Body Language

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You know what you are thinking, the interviewer might know too! Behavior Translates as Brisk, erect walk Confidence Standing with hands on hips Readiness, aggression Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly Boredom Arms crossed on chest Defensiveness Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched Dejection Hand to cheek Evaluation, thinking Touching, slightly rubbing nose Rejection, doubt, lying Rubbing the eye Doubt, disbelief Hands clasped behind back Anger, frustration, and apprehension Locked ankles Apprehension Head resting in hand, eyes downcast Boredom Rubbing hands Anticipation Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed Confidence, superiority Open palm Sincerity, openness, innocence Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed Negative evaluation Tapping or drumming fingers Impatience Steepling fingers Authoritative Patting/fondling hair Lack of self-confidence; insecurity Tilted head Interest Stroking chin Trying to make a decision Looking down, face turned away Disbelief Biting nails Insecurity, nervousness Pulling or tugging at ear Indecision What your body language says about you From the moment an interviewer sees you, he or she forms an impression about what sort of person you are, and what kind of employee you would make. This is because even when we are not speaking, we are communicating. The way we move, our gestures and what we wear, all say something about who we are. During the first 60 seconds of an interview situation, 55 per cent of interviewers' first impressions are based on body language and appearance. Only seven per cent focus on the words we use. So how can you appear more confident even if your knees are trembling? Make an entrance Traditionally a daunting place, the interview room represents hostile territory and we tend to slow our walking pace when entering an unknown area. Slowing down, however, can suggest reluctance or a lack of confidence. Rather than entering the room at full speed, or dawdling, make a point of just pausing at the door before entering at speed. The handshake Firm but friendly is the best way. Nobody likes a limp, 'wet fish' handshake, which can suggest a weak character. However, also avoid taking off the interviewer's hand at the wrist. A 'knuckle grinder' can denote over-confidence, or even arrogance. The eyes Eye contact is vital, but be careful not to overdo it - you don't want to engage your potential boss in a game of who blinks first. A trick to maintaining eye contact is to use 'the business gaze'. Imagine there is a triangle on the other person's forehead. By keeping your gaze directed at this area, you create a serious atmosphere and the other person senses that you mean business. The mouth Smile - most of us can manage a smile. It helps you relax and it makes you appear personable and approachable. It portrays a lack of fear. After all it's an interview, not a trial. Posturing Slouching and tipping back on your chair should be left to schoolchildren. Remember to sit up as it makes you look attentive, while leaning forward slightly makes you look as if you are taking an active interest. Avoid crossing your arms or legs as this creates a defensive barrier. Barrier postures are a no-no, as they can look as if you have got something to hide. Gestures These should be open and expansive - you want to try and involve the interviewer in what you are saying. Keep palms up and open to suggest honesty and avoid pointing or banging fists on the table to emphasise a point, as it's too aggressive. Try to copy some of the interviewer's gestures. Copying - or 'mirroring' - gestures is a way for us to tell others that we like them. Dress Though not strictly body language, dress is a vital component in creating the overall image you project to potential employers. Avoid anything that will distract the interviewer's attention, for example dangly earrings, or wacky ties. The clothes you wear should complement you, not overpower you. If you are unsure about what to wear, take a look at the company and what they do, then pitch your outfit at the same wavelength. Like attracts like, so if it's a bank, a suit would be appropriate, but for a more creative company a more casual look might work best. Read the signs Finally, don't forget an interview is a two-way process. Remember to read your interviewer's body language. As you launch into your well-rehearsed speech on 'How I would motivate staff', beware if the interviewer folds their arms. You may have said something they disagree with, so it may be pointless continuing your line of argument, even if the other person may be verbally agreeing with you. Make every second count You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure that along with all your interview research, you spend some time working on your body language. Interviews only give you a short time to get your message across. By using body language and dress, you can make sure you start as soon as you get through the door.