 Dos
and Don'ts of Interview Body Language
In an interview, it's not always just what
you say that is important, but also how you
say it and how you look when you are saying
it. Despite answering all questions thrown
at you with precision and confidence, if
your body language is weak, your overall
image may be perceived in this way, too. In
order to make sure you physical actions and
gestures are conveying the right message,
here are a few dos and don'ts to keep in
mind. While they alone won't win you the big
job, they can certainly help or hurt your
chances in a pinch.
DO enter the room confidently. When you meet
your interviewer for the first time, hold
your head up, put on a smile, and be sure
you look like you are enthusiastic about the
opportunity. Interviews are not fun, but if
you go into it anticipating torture, your
body language will reflect this attitude.
DON'T shake hands like a dead fish. In any
professional environment, a handshake can
say a lot about a person. Make sure your
handshake is firm, not timid and limp. In
the same respect, don't overdo it. You
certainly don't want to be remembered as
someone who broke the interviewer's fingers!
DO try to mirror your interviewer. Mirroring
the body position of the person you are
talking to is a natural tendency, and this
strategy often results in a more relaxed
atmosphere. Pay attention to your
interviewer and try to mirror his or her
attitude and actions in a subtle way. If
your interviewer is extremely upbeat and
enthusiastic, try to pick up on that
emotion. In the same respect, if he or she
is more subdued, it is best to follow the
same rule. This doesn't mean, however, doing
everything your interviewer does. You want
the environment to be comfortable - not
creepy.
DON'T swing your legs, tap your feet, twirl
your hair, wring your hands, or bite your
fingernails. All of these actions
demonstrate lack of confidence and fear and
can be extremely distracting. You want to
make sure your interviewer concentrates on
your great answers, not your fidgety
behavior.
DO pay attention to your posture. It sounds
elementary, but sitting up straight and
having good posture will tell your
interviewer that you are confident and have
a strong personality, while slouching will
paint you as lazy and weak. As uncomfortable
as you might be in that business suit, sit
up straight and keep your head up.
DON'T cross your arms in front of your body.
Sitting with your arms crossed in front of
you indicates defensiveness, resistance,
aggressiveness or a closed mind. Use your
hands to be expressive when you are talking.
When the interviewer is speaking, keep your
hands folded in your lap, rested on the arms
of your chair, or in another position that
is lower than your elbows.
DO make and keep eye contact. Failing to
make eye contact with your interviewer will
keep you from truly connecting with him or
her, and might make you seem shy or even
evasive. Yes, making eye contact can be
uncomfortable, but it is an important
tactic. Similarly, try to utilize other body
expressions that demonstrate interest, such
as nodding, tilting your head, or raising
your eyebrows when the other person is
making a point.
DON'T change positions often. It's hard to
say whether having your legs crossed or feet
flat on the floor is better. The key thing
to remember is to find a position for your
legs that is comfortable and try to stick
with it. Constant shifting is distracting
and can make a candidate seem untrustworthy.
If you do opt to cross your legs, make sure
they are crossed all the way. Resting your
ankle on your knee will come across as too
casual and even overconfident.
DO pay attention to your tone of voice. Just
like your physical motions, your tone of
voice says a lot about you. Be sure to
answer questions in a strong, consistent
tone. Avoid wavering or talking too softly,
mumbling or speaking too quickly. A good
thing to remember before answering a
question is to take a deep breath, think for
a second, and then begin to answer. This
will help you calm your nerves and will give
you the opportunity to "look before you
leap" when it comes to your important
answers. |
