Body Language Tips in Interview
Reading and understanding body language is critical to your success in a job interview.
1. Arms lend a hand, too
Arms offer clues as to how open and receptive we are, so keep your arms to the side of your body. This shows you are not scared to take on whatever comes your way.
Quieter people tend to move their arms away from their body less often than outgoing people, who use their arms with big movements. Keep gestures within the frame of your body, or you'll risk being seen as out of control. Avoid the negative action of crossing your arms during the interview.
Here are two common perceptions of hand gestures:
- Palms slightly up and outward: open and friendly
- Palm-down gestures: dominant and possibly aggressive
2. The wet fish versus the bone crusher
The handshake tells a story about each of us. Do you shake hands softly? Do you come in from the top and deliver a "bone crusher"? Aggressive people have firm handshakes; those with low self-esteem have limp, "wet fish" handshakes.
A great handshake is a three-step process:
- Execute your handshake professionally and politely, with a firm grip and a warm smile.
- Make sure your hands are clean and adequately manicured.
- Ensure hands are warm but free of perspiration.
3. The eyes have it
What's considered an appropriate amount of eye contact may vary in different countries. In North America, 60 percent eye contact is a safe figure -- one that can give hiring managers a feeling of comfort about you. More eye contact than this and you may seem too intense; any less and you risk appearing uninterested.
Warning: Staring at a person's lips is considered sexual, while looking at their forehead is considered condescending.
4. Get a "head" of the game
When you want to feel confident and self-assured during an interview, keep your head level, both horizontally and vertically. Also assume this position when your goal is to be taken seriously. Conversely, when you want to be friendly and in the listening, receptive mode, tilt your head just a little to one side or the other.
5 Get it straight
Posture is an important thing to master on an interview: Get your posture straight and your confidence will rise with it. Next time you notice you are feeling a bit down, pay attention to how you are sitting or standing. Chances are you'll be slouched over with your shoulders drooping down and inward. This collapses the chest and inhibits breathing, which can make you feel nervous or uncomfortable.
