How Can HR Professionals Use Appearance to Understand Candidate Character?

My dear Friends,

Besides body language, reading and understanding one's character and nature from appearance is another technique. This will be very useful for HR professionals while interviewing candidates and even after recruitment.

What is being practiced successfully by me is shared with my friends here in CiteHR, and I hope this will give them new insight and impetus.

My friend Ms. Umarajendr in CiteHR prompted me, in response to my PPT on Rapid Rapport Building, to present the PPTs in small letters and not in capital letters, which I have been following now—no comments from her.

As usual, please let me have your comments, my dear friends.

Happy viewing.

Respects & Regards,
R. Ganesh

Dear Mr. Avinash, I am extremely thankful for your email, expressing your thoughts and feedback on my presentation. I truly value receiving such insightful messages from experts like yourself in the field of Training & Development. Your comments shed more light on the topic at hand. I appreciate that you took the time to visit my profile before composing your email.

Exceptions are not examples, and my friend, my eyeball is not black! Just because a few individuals survive cancer, we cannot disregard the medical classification of it as a terminal disease. The content in my presentation is indicative, and I am confident that everyone would agree that it should not be taken at face value without further investigation through questioning. When encountering someone with watery eyes and a lack of clarity, it is crucial to inquire about their health status. If the response is "no, it is natural for me," then decisions should be made based on this information. As professionals, we encounter numerous matters and resources from experts through their speeches, books, and articles. Similarly, I have shared what I have learned and practiced to verify its validity, aiming to contribute to the community on CiteHR.

According to the provided chart, my nose is described as that of a cunning person. In the competitive world we live in, being clever and strategic is essential. It is crucial to understand when and how an individual may exhibit cunning behavior. I did not take offense at this description. I have acknowledged the comical origin of the chart and believed it could be beneficial for those starting to explore such readings. Individuals who suppress their thoughts may clench their teeth, irrespective of the medical terminology used. Even individuals chewing gum may display jaw movements without indicating mental health issues.

As professionals, we should consider these indicators as suggestive and use our observational skills, including interpreting body language and information like this, to make informed decisions. These decisions may not always be accurate in hindsight, but the success rate should be taken into account.

I reiterate, my friend, that the indications I have shared are not based on occult powers or oracular voices but are derived from expert-authored books. It is important to remember that this is not a definitive guide like the Bible or Gita; further exploration and analysis are necessary to reach conclusions.

Body language is a valuable tool for interpreting meaning, although interpretations can sometimes be incorrect. It does not mean that a specific body language signal, known for conveying a particular message, is universally wrong. Some truths I have refrained from mentioning may be uncomfortable for some individuals, but to me, they represent harsh realities. Certain physical indicators may result from illnesses or accidents, but determining whether they are innate is crucial in these techniques.

Numerology books often suggest characteristics based on birth dates, months, and periods, and while some predictions may be accurate, others may seem irrelevant or incorrect. It is essential not to dismiss the entire book as worthless. I have personally instructed my trainees in various techniques combining body language, NLP, and ancient teachings, yielding remarkable results despite occasional failures, which could stem from incorrect interpretations.

I sincerely appreciate your candid, constructive feedback, prompting me to provide this explanation.

With respect and regards,

R. Ganesh

My friends, the PowerPoint presentation of mine on Character Reading is based on the books "Character Reading Made Easy" by R. Robinson - Jaime Publications, "Art of Love in the Orient" written by an Indian author (whose name I don't remember now), "Tholkaapiam" written by a Tamil scholar and Saint Tholkappiar, and several other sites on the internet.

What is important to me is that, in my experience, these inputs worked amazingly well, and whatever I find successful, I would like to share it with my colleagues here on CiteHr.

Regards,
R. Ganesh

Mr. Ganesh, these look like personal observations without any scientific or research base. I am afraid this kind of communication is dangerous for the gullible as it will introduce a bias in their approach. Some of your observations are quite contrary to common medical and anthropological knowledge. For example, only people with black and brown color are good; others are not (slide 8). Do you want to say the whole Aryan and Caucasian race is crooked? The person with projection at the back (slide 6) has extra knowledge. The seat of knowledge is in front and not back. The sensory abilities are at the back (refer to the parts of the brain - cerebrum is in front, and cerebellum and medulla oblongata are at the back and do not handle knowledge).

If you have done any design of an experiment, please let the community know. And if you have done so, why CITEHR? You should report in NATURE or SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. Let it be a part of the human body of knowledge.

Regards,
Prof. Ajay

Dear Doctor Prof. Ajay, I fully agree with your views, Doctor. I have clearly indicated that these things are based on a few books and my personal experience when applied in day-to-day life. Most of the members in Cite HR are professionals in different fields like you and certainly are not gullible; they would certainly apply their intellect to test the verity of it.

You will kindly appreciate that I have just shared my knowledge and skill gained on this score, and it is up to the individuals to perceive it and apply. In fact, I was unable to go elaborate in my presentation as the size of the presentation will become huge. I also have a little knowledge of human anatomy, and you will kindly agree and appreciate that extra knowledge and skillful application of matters relating to sensory can be more in such persons, which we bring them under the gambit of soft skills.

I am really fortunate to have comments from people like you, which would facilitate designing my PPT with more clarity sans ambiguity in the future. Nice of you to have allocated some time to go through the PPT and write an email to me.

Regards,
Ganesh

I completely agree with what you are saying about body language. "Body language is also a technique through which we infer so many meanings, and sometimes they may go wrong. It does not mean that a specific body language, which is said to convey a specific message, is wrong forever."

But most of what you've mentioned in the PPTs is not body language. It is physical/body traits, i.e., genetics.

On the one hand, you say, "Everyone will agree that this is not Bible or Gita to take it as it is, and we need to go further on this to arrive at a decision," while at the same time, you say, "In fact, a few things I have not indicated as they may offend some, but to me, they are admirably hard truths." What are you saying exactly? Is it the hard truth, or do we need to go further?

I'm sure even though your eyeballs are not black, you are an exception, and most others are not. I'm sure you are glad to have a nose that makes you cunning. You may even think that neurology shouldn't be discarded. I believe that something like astrology, neurology, and what is in your PPT may have its basis but is too simplistic. It's like saying the earth is the center of the universe. Many "experts" claimed that too, then experts claimed that the earth is not the center of the universe. Now we know that both claims might be possible because we do not know the shape of the universe.

The only feelings I feel and express through it is disappointment that someone with your experience and wisdom can put such things across on a forum that so many people depend on to better their careers and help improve people's lives. We, as trainers, should look beyond people's current limitations in their behavior, be as non-prejudiced as we consciously can, and help people improve.

One should be very careful when you stake your experience and reputation on such claims that you made. My issue with your PPT is that you didn't put all the disclaimers that there can be exceptions and to ask questions on medical issues.

Please do let us know which books and experts you referred to.

Dear Ganesh Jee, I agree with Prof. Ajay and Mr. Avinash. Our physical appearance is mainly a function of the genetics from both father and mother. In broad terms, South Asians, Africans, and East Asians all have different and peculiar physical characteristics.

Before downloading your PPT, I was expecting a substantial contribution based on your experience. For instance, a person's behavior with colleagues, dressing, managing his/her table or office, participation in meetings, etc.

I am sorry, but I believe that two people with the same physical appearance could possess very different characters, largely based on their family background, education, society, etc.

Anyway, thanks for a thought-provoking discussion. We have received very good feedback from Prof. Ajay and Avinash Jee.

Regards,
Moin

Interesting one, Dear RAMANA Rg. Maybe your views are correct. Experience never judges wrong.  Maybe not 100%, but the majority of people are similar, as you said. I think so. 

Dear Sir, I will wait for the second part of the PPT. Thanks for sharing very useful information. Another thing you may consider adding is the type of clothing worn by somebody, such as shoes, caps, etc. I look forward to your comments on the same. We would love to have you as a part of our training team or as a guest lecturer.

Regards,
Sunil Sharma
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]
Mumbai

A PPT to learn from. Watching the features of a person has never struck me. It's nice to know that we can learn from these aspects too. People highly experienced in this area might have expert opinions; however, for beginners, it sheds light on what can be observed while watching fellow humans. Of course, perception varies, and so does the methodology in which we interpret.

You are absolutely right, my friend. Even while posting the PPT, I just had this in mind. In fact, it applies to all who contribute and also to those who view and perceive the contents. My PPT is based on books I read, materials I came across, and websites I visited. Initially, I also set them aside as unscientific. However, when I applied this to the people I met, most of these predictions interestingly were found to be true. Hence, I wanted to share this. No such cryptic and unscientific substances can be generalized, and we cannot compel anyone to believe for a single reason that I believed them. Instead, a few friends became very upset and blamed me as if I misled our learned and experienced professional friends here. My intention is to just share my thoughts and experience, as I have been doing on this excellent site.

Thank you very much, Mr. Siva, for your fair comments.

Regards,
Ganesh

My dear Somya, To me, yes. One has to cultivate the art of interpreting physical features correctly by combining a few factors skillfully. Despite being contradicted by a few friends, we cannot believe until we experience these truths for ourselves. I encourage you to try this for some time and discover it for yourself.

Regards, Ganesh

@Ramanarg, this is a lovely article. However, I have to agree with Avinash as well. There is no conclusive way to judge something like character from mere appearance, as exceptions exist to every rule. 

I cannot discredit nor comment on what you have experienced, but I can only gain some insight from it. However, what I believe is that someone shouldn't be judged in advance before they can prove their self-worth. I hope that everyone isn't clouded by outer appearance or quick to jump to conclusions that someone is of a certain character based on the genes that make them.

I also agree with one of the commenters that some disclaimers should be included.

Thank you for sharing.

Best Regards,
Kerayzee

Firstly, a simple thanks for your continued efforts to share tools in an effort to help others. This particular effort, however, in my personal opinion, is not your best effort and is quite alarming. If we take for granted that most good organizations employ selection methods that ensure parity for applicants, i.e., each candidate navigates the same process and procedures allowing the recruiters to compare them against each other and, of course, in the final stages be subject to more subjective opinion regarding relationship match with line managers and other colleagues, etc., I think your presented methodology has just put the industry back 50 years.

Having spent many years as a police officer and being drilled to not submit to my 'gut instinct' or 'stereotyping' and studied such academically, the content of the PowerPoint is the equivalent of witchcraft, old wives' tales, and potentially the basis of a lawsuit should candidates discover that their failure in the selection process was attributed to one of the characteristics cited.

Consider the Scenario:

Final three candidates, having successfully completed a 2-day selection process with equal results, are presented to the panel of selectors. Each again scores equally to the questions presented, but you have only one position available. With this PowerPoint in your toolbag, you suggest that the first candidate's eyes were blue, the second had a broad nose, and the third a head that doesn't fit the inverted oval template. You make your decision on the only thing that you think sets them apart, and you provide honest feedback at the conclusion of the selection process. Think about it!

Although our gut instincts and stereotypes cannot be ignored, for they are what nature provided us for self-protection, we should be happy that we have come out of the cave and have developed systems of selection that wouldn't dare include any of the characteristics shown in the ppt. I wouldn't have promoted you for your effort but found a suitable course of study that would harness your interest and benefit the company.

Please consign your atavistic PowerPoint to the museum it came from and continue your valuable contributions in the modern light of day.

Feedback on Presentation and Body Language

Mr. Ganesh, the positive point about your PPT is the initiation of a discussion. You have compiled your presentation with years of observation, but allow me to put things in perspective for those trying to improve their careers through the material available on this site.

The character of a person is known only through their behavior (decisions and actions) and communication (verbal and non-verbal). What is important is "the use of body features" (we can call it body language) rather than "the body features." The use of body language is through:

1. Facial expressions
2. Body movements and postures
3. Gestures
4. Eye contact
5. Touch
6. Space
7. Voice

The body features are decided by heredity and genes and physical exposure (climate, accidents, sickness, and health, etc.). Your postulate of associating body features with character is equivalent to postulating that genes carry the character.

Perhaps some more thought process has to go into it. Mr. Avinash's comments may be harsh, but if I am not mistaken, this is what he wants to say.

I hope my suggestions contribute to the improvement of your PPT. There are many studies on body language. Maybe it's apt to refer to them.

Best Regards,

Prof. Ajay

Thank you, Doctor, it is little solace to me that at least you mentioned that our friend Mr. Avinash's comments are harsh. I am 55, and I have counseled hundreds of people for their mental ailments, thwarted suicide attempts of many, besides treating many through Reiki - the holistic touch therapy. I meet a minimum of 100 people a month in my Training Programs - from students to corporate employees of all ages and genders, and no one has been this harsh to me!  Anyways, this must be his way of telling. Thanks for your additions.

With regards & respects,
R. Ganesh

The most positive aspect of this PPT is that it has led to a very informative discussion on the subject. The post of Dr. Ajay Chauhan #33 sort of summarizes the whole issue. Of course, I don't agree with his observation that the comments of Mr. Avinash were harsh. He has simply put forth his points forcefully. The post of Mr. Steveoihanoi is also informative. Thanks for giving the opportunity for such a lively discussion.

Yes, Pugazh, none of my previous PPTs have received as many comments as this one, including several adverse remarks, and it has paved the way for a healthy discussion. However, the force shown by our friend Avinash was akin to Dhoni's helicopter shot! For a long time, I had been contemplating touching on this subject, Pugazh, and I did not think it would gather such attention. Thank you very much for sharing your views.

Regards,
Ganesh

Dear Ramanarg, this was a wonderful PPT. All depends on the view of the watcher, but personally, I liked it very much! Thanks a lot again and do share with us the series of this PPT in the future.

Regards,
Harish M. Mody
BPP Coordinator,
Laxmi Diamond Pvt. Ltd.

Dear Ganesh, it is really good to see the PPT and also the feedback received from many friends. You have not only given the PPT but also opened all our eyes to see things in different ways. Keep it up.

Regards,
Alphonse
[Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Yes, Mr. Alphonse. Thank you very much for your response. What has been given in the PPTs are extracts from a few books which are based on my experience and found to be amazingly true. There may be some exceptions, as there always are with any other such techniques.

Since I am a little busy with our labor talks, I am unable to proceed with my 2nd episode. I will come out with it soon.

Regards,
R. Ganesh