Preparation for a job interview is essential for success, but polishing up you resume and ensuring that clothing is pristine is not all you need to do to land a job. It is important to realize that monitoring your body language, and taking great care in how you present yourself non-verbally, is just as important as what you and your resume have to say. By following some of these tips on body language, you will be prepared to effectively communicate your level of professionalism with verbal and nonverbal actions.
Initial Impressions and Body Language
Often applicants will be asked to wait for a few minutes in a reception area prior to going into the interview room. This is not a good time to primp, adjust clothing, freshen up your cosmetics, fix your hair, or make cell phone calls. Receptionist are often asked to report their impression of candidates to the bosses before hiring decisions are made, so your body language is already being monitored before interviewing.
Walk into the interview room with a winning smile and provide a firm handshake to the interviewer. Make eye contact immediately and exude an aura of confidence from the moment you step into the room. Many employers claim that the first thirty seconds of a meeting with potential candidates, is often enough to tell them whether they will hire an individual. This alone, shows how important good body language habits are during the interviewing process.
Body Language During the Interview
Touching
Touching your hair, face, or clothing should be avoided entirely if possible. This type of body language exhibits a sign of uncertainty and nervousness on your part. It can make one believe that you are ill prepared, and unsure that you finished getting yourself ready for the interview. Tinkering with items on the interviewer’s desk is a no-no. It may be tempting to try to make small talk with the interviewer about his photos or trinkets, but it is unprofessional and many hiring personnel do not take this the right way.
Chair Balancing
Leaning back in your chair during the interview may give the impression to the interviewer that you are not a serious person. This body language may indicate that you would prefer to be an acrobatic balancing act, as opposed to being employed with their company. Keep your chair and feet on the ground, and appear interested in what the interviewer is saying.
Arms and Hands
Do not cross your arms in front of your chest area during the interview, even while waiting to begin. This sends a non-verbal message of inapproachability, and can often be misconstrued as defiant. Tapping your fingers on a desk or your knee indicates boredom in the realm of body language, and interviewers will not be impressed by your tapping abilities unless that is the job you are seeking. It is best to keep your hands in your lap unless you are making a gesture of sorts to emphasize your point.
Legs and Feet
Bouncing your leg or foot in rapid succession, is body language that gives off a negative impression. This behavior could come across as nervousness, or even worse, it could lead the interviewer to believe that you have difficulty paying attention. Keep your legs comfortably placed, and crossing them is acceptable, but absolutely no tapping or bouncing should occur.
Good Practices of Body Language During Interviews
Use an erect, straightened posture during the interview. Body language experts often recommend leaning forward slightly to appear engaged and interested in what is being said to you. Occasionally nod to show that you are paying attention, and understand the interviewers questions. Make sure you maintain proper personal space, at least twenty inches, between yourself and the interviewer.
By practicing good body language patterns, and consciously avoiding negative ones, you’ll be on the right path to landing that dream job.
This was a guest post by John from Body Language training program the Body Language Guide
