Understanding Interview Success: The 7-38-55 Rule
Content creator and author Ankur Warikoo shared insights into why many job interviews fail despite candidates having strong answers. He highlighted the importance of how and who you are during an interview, not just what you say.
The 7-38-55 Communication Framework
Originally proposed by psychologist Albert Mehrabian, this rule explains how communication is perceived through verbal and non-verbal channels. When words conflict with body language or tone, people tend to rely more on non-verbal cues.
- 7% of interview success depends on the actual words spoken.
- 38% comes from tone, confidence, and clarity of speech.
- 55% is influenced by body language.
Ankur Warikoo's Perspective on Interviews
Warikoo emphasized that job interviews are high-emotion, high-pressure situations where how you communicate matters most.
“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.”
He pointed out that many candidates tend to focus solely on rehearsing answers — the “what” — while neglecting two crucial elements: the “how” and the “who.”
Key Takeaway
To excel in interviews, candidates must master not only their answers but also their delivery style and personal presence.
Summary: Ankur Warikoo highlights that successful interviews rely mostly on tone, confidence, and body language, making how you present yourself more crucial than the words alone.