Six Tips for a Better Job Interview: How Your Body Language Can Affect Your Job Search in 2012

The job market is difficult and we all know that it is really hard to get an interview, let alone a job, If You’ve got an interview approaching and you need everything to win that job. Where do you turn?

Recent reports have proven that companies will form a viewpoint of individuals inside the first ten minutes from the interview. But here’s the kicker, it isn’t always according to that which you really say, but it is on something we term “body gestures.” For example, 85% of the items you communicate isn’t with words. It’s with the tone of the voice, how you sit and an abundance of other messages that the body involuntarily transmits.

Six Tips for a Better Job Interview: How Your Body Language Can Affect Your Job Search in 2012.

1) Be Real from the Start

When you greet your interviewer, smile a real smile that engages your eyes, and offer a firm handshake. Say something like, “I’m pleased to meet you” to provide a positive anchor. Maintaining good eye contact shows respect and interest. Eye contact is ideal. Focus on the upper triangle of the face from the left eyebrow across the bridge of the nose to the right eyebrow. Avoid staring at the other person’s forehead, lips and mouth.

2) Watch the Excess Energy

The more energy you have, the more will need to be vented. This often results in adaptive mannerisms. What this means is that excess energy gets dissipated into fidgeting, a definite sign that you’re nervous or ill at ease. While it’s easy to say, “watch the fidgeting,” experts suggest you never touch your face, throat, mouth or ears during an interview. The interviewer may feel that you’re holding something back, typically, the truth. Although this is a false assumption, to try to establish credibility, it’s necessary to avoid touching your face.

3) What to do with those hands and arms

Clasped hands are a signal that you are closed off. A palm-to-palm gesture with one thumb over the other thumb sends the signal that you need the interviewer’s reassurance. To come across as confident, receptive and unguarded, have your hands open and relaxed on the table. When your body is open, you project trustworthiness.
 Avoid crossing your arms over your chest. When you do, you signal that you are close-minded, defensive, or bored and disinterested.

4) Crossing those legs
 
Don’t cross your legs. This posture creates a wall between you and your interviewer. It can also become a distraction when you keep crossing your legs back and forth. Crossed ankles are a “no-no” because you are signaling that you want to be elsewhere.

5) Posture

A straight posture is imperative during an interview. Pull your shoulders back and sit up straight. You’ll give yourself a burst of confidence and allow for good breathing. This can help you to avoid, or at least reduce, feelings of nervousness and discomfort.

6) Finger Gestures

Bet you never thought you had to worry about your fingers during an interview. Steepling your fingers makes you look arrogant. And, never point your index fingers like gun barrels! These are the types of aggressive messages you want to avoid sending.

Summary

While it’s a no-brainer to focus on how best to answer those typical interview questions, don’t forget to pay some attention to that other 85 percent of what you’re communicating nonverbally. It can pay dividends after your interview when you realize your body often speaks louder than your words.