Practical Exercise (Personnel Selection)

The Scenario (Waiting Room)

Imagine you are the human resources manager and you are about to interview four candidates for a high-pressure "Project Manager" position.

Before calling them individually, you observe them for a few minutes as they wait in the reception room.

Their body language in this waiting situation is already providing you with a great deal of information about their temperament and suitability for the position.

Based on their postures, what are your initial impressions?

Analysis of Hypothetical Candidates

Candidate A (The Insecurity): He is sitting on the edge of the chair, visibly tense.

His ankles are firmly crossed and tucked under the chair, a classic posture of fear or holding back. His hands are not visible, but tucked between his knees or in his pockets.

His back is hunched and he avoids eye contact with others, looking primarily at the floor. This person projects a high level of insecurity and vulnerability.

Candidate B (The Confidence): He is sitting comfortably, occupying his chair. His back is straight but relaxed.

He maintains an open posture, with legs uncrossed and feet firmly planted on the floor.

He has a folder on his lap, but his hands rest quietly on it, fully visible.

Occasionally, she looks around calmly and offers a slight smile of courtesy to others. This person projects confidence, poise and openness.

Candidate C (Arrogance): This candidate is leaning back in his chair, taking up as much space as possible.

His leg is crossed, ankle over knee, a gesture of dominance.

His hands are clasped behind his head, exposing his torso in a gesture of superiority that could be interpreted as arrogant in a waiting room.

He seems to be assessing others with a critical eye.

Candidate D (Anxiety): This candidate cannot sit still.

He is rhythmically moving his leg (fidgeting), constantly clicks a pen, and looks at his watch every few seconds.

Although he tries to look busy checking his phone, his high level of appeasing gestures (fidgeting) betrays high anxiety, impatience or possibly a lack of preparation.

Preliminary Decision

Based on this nonverbal analysis alone, Candidate B projects the most appropriate profile for a "Project Manager," displaying a calm confidence and stability.

Candidate A app