Make a Solid First Impression:
Your interview begins as soon as you enter the building
Just as you’ll want to treat everyone you meet during the interview process (not just the hiring manager) with respect, you’ll want to exude confidence and poise throughout (not just while you’re literally sitting down for your interview)
When you enter the office and connect with the receptionist, executive assistant, or whoever you encounter, make sure that you maintain strong eye contact and introduce yourself with confidence
If you are initially led to a waiting area, avoid the common default of hunching over your phone. This kind of body language can easily translate as boredom
Instead, sit upright in a comfortable position while you wait
When you meet the interviewer, stand up and introduce yourself with a warm, genuine smile and a firm handshake
Think Twice Before Wearing the New Shoes:
Discomfort is another issue that can be very distracting for both you and the interviewer
Buying a nice pair of new shoes or a belt to match your blazer may seem like a great idea, but if your wardrobe causes you to fidget or do a lot of shifting, consider going with an appropriate but reliable option instead
Making a lot of fuss with your clothing can send the wrong signal, potentially communicating discomfort with the interview rather than your apparel
Make Eye Contact:
Eye contact is essential because it “showcases your confidence in yourself and in your answers,” Sample says. In practice, you should “avoid looking all around the room, looking down at your watch, or not making eye contact at all, as it makes [you] appear apprehensive and distracted.”
But it goes beyond confidence and focus. Eye contact is also the basis for making connections and building relationships
“Your listener will only feel truly engaged with you if you are looking at them, and ultimately, your number one objective is to engage your listener and make them respond—even internally—to what you are sharing,” Eonnet says
“Without steady eye contact throughout the conversation, and especially at the beginning of your answers, you’re breaking that connection and impacting how emotionally connected your interviewer will be with what you share,” she adds
“At the end of the day, the interview is just a conversation with another human being. Make a strong connection at that level, and you are doing yourself a huge favor!”
On the other hand, remember that maintaining unwavering eye contact without any variation in your facial expression is just staring and can make an interviewer uncomfortable or even signal hostility
Be Responsive and Listen to Understand:
It’s only natural to want to tell the interviewer all about yourself and the accomplishments and experiences that make you the perfect candidate, but don’t forget to listen empathetically and engage with what the interviewer is saying as well
They’ll be looking to assess your interpersonal skills along with your experience and other qualifications, and how you behave when you’re not talking is an important part of the impression you’ll make
The goal is to stay alert and responsive
“When interviewing, lean slightly forward toward your interviewer. This sends the message that you are open, interested, and involved in the conversation,” Sample says
Giving a genuine nod can show you’re listening and tilting your head slightly to one side can help you come across as someone who’s friendly and approachable
Remember Your Posture:
“The way we hold our bodies tells lots of stories at an unconscious level: Is the person confident and engaged, or is the person shy and in retreat?” Eonnet says. “Posture is the first clue and impacts the way we are heard, regardless of how great our stories are.”
Slouching in particular can translate as a lack of energy and confidence, Sample says
So make sure you’re sitting up straight and think of keeping your shoulders back rather than up
On the other end of the spectrum, “Being stiff can easily be associated with being nervous, which is something that recruiters and hiring managers expect,” Sample says
“But being too stiff can make you appear uncomfortable or unfriendly, so try to loosen up a little before your interview.”
Be Mindful of Your Hands:
Interviewers are trying to get a sense of who you are, Sample says, so let your personality shine through! This includes talking with your hands if that comes naturally to you
Some candidates feel self-conscious about doing so, but stifling a trait like this can actually lead to unnecessary fidgeting
So feel free to use your hands to communicate effectively and genuinely
Otherwise, when you’re not talking, put your hands in a neutral position and hold them still to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to them
“The best place for your hands to rest is on the table or desk in front of you,” Eonnet says
“This helps prevent slouching and has them be available for gesturing when appropriate. If you are taking notes, put down the pen when you are done taking notes.”
Exit Strong:
Make sure your exit is just as strong as your entrance, regardless of how you feel the interview went
We are often our own worst critics, and it won’t do you any favors to showcase your disappointment by giving in to that slouch or looking at your feet dejectedly
Repeat the steps from the entrance, including a genuine smile and a firm handshake, adding a “thank you” for your interviewer’s time
Place your chair back where you found it before you entered, and keep your shoulders back before closing the door gently behind you
If the interviewer walks you to the exit or lobby, be sure to keep your energy up
You can use this time to ask general questions or make relevant small talk, whatever feels most comfortable
Even once you’re alone, if you have to wait for your elevator or ride in a visible spot, try to maintain your composure until you’re out of sight
Practice:
It’s completely OK if all of these tips don’t come naturally to you
Take the time to get in front of another person (or a mirror) and practice! Sit in your computer or living room chair (potentially in your interview outfit) and identify which position feels most comfortable
You can go through the motions with a friend and ask them to provide constructive feedback
They might notice your eyes wander a lot or you tend to play with your hands when you’re not sure about your answer
If you know your interview will be remote, hop on a video call with that pal
They can help you figure out which angles look best or let you know if you appear too stoic
This article was extracted from Themuse.com and the full article can be viewed at:https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-body-language-tips?sc_src=email_1310148&sc_lid=104535016&sc_uid=zhAtBPt4Ih&sc_llid=187091&sc_eh=b74c6035ef9dc0c41&utm_source=emarsys&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_20210623_NoSpon_90Day_1310148&utm_content=sponsored&utm_term=_&uid=865546659
