Job Interview Body Language - 6 Things You Can Say To Get
The Job Without Speaking a Word
Job interviews are your opportunity to communicate to the
prospective employer why they should hire you. During a face to
face job interview, you want your spoken words to match your
unspoken words. And gestures and facial expressions can say a
lot. Your overall presentation, which includes your body
mannerisms, can be just as important as the verbal answers you
give during your face to face job interview.
If you want your body to say:
1. “I am interested…” Lean forward a little with your head
slightly tilted when the interviewer is speaking, particularly
about the company, the job description and duties. This can
show the interviewer that you are ‘physically’ listening and
interested in what is being said. This is also an opportunity
to show you know the importance of your listening skills and
using your 2 ears over your 1 mouth.
2. “I am comfortable…” Have a genuine smile. A fake,
plastered on smile just won’t do. Imagine how good you will
feel your first day on the job or after receiving your first
check. That is the smile you want to convey during your face to
face job interview.
3. “I am trustworthy…” Maintain good eye contact. It is an
opportunity to establish trust with the job interviewer. But,
be careful to avoid intense eye contact. Instead, aim to
maintain eye contact about 75% of the time.
4. “I am happy for this opportunity and I appreciate your
time…” Give a firm hand shake at the start of the interview and
at the end of the interview, if your culture allows. Think of
your handshake as a piece of uncooked spaghetti, as opposed to
a wet noodle.
5. “I am alive and energetic...” Use hand gestures to
express yourself . But only to bring home certain points or for
emphasis. Don’t overdo it. You don’t want to look like a
spastic chicken.
6. “I am confident, prepared and alert...” Sit up straight
with your shoulders back . Do not sit with your arms folded
across your chest or with your hands. Instead you want to
exhibit a an ‘open’ posture. Sit still and do not fidget. You
do not want to make your interviewer sea-sick.
Your self- awareness of your job interview body language can
be uncovered through the practice of your nonverbal
communication skills prior to your next job interview. You can
practice in the mirror, with a friend or family member or video
tape yourself to see how you will really come across to the job
interviewer.
RondaL Polhill is a Human Resources, Recruiting and Staffing
Expert. She earned her B.A. from Rutgers, the State University
of New Jersey. In addition, she holds three nationally
recognized business certifications from the American Management
Association: General Management, Human Resources Management and
Marketing Management.
She is the founder of http://www.HireOrNoHire.com
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