Body Language and Job Interviews

Body language affects the way we interact with other people more often than we might think, we are constantly making instant judgements about others based solely on the way they stand and move. The way you walk into a room will have an immediate effect on your chances of getting the job. With a few of our tips you should be able to “Wow,” at a job interview not only with your interview skills but also your more subtle movements.

Speaking and Pace

Job interviews are stressful; they can cause even the most sensible of us to start acting in odd ways. One of the most common things to do in a job interview is to speak very fast – to combat this interviewees should attempt to say every word clearly, this should slow the pace of speech down to a reasonable level which can be understood by your potential employer. It will also display how calm you are compared to other interviewees.

Non-Verbal Signals

A firm handshake is recommended when meeting an interviewer – any attempts to permanently damage a potential employers hand should be avoided of course! Try and make sure your hands are dry and warm, people react badly to wet, cold, or clammy hands. Washing your hands before going in might be a good idea (as long as you dry them properly!)

The way you are seated matters very much during the interview itself. Slouching over or appearing too relaxed can make it look like you do not care! While the intention may be to “play it cool,” all you will achieve is a shortened interview and a pat on the back. Sit up straight in a comfortable manner and you are more likely to appear engaged and interested.

Looking the interviewer in the eye can be a good way to appear confident, it is however best to avoid appearing confrontational. Naturally we might feel a little uncomfortable doing this but if you feel you must move your eyes attempt to keep it on the interviewers face, “slipping” away from the face to other body parts can be problematic!

There is also a problem of what to do with your hands – talking while moving your hands is acceptable but you should avoid looking like you are directing traffic or helping a plane land! Avoid fidgeting if you can; tapping, jiggling and playing with your hair or pen is not advised as it makes you appear nervous and uncomposed.

With all this in mind you should be ready to practice your interview technique in front of the mirror.