Job Interview Body Language

Body language is definitely a potent tool to communicate effectively during a job interview. Neglecting to utilize it properly may cost you risking the job of your dreams. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you deal with nervousness and present yourself with confidence.

 Smile at all the interviewers present as soon as you enter the room. It’s the best way to start the interview on a positive note. 

At the end of the interview thank all the interviewers for their time and consideration. Smile again before you leave to leave the same positive note as you entered.

Job Interview Body LanguageTips

Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Looking directly into the interviewer’s eyes shows  that you are keen, attending to what is being asked and have absolutely nothing to hide. If you feel shy doing this, then try to look at the interviewer when he or she is asking you a question, even if you look somewhere else during your answer. In case you are being interviewed by several people, do not always attempt to include everyone in the panel in your glance. Instead, when one interviewer asks you an individual question, treat that person as though he or she is the only one interviewing you.  

Other essential elements of body language for an interview are those pertaining to posture. If you want to get consideration and be remembered,  you must walk tall with your shoulders back, gazing around you in an attentive manner and interact with everyone in the interview panel by making straightforward eye contact, while smiling with confidence. You want the interview panel to be left with an uplifting and impressive opinion of you. Once you take a seat make sure you are sitting properly and comfortably. Remain sitting straight with your back supported by the back of your seat. You may want to lean forward just a bit to show that you are attentive and eager. Do not keep shifting positions as you will take the attention of the interviewer away from what you are saying.

Keep your hands carefully clutched in your lap or let them rest on the arms of your chair. Gestures add nice touches to a speech, but too much gesticulation indicates nervousness and anxiety.

 Job Interview Body Language Tips

Try to speak normally and not too fast.  Take short breaths between sentences but don’t leave long gaps. Regardless how nervous you are, never answer with a simple “yes” or “no”. Always briefly elaborate on the answer.

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