corners of your mouth, and lifting your arms for hand gestures, makes you seem like a happier, lighter person. “You can be a conductor and your body becomes the baton and is bringing the conversation of your group upward,” says Wood. “It makes people feel euphoric and above the norm.” Not only will you look more fun to others, but you’ll also start to feel it for yourself. Those movements create endorphin-like chemicals that improve your mood, says Wood. You can also build trust with these body language tricks.

You hold eye contact without looking creepy

Laser-focused eye contact shows you’re listening hard, which will show you care about what others have to say. But turning it into a stare-down can make the listener feel intimidated or uncomfortable. “It’s intense and just borderline of staring,” says Wood, “but what charismatic people do is they put in not just the power aspect of eye contact but the likability of smiling and nodding.” Don't miss these awkward habits that actually build trust.

You’re good at reading emotions

Adjusting reactions to fit the situation is a skill of charismatic people. But they wouldn’t know how to adapt if they weren’t good at reading between the lines when others are talking. They don’t just look at facial cues, which are the first thing people will try to control when hiding their emotions. “A really good charismatic person is going to look beyond what’s being presented in the face,” says Dr. Riggio. “Look for subtle cues and inconsistencies.” For instance, you might notice that a smile looks forced, or that excessive fidgeting makes a person seem anxious.

You have drawn-out hellos and goodbyes

Spending a long time greeting someone or saying farewell will show you’re genuinely excited to see that person and aren’t just rushing through formalities. “Spend that time and really connect and want to hear about them,” says Wood. “When you make someone feel special, you seem special.” Sprinkle in these magic phrases that make anyone trust you.

You aren’t cliquey

Introducing yourself to people from different generations, backgrounds, and cultures will help you seem charismatic, no matter who you’re with. “The more you get out and interact with people, the more you understand the diversity of people,” says Dr. Riggio. “Not everyone reacts the same way.” You’ll be able to adapt better to different situations without losing any authenticity. Try these mental shifts to improve your sensitivity.

You don’t always keep your hands to yourself

A brief touch—the “safe zone” is from the fingertips to the elbows—when telling someone you enjoyed meeting them or loved their presentation could make you more memorable, says Wood. “It shows warmth and likability and makes the other person feel singled out and special,” she says. Just make sure you follow the etiquette of your office. If any touching is frowned upon, you’ll want to keep your hands to yourself.

You give great visualizations

People will remember what you said better if you leave them with a clearer picture. “I can say ‘this car had this sort of black shininess to it’ or I could say ‘it had a black sheen like a raven’s feathers,’” says Dr. Riggio. “Now I’ve given you a little more to visualize. You’re seeing the raven’s feathers.” Charismatic people seem like more engaging speakers by sprinkling in examples and imagery. These magic phrases will help you nail public speaking.

Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
     

Stevie Nicks Concert

If you get a chance to see Stevie Nicks in concert go! We had seats up close on the floor, though we were standing and dancing to her fabulous music the entire time. It was the concert of a lifetime. Throughout the concert she said to use music to lift you up and inspire you.

Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.