Did you know that the way you sit, smile and shake hands can speak volumes during a job interview? It’s true. There is no manual to read to determine how you should manage your body language; however, if you make certain gestures, you’re definitely sending a certain message.
So how can you know what message you’re sending with the body language you’re using? Here is a quick guide to give you some ideas of what you’re saying with your gestures.
Crossing Your Legs
While crossing your legs during an interview seems to be a polite and professional gesture, some experts beg to differ. In fact, this action actually sends a message of complacency, which is not what you want to communicate to your interviewer. This is why it is advised that you instead plant both feet firmly on the floor. It demonstrates confidence in who you are.
Cracking Your Knuckles
If you have body tics, like cracking the joints in your neck or fingers, it may betray your nerves. While you want to show humility in your interview, you never want to let them see you sweat. However, if you’re busy nurturing nervous tics like twirling your hair or fiddling with your cufflinks, you may show more nervousness than intended
If you know that this is a potential issue for you, it’s good to practice sitting in the interview without making nervous gestures. You can make sure to clasp your hands so you don’t allow them to move around. This may help you keep your nervous tendency under control.
Folding Your Arms
Did you know that folding your arms in any situation sends a message that you’re closing yourself off from the person you’re communicating with? This means, if you fold your arms in an interview, you’re sending the interviewer the message that you’re not inviting him or her in. In other words, you can appear to be an unfriendly person, which could potentially X you out of the job.
Leaning Back in Your Chair
When in an interview, it’s not a good idea to lean back in your chair. This gives the impression that you’re overly relaxed and disinterested in the job. It can also make you appear untidy. To remedy this, sit a little bit forward in your chair. This helps you present yourself as alert and eager to answer any questions thrown your way.
Invading the Interviewer’s Space
If you’re the friendly type, you may be unaware if you ever invade an interviewer’s space; however, doing so should be avoided. An example would be if you are sitting on the other side of the interviewer’s desk then stretch your hands or body over the desk.
Since this desk is a personal space for the interviewer, you don’t want to invade this space. If you do, you could come across as unprofessional and disrespectful.
There are many other gestures that you may subconsciously make that create a strong message. If you’re not sure of your own mannerisms, you can set up a mock interview and either have a friend tell you about your body language, or videotape it and play it back. The more you’re aware of the message you’re sending, the more you can improve your interviewing skills.
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I learned a lot of insight reading these articles in how to conduct myself through my next interview.
Simeon Dhinakaran Devasahayam
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Very good tips. Can I get more?
Thomas Fairchild
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I had a telephone interview. We were on speakerphone and I could hear 3 or 4 other people in his office joking and talking about where to go for lunch. The interviewer asked some very pointed questions and then interacted with the others during my answer. I asked if he was paying attention. He replied oh sure. I told him that I thought he wasn't and that I didn't think I wanted to work for a company that would allow such behavior. I thanked him for calling and said goodbye. He called me several minutes later and apologized. He asked me to come to his office where we could talk undisturbed. I thanked him, went to his office, interviewed and got the job. If the interview is not going well, try taking control. You probably have nothing to lose.
JP
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Geez, like we haven't heard this balony a thousand times! I have been on both sides of the interviewing desk, and somebody crossing their legs, folding their arms, leaning back in a chair - so what! What it demonstrates to me is confidence on the part of the job-seeker and ability to handle yourself well in a tense or stressful situation. Here's some real-world suggestions:Relax. Being frozen in position with two feet on the floor like King Tut's statue makes you look nervous and scared. Sit comfortably but don't slouch. Lean in to make a point, lean back and make eye contact when listening. A firm handshake is good. Be direct but relaxed with your eye contact. Don't squint, blink a lot, or bat your eyelashes.Use your hands to make gestures to express you points. The gestures should be crisp and decisive. Don't flail you arms around; don't make timid little gestures.Use facial expressions to drive home your point. Smile, raise you eyebrows, look thoughtful, etc. Keeps you from looking like an automaton.And a note about attire: Ladies, save the short skirt, low cut top and four-inch heels for the club scene. Otherwise the interviewer may wonder what you're selling. And displays of these assets will turn off woman interviewers. Men - a business suit is fine, but know your industry. A suit in a manufacturing or commercial setting may be too formal and leave you looking like you don't belong. A sport jacket, shirt and tie, well-tailored pants are a good look for an interview at places where the execs and manager dress down a bit.
clare
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These are good comments, but generally the person interviewing you is screening you for the next interview. As in sales, eye to eye and honesty works well
Godofredo Oliveria
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Am very thankful for the article and tips in an interview. These were not all familiar to me. thank you very much.
OB
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Reading this is great motivation for having my own business.
M First
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Yes, good information. I was recently in a job counselor's office, and he, while I was getting my papers, files and belongings out, gave me a piece of note paper with this on it:
100% total: body language - verbal communication.
He then asked me to tell him the breakdown of percentages. He said it is 93% bodylanguage and 7% what you say in an interview. HUGE. This article is helpful, but really only touches the tip of the iceberg with the most obvious....lets hear the LESS obvious!
daughe1
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Sometimes you must invade another's space just to get noticed. I was one of about thirty people all interviewing for office positions. The interviewer spent less than three minutes with each person and hardly looked up from the magazine he was reading. Each person left the room looking dazed and confused. When my time came, I went to the side of the desk, introduced myself and held out my hand. He had to look up and actually see me. I interviewed with him for over ten minutes and was assured a callback. I was also the only person to ask for his e-mail address to thank him for the interview. I've just been called for my second interview. If I hadn't been proactive, I don't think I would have made an impression. You have to judge really carefully if you are going to do something like this however.
Valerie Robinson
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If you were to clasp your hands and sit with your knees together and your ankles crossed such as a lady would do, what does this portray?
Its about a proven way called NLP! I wont give you the full name of each letter, but this is the MOST proven and effective way of interviewing for the past 35 years!
Gautam
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Really a good article...Please provide more on this....thanks
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