Body Language

Here is a short article which applies not only to job interviews but also one for people who are selling.

When you are face to face with an interviewer or prospective client, you may not be aware of this but the other person/s is observing your body language, very carefully. Your body language says a lot about yourself, so you need to control negative body movements and encourage positive body movements and habits. Humans naturally send and receive nonverbal communication; they have been doing so since the beginning of time.

When your girlfriend folds her arms but has a smile on her face, are you not wondering what she is upset about? At an interview, you never want your body language to contradict your words, this makes you appear like a liar. The first impression, or the first few minutes of your interview are the most lasting.

In fact, when you walk in to the room… that is when the interviewer knows whether or not you are the right person!

The Handshake

Your hands should be clean and well manicured, and free of perspiration. You want to allow the the other person to initiate the handshake, which should match theirs in firmness. Do not give a firmer handshake than them. Smile at the other person and look them in the eyes. It should last between two to five seconds. When departing the interview, the handshake may last longer, smile and lean forward as you shake.

Here are a few things you will want to avoid at an interview:

• Clasping your hands behind your head
• Adjusting your tie constantly
• Slouching in your chair
• Pulling your collar away
• Picking at your face or outfit
• Tight smiles or tension in face
• Little eye contact
• Wrinkling your eyebrows
• Rapidly nodding your head
• Any nervous tics
• Crossing your ankles – means withholding information
• Crossing your legs away from the interviewer- toward is ok
• Crossing one ankle over the other knee
• Crossing your interviewers personal space
• Avoid grinning idiotically
• Gnawing on one’s lips absentmindedly
• “Faking” a cough during a tough question
• Folding or crossing your arms
• Avoid compulsive jabbing the floor or desk with your foot
• Loud, obnoxious laughter