Actions Speak Louder Than Words
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.