What Your Body Language Is Saying During the Interview |
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Posted By: Jessica Holbrook In: Job Seeker - Interview
First impressions mean everything when job seeking. Your resume makes the ultimate first impression since it introduces you and your skills to a prospective employer. If your resume makes the impression you hoped for, then you’ll be called in for an interview where you’ll now need to make your first in-person impression.
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First impressions mean everything when job seeking. Your resume makes the ultimate first impression since it introduces you and your skills to a prospective employer. If your resume makes the impression you hoped for, then you’ll be called in for an interview where you’ll now need to make your first in-person impression.
What many job seekers don’t realize is that although providing the right answers is important, your tiny movements and gestures could say just as much about who you are during this crucial meeting. Here are six ways that your body language could speak more than your words in an interview:
1. Cracking Body Parts
While cracking your knuckles or neck may be normal for you at home, out in public, this could be seen as a nervous tic at least, and at most, a rude gesture. If it is a nervous tic, it’s good to ensure the interviewers don’t see you sweat by practicing the interview in the mirror while consciously avoiding the cracks.
2. Fiddling With Loose Items
Another nervous tic that some managers could find annoying is your tapping a pen on the table or pulling the cap off and on throughout the interview. If you’re tempted to play with that paper clip or pull the staple out of nearby paper, practice before going to the interview so you don’t seem too nervous.
3. Folding Your Arms
Did you know that folding your arms sends the message that you’re closing yourself off from the person you’re speaking with? Of course, this means you’re closing yourself off from the interviewer, which you don’t want. So rather than folding your arms, consider clasping your hands, which is much more polite and open.
4. Leaning Back In Your Chair
If you’re accustomed to leaning back in your chair, it’s good to avoid this during your interview since it gives the impression that you’re either disinterested in the job or overly relaxed. Sitting a bit forward in your chair instead shows that you’re alert and ready to answer any questions the interviewer may ask you.
5. Swerving In Your Chair
While some of the body language on this list constitutes nervousness, swerving in your chair could convey childishness. Chairs that swerve are meant for convenience, which is why it’s rare for an adult to move around in them unless they’re spinning around to find an item. In the interview, there’s no reason to swerve, so practice sitting still with your feet planted firmly on the floor instead.
6. Getting In the Interviewer’s Space
Make sure that you don’t invade the interviewer’s space by reaching across the desk or even touching outside of shaking hands. If you do, you could come across as unprofessional or disrespectful, missing your chance at being hired.
Most of us have body language we’re not aware of, which is okay. But during an interview, it’s important to become aware of those movements and what they communicate.
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Comments
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Posted by: Mauve
Super eixcted to see more of this kind of stuff online.
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Posted by: Tim Gough
How about voip interviews? I guess the same awareness applies, except there is no real way for you to get into the interviewer's space. Good posture is probably quite important in that case, too. Sit up straight, don't swivel in your chair and make eye contact as you speak with confidence. Got a Skype interview this week, so I am once again touching up on all the basics as I prepare for that.
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Posted by: SHEILA MCCARTY
I disagree about not shaking hands before or after the interview. I was told I was hired for a job because I was the only one that showed "RESPECT" by shaking the interviewers hands.
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Posted by: Gloria Grant
Very insightful. Good reminder of "body language" knowledge I might have forgotten. ?Thanks
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Posted by: Alden Ivey
i think everything that was suggested is good. Looking directly at the person is a good idea.
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Posted by: Joan Ruffins
Thanks for these simple reminders. Very helpful.
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Posted by: James Stackhaus
I am well aware that many hiring managers and HR personnel have been indoctrinated by body language seminars and that the tips in this post are probably appropriate and accurate. ?However, reading body language has been extremely overrated. ?When someone crosses their arms it often only means that is how they can sit comfortably for and extended period of time, perhaps due to an old injury or illness. ?Many great candidates are no doubt passed over for only good candidates due to faulty reading of body language.
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Posted by: patricia a henry
Very unprofessional to fold your arms across your body during an interview. ?It does not send a very good signal! ?Folding your hands in your lap is more professional.
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Posted by: Bette smith
I agree with your tips, folding your arms in an interview is closing yourself off or protecting yourself. You're really not there to feel comfortable...I'm not anyway! Clasping your hands and crossing your feet does help
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Posted by: Vanessa Wagner
I just went for an interview with the Education Center for a job within the child nutrition in Caldwell County School System. I think one of my mistakes during the interview was not being able to Sell myself very well for her to evaluate my interview with the hopes of landing the job.Do you have any advice to give me on how to handle this type of situation? Thank you ?
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Posted by: Judith Fredrick
In response to the above comment; folding one's arms is a manifestation of defensiveness. ?For years, this has been cited by body-language experts.
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Posted by: hchin
Folding your arms is fine, it's when you have them tightly folded around your body, then you're signaling you're not open to anything new which an interviewer doesn't want to see.
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Posted by: LAWRENCE BASSETT
very good! it's always good to have any advantage in an interview
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Posted by: Kathy
Psychological research shows that crossing your arms communicates a "closed off" approach to the person you are speaking with in a formal setting. Save it for an informal setting.
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Posted by: Dee
I agree with all these comments. ?Would like more proactive suggestions for interview behavior if possible.
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Posted by: Patty brazil
Leaning forward can also be taken as a sign of aggression. Leaning back can also be a sign that you feel relaxed and confident enough not to feel intimidated.Be yourself, be open and try not playing games in an interview
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Posted by: Tara Nicholas
Very useful information.
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Posted by: neeke
most of these are nervous gestures that many interviewees will have. I don't agree about folding your arms. it's very relaxing, it brings them closer to the center of your body.
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