Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview

Body Language Tips for Your Next Job InterviewBody Language Tips for Your Next Job InterviewHeres how to make an interviewer feel dubious about your candidacy shake hands for the briefest of seconds, slump in your seat avoiding eye contact, and crack your knuckles before answering tough questions. Appearance counts during interviews - not only how you dress, but also how you carry yourself. Even if your responses to questions are flawless, the wrong body language can send the wrong signal and sour how youre perceived. Job Interview Body Language Tips Follow these recommendations to project poise and confidence (not jitters and arrogance) during your next job interview. Before the Interview Put on your confidence even before the interview commences. In the waiting area, have good posture while standing and sitting.Keep your back straight and your chin parallel to the ground. While you may not have honigwein your interviewer at this point, its still possible that the reception ist or potential future co-workers are observing you. When you sit down to wait, place your briefcase or purse to the left side of your chair - that will reduce awkwardness when you have to shake the interviewers hand, and grab your personal items. The Interview Kick-Off The Handshake Most likely, the handshake will be your only moment of physical contact with the interviewer. Studies say that handshakes play a significant role in first impressions, so make it count. Your shake should be neither bone crushing, nor limp fish. Aim for a firm handshake, and as you shake, make eye contact and smile. During the Interview While first impressions do count for a lot, its during your conversation that interviewers will have an extended time to take you in. Your answers to questions are important, as is your stance while listening and responding. Keep these body language tips in mind Posture and Sitting StyleFirst and foremost No slumping. Keep your back straight. Lean forward slightly to indicate interest. Do not recline back into the chair fully this can make you seem bored or disengaged. Avoid crossing your arms or placing items in your lap these habits indicate defensiveness, nerves, and a need for self-protection when what youd ideally convey during an interview is confidence. Tip If youre offered a choice of seating, opt for the straight-backed chair - plush, cushioned chairs and couches may be comfy, but its hard to sit gracefully within them. Avoid Crossing Your LegsMost experts recommend against crossed legs. With a long interview, you might need to re-cross them because your leg is falling asleep. This could come across as fidgeting. Suppress Restless HabitsSpeaking of fidgeting, if youre a nail-biter, knuckle cracker, hair twirler, or leg tapper, dont allow these habits to make an appearance during the interview. All will appear unprofessional and convey nerves. Plus Most of these actions are generally considered impolite. Use Your HandsDo you natural ly talk with your hands? Go ahead and let them move during the interview. Stopping the natural gestures may lead to an awkward appearance. Just make sure your motions dont become so enthusiastic that they distract from your words. Eye ContactIts important to make eye contact during your interview, but dont mistake that for a directive to make constant eye contact. That is disconcerting and aggressive. At the same time, avoiding eye contact entirely comes across as untrustworthy and distant - it could make it seem like your answers are dishonest. Balance it out Aim to make eye contact as you listen and respond to questions, but allow it to break occasionally, and let your eyes wander. Think How would I make eye contact if I were chatting with a friend?