Growing up, did your mother tell you to stand up straight and stop slumping? It may have sounded irritating to you then, but that recommendation will hold you in suitable stead when you’re interviewing for a job.
Research shows that in an interview, prospects are more likely to be evaluated on body language than what is said or tone of voice. This is why if you desire to get hired, you need to get your non-verbal communication right.
The body communicates nuanced cues that cast nervousness, indecision, lack of confidence, and even pride and arrogance. An incapability to maintain eye contact, for example, can signal that you are insincere. Slouching on your seat may suggest that you have a casual attitude.
That’s why it is paramount to review your body language before heading in for an interview. For starters, focus on what you should do and shouldn’t do.
Mind your mannerisms
There are a few fundamental elements to projecting good body language.
Make sure your handshake is neither too sluggish nor too firm. A limp handshake demonstrates that you lack confidence, while a firm handshake could make you seem domineering.
Grasp your interviewer’s hand firmly but politely and pair it up with a friendly smile. The latter symbolizes your confidence and willingness to be a piece of the organization.
During the interview, however, tone down the smiles, utilizing them only when you genuinely mean it. The key to flourishing body language is never to fake it.
Keep steady eye contact with your interviewer to show that you are sincere and you do genuinely mean what you say. If there are multiple interviewers, maintain eye contact with all of them in equal measure. If one interviewer asks you a question, start by commencing eye contact with him/her before shifting to the others and returning to him/her again. But be wary of staring -- steady eye contact does not mean fixing your gaze on a person to the point of making them feel uneasy.
Maintain a good posture
Keep your back straight, don’t slump or appear too wooden. While sprawling sends the message that the candidate has a casual attitude, being too inflexible may indicate nervousness or a lack of self-assurance. You can lean ahead slightly during the interaction to indicate eagerness and involvement.
The correct place to keep your arms is on your thighs or the table in front of you. Use your hands to emphasize a point, but don’t wave them as you would at a demonstration or protest march.
Never cross your arms across the chest -- this forms distance between you and the interviewer.
Keep your calm and don’t fidget; fidgeting will show the interviewer believe that you are either not interested or nervous during the interview.
Walk-in with confidence
Project self-assurance as you enter the interview room. Any hesitance can be read as a lack of confidence. But remember, there’s a thin line between seeming confident and brash. So be sure to take your cues from your interviewer.
Monitor your interviewer’s body language
Like your body language says a lot about you, your interviewer’s body language says a lot about him. Look for cues in his body language that will tell you whether he is interested or bored with the interaction. If he is twiddling his thumbs or staring blankly at you, it probably means you have lost his attention. Try and involve him in the conversation by saying something to interest him again.
Stay connected
Subtly through your body language, communicate to the interviewer that you and he/she are on the same page. Nod gently at times to show understanding, or to merely indicate that you get what they are saying. But don’t exaggerate the nodding since this will imply that you are eager to please. Also, don’t stand too near– be respectful of your interviewer’s personal space.
The right body language may not be enough to get you the job. But it will help you make a good case for being hired.
Conclusion
Don’t
- Fake your feelings
- Smile too much
- Come across as shifty-eyed or fidgety
- Fold your arms or gesticulate wildly with your hands
- Stand too close
- Ignore cues from your interviewer’s body language
Do
- Project self-assurance
- Stand up straight with your shoulders back
- Share a firm handshake
- Make eye contact
- Smile, when you mean it
These are some of the steps you can take to perfect your posture and get a better chance at cracking the interviews. So, follow these pointers and we hope you do crack your dream job.
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