I can’t help but start this post by referencing John Mayer and his hit song, Your Body is a Wonderland. Our bodies truly are wonderful but they let on more than we know. Whether it’s our facial expression, posture, or handshake, knowingly or more often unknowingly our bodies are always delivering a message. When it comes to interviews and having that one chance to send all the right messages, it’s particularly critical to control your body and make sure it sends the right cues.
1. Eye contact
DO:
Address your interviewer with direct eye contact. Don’t be afraid to do this during your interview it shows you’re confident, listening attentively, and engaged in the discussion.
DON’T:
Don’t let your eyes wander around the room or stare at your hands. And don’t stare directly into their eyes the whole time. If you don’t take a break, you may likely come off as creepy
2. Handshake
DO:
Give a firm but not knuckle- breaking shake. Give a gentle squeeze as you shake hands for a few seconds. Let the interviewer take lead on the duration.
DON’T:
Don’t give a limp, dead fish like hand shake or attempt one of those funky secret handshakes. It shows you’re not confident or not taking the interview seriously. Highly recommend practicing with friends and family.
3. Expression
DO:
Be in control of your facial expressions. Studies have proved that wearing a smile makes people feel more positive and confident even if that’s not the case internally. Be animated when you’re talking about things that you’re passionate about. The hiring manager will feed of this energy and it will leave a strong impression.
DON’T:
Keep a stern or disinterested look. While you want to show that you’re taking the process seriously, hiring managers also want to gather insights to your personality.
4. Posture
DO:
Keep a neutral position and even lean forward a bit to show you’re attentively listening, but be mindful of personal space. If you’re sitting in a more relaxed setting like a slouchy couch, sit towards the edge so you don’t sink in and risk looking too relaxed. I’ve always been tipped to angel your body towards the interviewer.
DON’T:
Slouching or leaning back in your chair can imply you’re too relaxed, arrogant or simply not that interested in the job.
5. Arms
DO:
Have relaxed arms at your sides while standing or on the table / your lap when sitting down.
DON’T:
Cross your arms in front of your body. This sends a message that you are not open to the discussion or are feeling defensive.
6. Excessive nodding & fidgeting
DO:
Try to keep your movements calm and considered. Nod when appropriate and use your hands to animate a point thoughtfully. The key is to not distract the interview or imply that you’re nervous or unprepared.
DON’T:
Don’t spend the whole interview nodding your head continuously as the interviewer talks. It can be distracting and send the wrong message if nodding at inappropriate times. Be mindful of your extremities and keep an eye out for leg twitching, arm gesturing and nervous fiddling with your hands.
Best tip is to practice interviewing with friends, parents, or mentors. The more you practice, the more aware you will become of your body and how to control it.
In the meantime, if you’re itching to search for a new career opportunity, check out adzuna.com. With 2+ million job adverts, you’re sure to find the right opportunity to put your interview skills to the test!
Happy Searching!