While “Silence speaks louder than words”, there is something that speaks even more than silence:
It’s your Body Language.
Importance of Body Language
Body Language is a non-verbal method of communication. There are a lot of actions that we carry out subconsciously, on basis of which people will form an opinion about us. Frequently trust, comfort, likeability all gets determined at a subconscious level just based on your body language!
According to a study, when in a conversation, individuals or a group of people, about 70% of the communication is through gestures, expressions, and signaling – words only contribute to 30% of the communication.
That’s why your body language is so important when it comes to interviews. Your interviewer is going to be observing your responses, verbal and non-verbal. Yes, what you answer is important but how you present yourself through the interview, your actions-reactions, even something as simple as your handshake is going to impact whether you get the position or not.
Body Language tips for job interview
In fact, our interview starts even before we first sit down. So, let’s split this into sections so you know what you have to do pre-interview, during the interview, and post-interview.
Pre-Interview
Everyone gets those pre-interview jitters, it’s a normal thing. However, it’s really important that you don’t let these nerves get the best of you.
- For starters, make sure you plan, prepare and arrive on time. Being late is the first non-verbal black mark, regardless of how good the reason.
- Try a few of Amy Cuddy’s famous power poses. Here is her famous TedTalk. Power posing is an effective tool to get your nerves under control and make your body language appear confident.
Cuddy tells you to give yourself two minutes an appear confident in front of a mirror before walking in for your interview. Just the quick self-talk can make all the difference.
- Watch your body language, even while you’re waiting. Have something to read, and be ready to stand up and shake your interviewer’s hand, so that when it is your turn, you are not fumbling and it is a seamless transition to being interview ready. Do not go over your resume during this waiting time – remember it’s an interview, not an exam! You have all the knowledge, just be you!
- Finally remember to breathe and relax. Keep your back straight and chin up. If you project a confident attitude, you will start feeling it internally as well.
During the interview
There are several points to remember, so make sure you read this section carefully. Let’s break it chronologically, so it’s easier to recall in the moment.
Let’s talk about interview Do’s and Dont’s, when it comes to your powerful body language.
Do’s during a job interview:
- When you get in that interview room, introduce yourself with a confident tone. For example, “Good afternoon, I’m Jules Paxton. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Be sure to smile. A friendly smile is confident and engaging. It creates a quicker bond.
- Believe it or not, your handshake is an important mark in how your interview is going to proceed. Keep your palms sweat-free, handshake firm and hold it for a moment. Sweaty palms, a lousy grip and a brief/ long hold for a handshake is always a turn-off.
- Before grabbing the chair and sitting, wait for your interviewer to gesture for you to take a seat and acknowledge it before seating yourself. While this is a quick non-verbal exchange, it speaks volumes about your matters and etiquette.
- Your posture during the interview is important. Sit straight and square your shoulders. Lean a bit forward as it indicates that you are interested in conversation.
- Are you a person who uses hand gestures while talking? Let them flow during the interview – but in a controlled manner. Don’t restrict yourself as that may become awkward but keep gestures close to your body and to emphasize a point. Very broad and expansive gestures can indicate a wildness or lack of control. Or, can simply become distracting!
- And saving the best for last – good eye contact! Do maintain a steady eye contact with the interviewer throughout while responding to questions. It exudes an aura of poise and confidence that is crucial.
Don’ts during a job interview:
- Do not slump. Do not recline in the chair as it’s going to give uninterested vibes to the interviewer.
- Do not place anything on your lap. It’s a gesture of defensiveness and underconfidence.
- Do not fidget with a pen, your spectacles or your hair during the interview. These actions come across as impolite and unprofessional.
- Don’t cross your legs. If you try to uncross them because one of them is falling asleep, it might come across as fidgeting.
- If you are a person who does not use gestures usually, it’s better if you don’t force them now. Forced gestures are 100% going to be awkward and make you seem fake.
Post-Interview
Before leaving the room, ensure that you push the chair back in its position. Shake hands with your recruiter again and give him or her a strong smile before you walk out of the room. Regardless of how you think the interview went, you want to leave on a high note.While exiting, walk confidently.You’ve done your part and you did good. Congratulations, and be ready to do it all over again for Round 2!
Well, now you know how your body is going to communicate non-verbally, during interviews. You also know how to speak body language fluently.All of us here at MyConspectus are supporting you and have faith that you’re going to kill that interview! Stick to these tips and you will be in great shape.Still got a question that we didn’t answer above? Please drop us a word here.
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