Understanding the 7-38-55 Rule in Job Interviews
Content creator and author Ankur Warikoo explained the reasons behind frequent interview failures despite candidates having the right answers. In a viral Instagram post, he emphasized the importance of not just what you say, but how you say it and who you appear to be during a job interview.
The 7-38-55 Rule Explained
Originating from communication psychology, the 7-38-55 rule describes how words, tone, and body language interact to form perception. Psychologist Albert Mehrabian introduced this rule, highlighting that when verbal and non-verbal signals contradict each other—like saying “I’m fine” while looking unhappy—people tend to trust tone and body language more.
Breakdown of the Rule
- 7% of success in communication depends on the actual words spoken.
- 38% depends on the tone, confidence, and clarity of speech.
- 55% is influenced by body language.
“Only 7% of your interview success depends on what you say. The remaining 93% is influenced by non-verbal cues, with 38% coming from tone, confidence and clarity of speech, and 55% from body language.” – Ankur Warikoo
Why Candidates Often Fail Interviews
Warikoo pointed out that many job seekers focus primarily on rehearsing their answers—the content—while neglecting the style and presence they project. The ‘how’ and ‘who’ are two critical factors that significantly impact the overall impression during interviews.
Applying the Rule to Interview Success
Warikoo encourages candidates to follow the 7-38-55 rule to improve their chances of success, as it perfectly reflects the emotional intensity and high stakes typical of job interviews.
“Follow this 7-38-55 rule to ace your interviews!” – Ankur Warikoo
Summary: Warikoo highlights that mastering tone and body language, beyond just the spoken words, is essential for interview success, as non-verbal cues carry the majority of impact.