Body Language for a Successful Interview
The proper body language is a key element that can make-or-break the impression you make on the interviewer. The demeanor needed for a successful interview is not difficult to master.
Use Body Language to Deliver a Good Impression
The goal here is to make the best possible impression on the interviewer that you can. What you say, how you dress, and how you act all have a bearing on how you project your personality and qualifications. Here is where your body language comes into play. Your movements, the way you sit, and how you conduct yourself are all aspects that you can control.Many times in life, we face challenges that are out of our control; this is not one of them. You are in complete control of how you act and move, even sit. It is important to be aware of the bad habits that arise when you are in a stressful situation like this.
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Body Language Techniques for a Successful Interview
From fidgeting to looking around the room, we want to be courteous and attentive. Our list of everyday mistakes that people continue to make are easy to avoid once you know what they are.- How to Sit
Sit straight up with your feet on the floor. Lean slightly forward so you seem eager and interested.- Don't tap your foot/fingers or shake your leg, that shows you are uncomfortable.
- Don't slouch, that shows a lack of interest.
- Don't lean back, that shows you are lazy or arrogant.
- Don't lean too far forward, that shows aggression.
- Staring
You will want to have eye contact during your discussion. You don't want to stare at the other person/people in an unnatural manner making yourself seem odd and them feel uncomfortable. Look at them when you are speaking and when they speak to you, but don't create an environment where you never take your eyes off them. - Nodding
Do nod to acknowledge that you are paying attention and that you understand what they are saying. Don't nod so much that you appear odd and uncomfortable. - Hands in Pockets
Please put your hands on your knees and use them to articulate your points without flailing about obnoxiously. - Nervous Habits
Don't rub your nose, rub your neck, bite your nails or twirl your hair, these are all signs of nervousness, which is what you are trying not to display. Nervousness can also indicate that you are less than truthful with your answers. When people lie, they feel uncomfortable and exhibit that fact through nervous habits. - Crossing Your Arms
Crossing your arms can indicate that you are aggressive or uninterested. The act of having your arms in front of you, folded across your body, shields you from your environment. You want to project a sense of interest and eagerness to join the team. - Confidence
Displaying that you are confident can help the hiring process by making the interviewer feel that you are competent and qualified. This is exactly what you want to have happen. - Handshake
When shaking hands don't squeeze too hard or too soft. Find middle ground between hard and soft to apply the right amount of pressure. Adjust your level of pressure to accommodate the size of the person with whom you are shaking hands. - Personal Space
No one likes it when people invade their personal space; we all like to have breathing room. Be mindful of this when you are sitting near others to make them feel comfortable being around you. - Cellphones
Don't handle your cellphone this includes touching it, playing with it, taking calls, or texting. Set your ringer to silent and during the meeting, focus on the discussion and not your phone. It is rude to take calls during this time; you can take and make calls later.
Knowing how to control your body language for a successful interview is another tool in your job search arsenal. It's always a good etiquette to send a thank-you letter, to make one online, click the button here:
