May 26 2008
Jobseeker interview tips: body language
You’re ready for the next step in your career, you have your CV in hand and you’ve been ushered in for your next job interview. You sit down and you’ve already blown it. But why? How? You didn’t even say anything. Or did you?
It is a proven fact that only 7% of communication involves actual words, 38% involves vocal elements (speed, pitch, tone & volume of your voice) and the other 55% of communication is visual-based (body language, eye contact).
Being aware of your body language during an interview, or even a presentation, can be the difference between a successful result or not. Knowing how others perceive your behaviour is key in this regard. Here are some excellent tips for the prospective jobseeker!
Breaking the ice:
Avoiding poor posture from the moment you even enter the building until the moment that you leave – an excellent tip, for interviews and for everyday life in general. People often associate poor-posture with a lack of confidence or lack of interest.
Some examples of poor posture:
- Keeping your hands stiffly by your side or stuck in your pockets can give the impression that you’re insecure
- Avoiding eye contact can result in people getting the impression that you’re being dishonest
- Crossing your arms is universally perceived as introverted or ‘closed’ body language
- Slouching because you’re tired can be read as a sign that you’re not interested
- Wait until offered a seat, or until your interviewer(s) has taken a seat, before calmly taking yours. Sitting slightly forward, back straight, shoulders relaxed, will give the impression that you are at ease and engaged in the conversation.
It’s in the eyes:
People want to feel as though you are speaking directly to them. It forms a connection between you and the person. Breaking eye contact, or too much eye contact is a rock-solid way to break the connection. Eye contact needs to be mediated - but looking at the floor or out the window is often perceived as a lack of interest and/or confidence – so instead rather look at their mouth or shoulders, or in the case of multiple interviewers, alternate eye contact between them, before resuming contact with the person who asked the initial question.
Handling your hands:
Figeting is a given sign of nerves and can be highly distracting and annoying. So what do you do with your hands? It’s simple really. When speaking, just let your hands do some of the talking. It is a fact that complex gestures – two hands above the waist – are a reflection of complex thinking. These gestures give the listener confidence in the speaker.
So, be aware of your body language as much as you are of the conversation, and you’re sure to find success.