Body Language in an Interview: 10 Tips
As is articulated in discussions on the same over at runrex.com, how you present yourself in job interviews is just as important as the words you use to respond to the questions being asked. Interview body language is extremely important as it can help you emphasize points that you are making and help the interviewer see that you are relaxed and confident in your abilities as captured in discussions on the same over at guttulus.com. This article will look to help you get your body language right during your interview through the following 10 tips.
Eye contact
As is revealed in discussions on the same over at runrex.com, eye contact shows the interviewer that you are interested in the position and are following closely what they are saying. It is, therefore, important to maintain eye contact during the interview. However, staring intently at the interviewer can become uncomfortable over time according to guttulus.com. This is why the best approach when it comes to maintaining eye contact is to hold their gaze for one or three seconds. If you are interviewing with more than one person, you should primarily maintain eye contact with the person who asked you the question. However, as you answer, make eye contact with the other people in the room.
Maintain an upright posture
Given that you will likely spend most of your time during the interview in a seated position, it is important to pay attention to your body language while seated according to the gurus over at runrex.com. Here, make sure that you sit upright and back in your seat or, if you are comfortable, on the edge of your chair. Sitting on the edge of your can make you appear eager in the position and interested in what the interviewer has to say. However, you should be careful not to lean in too closely to the interviewer.
Use hand gestures, but with caution
As articulated over at guttulus.com, hand gestures are a great way to add emphasis to what you are saying and express yourself. However, while you want to use hand gestures, be careful not to over-use this type of body language in an interview. Here, you should avoid touching your hair or face as this can make you feel uncomfortable. Additionally, make sure that you keep your hands in your lap while you are talking and avoid crossing your arms as this can make you feel insecure and defensive.
Watch out for nervous movements
As is discussed over at runrex.com, hiring managers understand that candidates are often nervous during interviews. However, you must do your best to avoid nervous movements and habits that could become distracting. Movements such as tapping your fingers or foot or clicking your pen, among many others should be avoided. Relax as much as you can during the interview and focus on your interaction with the interviewer.
Handshake
A handshake is an important part of your body language in an interview according to the subject matter experts over at guttulus.com. It is a great way to show the hiring manager that you are confident in yourself and your abilities as a candidate. A weak or limp handshake can make you appear nervous or shy. On the other hand, pardon the pun, one that is too strong can make you appear aggressive. Therefore, it is important to get the balance right to ensure that your handshake is firm, but not too strong. Since you are going to be shaking with your right hand, you should move your belongings to your left and in advance to avoid any awkwardness. Also, offer the interviewer your hand with the palm slightly upwards so that the hiring manager’s hand covers yours.
Nod your head
Occasionally nodding your head in response, as is discussed in detail over at runrex.com, is a great way to show the interviewer that you are listening to and understand what they are saying. This can let them know that you are enjoying the interview and appreciate what they are saying, hence why this is another important tip when it comes to body language in an interview.
Show your palms
According to discussions on the same over at guttulus.com, when your palms are up, it signals honesty and engagement, making the interviewer comfortable as the limbic brain picks up the positivity. This is one of the reasons we shake hands, to show the open palm. Also, upward-facing body language such as open palms, smiles, and a straight posture makes you look energetic, which is another benefit of this body language tip.
Keep your feet planted on the ground
Another tip when it comes to body language in an interview is keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. According to the gurus over at runrex.com women should never cross their feet at the knees, but rather, at the ankles as this allows them to switch if necessary, without being obvious. It has also been shown that there is a scientific benefit of keeping your feet planted on the ground as this can help you go between creative thought and highly complex rational thought.
Be mindful of body language while you wait
You will probably be asked to sit and wait for the hiring manager. In such a situation, you should be mindful of the message you are sending with your body language as you wait. According to guttulus.com, you should sit back in the chair with your chest open and back straight as this will communicate to anyone in the room that you are assertive and confident. Also, keep in mind that you need to be ready to rise gracefully. Therefore, if you have a briefcase or other items with you, place them in the chair next to you or on the floor so that they don’t need to be moved from your lap when it is time to rise and greet the hiring manager.
Work on your walk
Given that interviewers often make a hiring judgment within the first 10 seconds of meeting you, how you walk into the room is extremely important. As per the gurus over at runrex.com, you should be cognizant of your body language during the walk to the hiring manager’s office or conference room for the interview. Whether you are walking with the interviewer or their assistant, let them take the lead, walking behind them until you reach the destination. Be cognizant of their demeanor and tempo during that walk and try to mirror it as much as possible to convey the sense that you can fit easily within that environment. Keep your shoulders pulled back and your neck elongated as you walk, and make sure that each stride is roughly one or two feet wide.
This discussion is only the tip of the iceberg as far as this topic is concerned, and you can uncover more insights on the same by checking out the highly regarded runrex.com and guttulus.com.