Being in an interview can be a daunting task, there are a lot of things that you need to take in to consideration. What you wear, how you answer the questions, the words you will use in order to present yourself as the right fit for the job. But what a lot of applicants overlook is the fact that body language also plays a part in this. This article will tackle about the Dos and Don’ts of body language.
Interviewers often look at the way candidates carry and present themselves, it is a primary indicator of what a person is feeling and how s/he handles stressful situations. Don’t believe what you’re reading?
Studies have shown that almost 90% of our communication is non-verbal. This includes facial expressions, little hand gestures, and a bunch of movements that are easy to dismiss as unimportant.
Here’s a nice infographic from careerbliss to get you started.
DOs
- Carry 1 item only. A combination of bags, briefcases and big coats makes you seem disorganized.
- Shoes count. Many employers says that the last thing they remember is the back of a candidate’s shoes.
- Sit slightly angled. Sit an angle instead of directly across to show that “we’re on the same side”.
- Be poised. To help convey poise & confidence, practice the “power pose”.
DON’Ts
- Smile nervously. Smiling too much can make you seem nervous. Smile upon intro and exit only.
- Purse your lips. It makes you look like your holding something back.
- Contract or expand. Claim your space ( keep arms uncrossed) but don’t be too territorial.
- Touch your face & hair. Try not to touch your face altogether — it’s a sign of nervousness.
These are just basic tips, but once you are aware of them, you can work toward presenting yourself better to land that dream job!
It would also be a good idea to learn how to read body language and respond accordingly. This would definitely help improve relationships and open up previously inaccessible opportunities.
Thumbnail Credit: COD Newsroom
