Pay attention to your interview body language - it plays a critical role
in determining how you come across in the job interview! Non-verbal
communication accounts for over 90% of the message you are sending the
interviewer. 58% of that is your actual body language and 38% is the way
you speak including voice tone and pitch. There are 7 simple ways to
ensure that you are sending the right message with your interview body
language.1. Your Posture
Sit upright but in a relaxed fashion leaning slightly forward at about a
10 to 15 degree angle towards the interviewer. This send the message
that you are an interested and involved candidate. Hunching down or
leaning off to the side gives an impression of nervousness. A sloppy
posture and leaning back appears casual and careless, perching on the
edge of the chair comes across as tense and uncertain.
2. What to Do With Your Hands
The best is to rest your hands loosely-clasped in your lap or on the
table if there is one. Fiddling with your hair, face or neck sends the
message that you are anxious and uncertain. Body language experts agree
that touching the nose, lips or ears can signal that the candidate is
lying. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands pushed down into
pockets send a message of secretiveness, showing your palms helps to
build trust.
3. Avoid Crossing Your Arms
Folding arms across the chest suggests a defensive type of position. It
sends the message that the candidate is feeling threatened and
ill-at-ease and is shutting the interviewer out. It can also send the
message that the candidate does not agree with or buy into what the
interviewer is saying. Waving your arms about too much is often
interpreted as a lack of maturity and confidence. Try to keep your arms
placed, in a relaxed fashion, by your sides, this looks confident and
professional.
4. Put Both Feet on the Floor
Crossing your feet at the ankles or placing them both flat on the floor
sends a message of confidence and professionalism. Jiggling or moving
your legs creates an irritating distraction and shows nervousness.
Resting an ankle on the opposite knee looks arrogant and too casual,
crossing the legs high up appears defensive.
5. Keep Direct Eye Contact
Maintaining direct eye contact with the interviewer demonstrates active
listening and interest. Blink regularly, look away very briefly and move
the head slightly every now and them to not appear to be staring
aggressively. Eyes that dart around suggest dishonesty. Looking down
gives the impression of low self-esteem.
6. Control your Facial Expressions
These can speak louder than the words coming out of the candidate's
mouth! Pursing the lips or twisting them sideways shows disapproval of
what is being heard. Biting your lips suggests nervousness. Try to relax
your mouth. Frowning makes you look confused and uncertain. Practice
relaxing your facial muscles beforehand.
7. Position your Head Properly
The position of your head sends a clear message. Keeping your head
straight looks self-assured and authoritative, it sends the message that
you should be taken seriously. For a more friendly and relaxed look tilt
your head slightly to one side. Nod your head every now and then to show
you are listening closely.
Be aware of the non-verbal signals in your job interview. They are as
eloquent as your interview answers. These interview body language tips
will send a positive and professional message to the interviewer.
Useful
job interview tips and techniques
can be viewed here.
By Julia Penny has may years experience interviewing and placing job
candidates in a wide range of jobs. Her
free job interview website provides an insider's look at
what job seekers need to do to prepare for and win in their job
interviews.