I am sure you want to look confident and intelligent at job interviews while coming across as a prepared candidate. However, does your body send the same message? Some people underestimate the importance of body language and barely pay attention to it. Remember it has a strong impact on how others perceive us and it can affect our performance. In fact, interviewers (people in general) are influenced by our non-verbal communication. This is why everyone should learn how to use it as an advantage, especially if dealing with job interviews.
A positive body language can really help you stand out. If you have a bad one, your perfect answers won’t be enough to make you the interviewer’s choice. Let’s see some simple body language tips to project confidence and ease. Your interview starts before you meet the hiring manager. In fact, when you sit in the waiting room, other employees and receptionists will look at you and get an opinion about your appearance – and I’m not just talking about your attire. It’s important to start paying attention to your non-verbal language. Don’t come in chewing on a gum or smelling like cigarettes. Try not to look at your phone or watch while waiting, you will look nervous. I also suggest not to talk on the phone. Smile and be kind to whoever you meet. You should sit straight and place your briefcase or bag to your left, so that, when you stand up to shake hands, it won’t bother you. The handshake is very important, because it’s the first physical approach with the interviewer and it really affects the first impression, which is essential in this type of situations. The importance of body language is to be considered at any time before and after your interview.
Body language in an interview is very important and it plays a big role in the conversation. Your interlocutor will start evaluating both your answers and your attitude. Remember to sit straight, while leaning a bit towards the interviewer, as a sign of interest and engagement. I suggest not to cross legs, so that it won’t be obvious and ungraceful if you want to switch legs. You can cross your ankles, it’s better. Use your hand while speaking, and try to show your palms, as body language experts suggest in order to become more likable. It conveys a negative signal if you bite your nails or crack your knuckles, because it shows anxiety and discomfort. As for eye contact, don’t look directly at your interviewer’s eyes the whole time, but look at different points on their face. Look in their eyes every now and then, but don’t make a constant stare.
I believe you can now see the importance of body language during the interview process. I know it’s not easy to control your body when you are nervous for the interview, but you should start considering it. You should practise in other social situations in order to be able to naturally pay attention to it in important occasions.
