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[B781]Body Language In Interview

by Heather Eagar, Hea

So how can you know what message you're sending with the body language you're using? Here is a quick guide to give you some ideas of what you're saying with your gestures.

Crossing Your Legs

While crossing your legs during an interview seems to be a polite and professional gesture, some experts beg to differ. In fact, this action actually sends a message of complacency, which is not what you want to communicate to your interviewer. This is why it is advised that you instead plant both feet firmly on the floor. It demonstrates confidence in who you are.

Cracking Your Knuckles

If you have body tics, like cracking the joints in your neck or fingers, it may betray your nerves. While you want to show humility in your interview, you never want to let them see you sweat. However, if you're busy nurturing nervous tics like twirling your hair or fiddling with your cufflinks, you may show more nervousness than intended.

If you know that this is a potential issue for you, it's good to practice sitting in the interview without making nervous gestures. You can make sure to clasp your hands so you don't allow them to move around. This may help you keep your nervous tendency under control.

Folding Your Arms

Did you know that folding your arms in any situation sends a message that you're closing yourself off from the person you're communicating with? This means, if you fold your arms in an interview, you're sending the interviewer the message that you're not inviting him or her in. In other words, you can appear to be an unfriendly person, which could potentially X you out of the job.

Leaning Back in Your Chair

When in an interview, it's not a good idea to lean back in your chair. This gives the impression that you're overly relaxed and disinterested in the job. It can also make you appear untidy. To remedy this, sit a little bit forward in your chair. This helps you present yourself as alert and eager to answer any questions thrown your way.

Invading the Interviewer's Space

If you're the friendly type, you may be unaware if you ever invade an interviewer's space; however, doing so should be avoided. An example would be if you are sitting on the other side of the interviewer's desk then stretch your hands or body over the desk. Since this desk is a personal space for the interviewer, you don't want to invade this space. If you do, you could come across as unprofessional and disrespectful.

There are many other gestures that you may subconsciously make that create a strong message. If you're not sure of your own mannerisms, you can set up a mock interview and either have a friend tell you about your body language, or videotape it and play it back. The more you're aware of the message you're sending, the more you can improve your interviewing skills.

Body language is sub conscious, and so people are largely unaware of the way they communicate with their bodies. Only 7% of communication is actual words, with 55% being visual (body posture, expressions) and 38% is speech (tone, pitch, speed, volume). Successful people generally project a confident, winning persona in each of these areas. Remember before even a word is uttered in your job interview, your body language has already made that all important first impression.

The problem with body language is that it doesn't necessarily reflect what you really feel. Keeping hands in your pockets or stiff by your side can make you look nervous, or slouching in a chair can make you look lazy, even if it's not true. If you don't establish enough eye contact with your interviewers, it can lead them to think you are not being completely honest, even if your lack of eye contact is due to consulting your CV or being shy or nervous. It is important that you try to be aware of your body language and try to take control of it. This is easier said than done but there are a few basic things to remember :

Shaking hands
Establish eye contact when shaking hands, as it will make you appear enthusiastic and happy to be in the company of the interviewers. Shake hands when someone extends theirs to you, but it may be a good idea not to initiate handshakes yourself. This could appear over-confident or arrogant.

Posture
Once you are sat down, consider your posture carefully. Being slouched or laid back in the chair can make you appear uninterested or lazy, whilst perching on the edge might make you appear edgy or nervous. You need to appear alert yet relaxed, confident and attentive.

Eye Contact
When people are talking, show that you are interested by establishing eye contact (not necessarily constantly) and turning your body towards the speaker. You can also show indications of your attention by tilting your head, nodding your head and saying "yes".

Hands
When talking, try to gesture with your hands. Regardless of what you think about using hand gestures, they help you communicate clearly.

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About Author

Both Heather Eagar & John Mce are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Heather Eagar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cover Letter, Interview Questions and Careers and Job Hunting. Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Compare the top. Heather Eagar's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.

John Mce has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Biking and Strategic Planning. are a quick and easy to use and. John Mce's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.