Ernie Basulto: Non-Verbal Clues to Discover the Truth in the Interview

Non-verbal communication and digging for clues to get to the root of who people really are.  93% of our communication is delivered non-verbally. Extracting the correct information starts with your openness and then observing how things unfold.

Today we are going to hone your ability to read people better in an interview!

Today’s Quote

"You don't have to tell me what your limits are when the decisions you make, your actions and body language says it all."  

― Marlan Rico Lee

Show Guest

Ernie Basulto developed an early interest in cultural and human relations as he grew up in two separate countries.  He was inspired by his father to develop the ongoing needs of the Hispanic workforce, and has done so by providing support and guidance to both business leaders and employees throughout his 26-year tenure in Human Resources.  Ernie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Recently, Ernie was a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at the 5th largest retail mortgage lender in the nation, and is currently the Director of Human Resources at Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. At Antis he provides leadership in all aspects of HR including hiring practices, establishes company culture, and guides employees to find their Purpose at work.  

Episode Highlights

• How to build rapport
• Reading verbal and nonverbal cues (body language)

Problem

Focus on “Skills” clouds our vision so we misread people. Why is this such a problem? First, we need to get people comfortable in a manner that is congruent with your environment

• Open interaction
• Ask a Basic question: walk me through your resume to gather a baseline.
• Settle the nerves, get comfortable
• Observe & Mirror to build rapport
• Listening to them
• Experience questions where they tell him stories to evaluate thought process, how the person treats others, react under stress. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they tell a story
• Depends on the type of role they are hiring for.. Look for little signs, hints
• Example: story- stories focused on complaining about their company throughout the story. Pivot into what did you do to fix the problem. Tone of arrogance. He released him from the process and gave him the feedback.

Solutions

How do we structure the interview and what should we be looking for?

• Opening question to behavioral
• Company values, requirements of the position, Fit with the team (cultural fit)
• Hiring Manager > on occasion they meet with the team.
• So important at all levels, especially where you are exposed.
• Raising the bar on performance

 Reading Body language

• What to look for?
• Depends on your culture/environment
• Positive body language 
• Body Language flags

Rick's Points

• Be Aware of your own body language! Open & Positive
• Past nervousness, fear & discomfort
  • Important to make people comfortable first
  • Get past
• Mirroring- Unconscious sometimes
  • person trying too hard to build rapport
• Shoulder movements communicate emotions
• Positioning & movement
• Uncertain or lying -slow rise - lack confidence
• Extreme behaviors- pay attention

 Key Takeaways

• Observe & Mirror
• Get past the nerves
• Shoulder movement tells all!