It is amazing how we communicate through body language.  Much can be learned about a person this way.  It has been said that it takes no more than 30 seconds for a prospective employer to sum you up.  As much as this has to do with your appearance, a great deal of this also has to do with your body language.  You want to ensure that from the word go, you are making the right impression.  First impressions definitely count!

 

 

The ‘hello’ and handshake!
You want to create an interest from “hello!”  Be ready and prepared when being fetched from reception or entering an office.  Avoid adjusting your clothing (ie. shifting your tie or pulling your skirt). Avoid a ‘limp’ handshake and confidently, but not too firmly, shake the interviewer's hand and make eye contact while saying hello.

 

Eye Contact:
So why is eye contact so important and what can be read from this?  If you keep looking down it makes you seem insincere or submissive.  Having shifty eyes may lead the interviewer to think that you are looking for an escape route.  This can also be seen as a lack of confidence and possibly that you have something to hide.  Instead, when either the interviewer or you are talking, make regular eye contact to show that you are actively listening.  It shows you are involved and interested.  If there is more than one person interviewing you, include each of the people by sharing eye contact between them.  Be as natural as possible!  How would you make eye contact when engaging with your friends?  Try to apply that.

 

Posture and how to sit:

• Sit up straight with your shoulders back.  Leaning forward slightly also sends a strong message of ‘I am interested in engaging with you.’  Slouching can be seen as disinterest.  You can be perceived as too casual or as having low self-esteem.
• It is fine to cross your legs.  Avoid bobbing your leg up and down.  It comes across as you being nervous and uncomfortable.  It also becomes distracting for the interviewer.   
• Don’t cross your arms across your chest. This creates a barrier and distance between yourself and the person interviewing you!   It shows your discomfort and disengages you.  It will look like you are not confident in what you are saying.  No matter how confident your voice is, your body language is telling a different story.

 

Your Hands:
Your hands are expressive communication tools and can effectively be used to your advantage.  Hands can be used as extremely positive body language.  Be careful however, they can also send the wrong message.

 

• Your hands are one of the first sign of nerves.  Shaking hands that you wring in your lap are not only distracting, but also communicate your uncertainty and lack of confidence.
• Place your hands lightly folded onto your lap, comfortably and relaxed. Alternatively you can place them loosely clasped on the table.  If you do find that you are starting to fidget, control this by placing your hands between your knees.
• Avoid fiddling with your face and hair!  This can be read as anxiety.  It can even be interpreted as you not being completely honest in what you are saying.

 

Saying Goodbye:
Ok, so you have made it through the interview.  Whew!  Relief!  Hold on, not just yet!  As on your arrival, shake hands firmly. Thank the person for the time they have taken to meet with you and indicate that you look forward to hearing from them.  Walk calmly and confidently through the building and remember to greet the receptionist.  Only once you are away from the building can you relax and let go.